Project Polaris: An Inter-Collegiate Collaboration Enriching Aerospace Education through Applied Engineering, Inter culturality and Social Relevance

Abstract

Project Polaris is an international inter-collegiate collaboration known for its buoyant-rover concept for Titan exploration. The project aims to enhance the student organisation curriculum by incorporating intercultural, professional, social and artistic experiences. With the support of professionals from academia and industry, the project has brought together over 350 students from more than 30 countries, fostering collaboration through virtual and online work. Polaris exemplifies its pillars of applied engineering, inter culturality, networking and social relevance. Founded in 2020 by the Aerospace Research and Exploration Company (AREX) as a response to the challenges faced by academic institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic, Project Polaris was designed to provide relief to affected students and create a holistic international community. The paper focuses on the project’s evolution, from the Basic Program to the current Polaris Airborne program, with a particular emphasis on the applied engineering pillar. The primary technical objective of the project is to develop and integrate the engineering systems of a Titan-inspired buoyant flying rover prototype. The paper discusses the design, building and testing of the rover, highlighting the practical application of theoretical knowledge. It stresses the importance of hands-on learning, intercultural cooperation and the growth opportunities that the project provides. Furthermore, the paper outlines various achievements including international collaboration, internships, volunteering, technical workshops, artistic projects and cultural exchanges. These accomplishments demonstrate the project’s significant impact thusfar. The paper concludes by emphasising the project’s potential to revolution ise the teaching and learning of aerospace engineering and its relevance to future space exploration missions to Titan. © 2024 by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Inc.