Aerospace Laboratory

We’re excited to announce the opening of the new Aerospace Laboratory at the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico – Orlando Campus. This cutting-edge, 4,000-square-foot facility is designed to support students in the aerospace concentration of the Mechanical Engineering program, offering state-of-the-art technology and hands-on learning experiences that prepare students for careers in the aerospace industry.

Located in the heart of Central Florida—home to aerospace giants like NASA, Boeing, and SpaceX—this new lab reinforces our mission to equip graduates with the skills and experience needed to succeed in one of the nation’s top aerospace hubs.

Hands-On Innovation for Real-World Impact

The Aerospace Laboratory will support a range of academic and research activities, including:

Curriculum-based experiments
Senior Capstone projects
Faculty-led research initiatives
National and international aerospace competitions

It is open to faculty and students working in the three main areas of aerospace engineering:

Manned Aerospace Vehicle Design
Propulsion Systems Design
Unmanned Aerial Systems Design

State-of-the-Art Equipment and Capabilities

Students will have access to advanced equipment and tools, including:

Subsonic wind tunnel for low Reynolds number flow studies
Supersonic wind tunnel
Fully instrumented jet engine with digital data acquisition
Research platforms for autonomous ground and aerial vehicles
High-performance computing systems with impressive CPU and GPU capabilities
Dynamic modeling systems such as the Aero 2 and 3 DOF

These technologies support in-depth exploration of aerodynamics, propulsion, structural analysis, and control systems.

Aerospace Lab Team

The lab is supported by a dedicated team of engineering professionals:

Six engineering staff members who have completed specialized hands-on training
Fifteen full-time and part-time faculty members who participated in Lightboard training to enhance instructional delivery and learning outcomes

About the

Orlando Campus

Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico – Orlando Campus is committed to delivering forward-thinking academic programs and investing in modern facilities that empower students to become the next generation of engineers, technologists, and industry leaders. Our innovative approach combines classroom learning with real-world experience in fast-evolving fields.