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U.S. Department of Defense interested in UNI's scientific projects

10:00 | Lima, Apr. 19.

Authorities from the Lima-based National University of Engineering (UNI) received the visit of representatives of the United States Department of Defense, who showed interest in exploring and promoting basic and applied scientific research projects carried out by said higher education institution.

Representatives of the U.S. Department of Defense expressed interest in the possibility of financing research projects and prototype scientific projects conducted by UNI in order to be put on the market.

In this regard, they invited UNI to participate in joint projects and to apply for funds to develop its own research.

On the matter, UNI Rector, Dr. Alfonso Lopez, stated that the U.S. delegation's visit constitutes a triumph for said university.

Lopez said that the visitors affirmed they are "our friends and allies" and that they are interested in "exploring our projects, not only in engineering, but also in arts and humanities" in order to finance said initiatives.

The head of the Research Unit at the Mechanical Engineering Department (FIM), Dr. Jose Oliden, presented the space-related projects highlighted by said department within the framework of the Chasqui II project, such as CubeSats picosatellites, Cansat rover, among others.

The Chasqui II nanosatellite, developed at the Center for Information and Communication Technologies (CTIC – UNI), will be a small aluminum cube weighing up to 1 kg, which will orbit the Earth while collecting information on greenhouse gases.

Its design was carried out by the Chasqui II project, made up of UNI students and graduates who developed computer-based tests using the nanosatellite digital model.

In the long term, the main goals of the space project are to enhance the space scientific community in Peru, to welcome both scientists and enthusiasts, and to consolidate a space industry that will allow the country to be part of the economic and commercial boom that this sector envisions for the coming years, the leader of the Chasqui II team, Raul Figueroa, told Andina news agency.

The Peruvian APU SPACE team from the National University of Engineering (UNI), specialized in the design and construction of rockets, is participating in the first category of the Intercollegiate Rocket Engineering Competition 2024 (IREC 2024), which consists of creating a rocket that can be launched up to 10,000 feet propelled by a commercial engine.

Mechatronic engineering student Anibal Esquiembre, the team leader, told Andina that they will compete against prestigious universities such as Stanford, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), among others.

This category, unlike the others, allows students to purchase an engine to be installed on the rocket. The rest of the categories, as Esquiembre explains, require that the different types of engines (solid, liquid, or hybrid) be built by the students.

Scientific research in space technology

In turn, the Mechanical Engineering Department (FIM) Dean, Dr. Tito Vilchez, highlighted the progress made by the university in terms of such research.

He also stressed that, in recent years, teams made up of UNI students and graduates have won prizes in research competitions organized by the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

It should be noted that UNI is promoting the design and development of rockets in collaboration and support of State-run institutions such as the Peruvian Space Agency (CONIDA) and the Peruvian Air Force (FAP).