The University of Tennessee Space Institute

05/27/2026

Fundamentals and Safety of Lithium-Ion Battery Technology Workshop

For educators, engineering students, and workers interested in energy storage and electric vehicles and aircraft

Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/e3jRrepP

05/24/2026

On May 24, 1962, NASA astronaut Scott Carpenter launched aboard Aurora 7 as part of Project Mercury, becoming the second American to orbit the Earth. He completed three orbits around the Earth during a flight that lasted just under five hours.

During the early years of the Space Race, missions like Mercury pushed aerospace engineering into entirely new territory. Engineers had to understand how spacecraft would behave under extreme speeds, temperatures, vibration, pressure changes, and aerodynamic forces long before launch day.

Facilities at AEDC played an important role during this era by providing advanced ground testing capabilities for aerospace systems and propulsion technologies supporting both aviation and the growing U.S. space program. The ability to simulate extreme flight conditions on the ground helped reduce risk and improve vehicle performance during the earliest days of human spaceflight.

More than 60 years later, that legacy of aerospace testing and research continues in Tennessee.

05/20/2026

99 Years ago today! On May 20, 1927, Charles Lindbergh departed New York aboard the Spirit of St. Louis, beginning the first solo nonstop flight across the Atlantic Ocean.

What seemed impossible at the time became one of the defining moments in aviation history, helping usher in a new era of aerospace innovation, engineering, and exploration.

Nearly a century later, that same spirit of pushing boundaries continues through research, testing, and education at UTSI and AEDC.

05/08/2026

Today we celebrated the people who help make UTSI what it is during our Annual Service Awards Luncheon. The event recognized faculty and staff who went above and beyond over the past year, along with employees reaching milestone anniversaries of 5, 10, 15, and an incredible 50 years of service.

A special congratulations goes to Gary Payne, who was honored for 50 years at UTSI. With his retirement coming next month, it was especially meaningful to have several members of his family here to celebrate alongside him.

Thank you to everyone whose hard work, dedication, and commitment continue to shape the UTSI community every day.

05/06/2026

Advanced materials. Real research.
In the University Of Tennessee Space Institute’s LACES division, students gain hands-on experience developing next-generation materials alongside faculty.
See yourself making cutting-edge advancements with us.

05/05/2026

A great turnout and a strong start to the day at UTSI ☀️

Students, faculty, and staff gathered in the Commons this morning for Bagels in the Commons, enjoying a spread of fresh bagels, a variety of cream cheese options, and plenty of coffee to fuel the day.

With the last day of classes tomorrow and exams beginning Friday, it was the perfect chance to pause, connect, and recharge before the final stretch of the semester.

05/04/2026

UTSI.edu

05/03/2026

At 92, Dr. Gary Flandro’s impact on space science is still worth celebrating. With roots connected to University of Tennessee Space Institute, his story is one worth reading - follow the link below. 🚀

Dr. Gary Flandro may not be a recognizable name to many, but one of the most ambitious and longest-lasting endeavors in the history of space exploration was made possible by

04/28/2026

Today in Space History 🚀
On April 28, 2001, Dennis Tito became the first space tourist, launching aboard Soyuz TM-32.

A milestone that helped open the door to commercial human spaceflight.

04/27/2026

A little rain couldn’t keep UTSI’s Star Party grounded 🚀

Once the skies cleared, the UTSI Model Rocketry Club took to the field with several launches, including a standout Artemis II model. Inside and out, guests explored hands-on STEM activities like water rockets, parachute builds, solar system models, and more.

The evening also featured a guest talk from Dr. Irina Perevalova, who shared insights on cosmic collisions and the forces shaping our universe.

We were glad to welcome students from UTK AIAA and UTK Astronomy Club, who joined us for the event and helped make it a great experience for everyone involved.

Thanks to all who came out to explore, build, and launch with us.

04/24/2026

4th Friday done right 🍌🎉

Today the UTSI Machine Shop hosted an afternoon of banana splits and bingo in the View Dining Hall—and they didn’t hold back. A full spread of toppings, plenty of competition, and just the right amount of chaos.

Congrats to our winners:
🥇 Brian Tucker – Round 1
🥈 Tamara Bonner-Thompson – Round 2
🏆 John Woolston – Blackout champion

Safe to say…the bingo got a little intense.