Hypersonic ReEntry Deployable Glider Experiment at UVA

Club Description

The Hypersonic ReEntry Deployable Glider Experiment (HEDGE) is an exciting student-led engineering project that began as a capstone project at the University of Virginia. Our goal is to break down the high-cost barriers typically associated with hypersonic research by designing and launching an innovative, low-cost experiment. Using a CubeSAT framework, we’re proving that impactful aerospace research doesn’t need multi-million-dollar budgets.Scheduled to launch in August 2025 this year and in future years through NASA’s RockSat-X program at Wallops Flight Facility, HEDGE is more than a technical experiment—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime educational experience for undergraduate aerospace engineering students. Together, we’ve developed a system that will collect crucial real-time data on hypersonic reentry dynamics, using a modular design that can serve as a model for affordable research by academic and small-scale institutions.One of HEDGE’s biggest innovations is its ability to connect to the Iridium Constellation Satellite mid-flight to transmit real-time data to a ground station at UVA. This live telemetry will provide insights into temperature, pressure, position, and aerodynamic performance, allowing us to evaluate the experiment’s success in real-time. Additionally, we’ve equipped the rocket with a camera to record the deployment of the glider. This video will let us verify if we’ve overcome a major challenge faced by past HEDGE teams: the successful deployment of aerodynamic fins. These two features—live data transmission and real-time footage—give our team the tools to achieve breakthroughs where others have struggled.But HEDGE isn’t just about technical success—it’s also about empowering students. Our team is learning through hands-on experience, using industry-standard tools like MATLAB, SolidWorks, and Ansys, and tackling real-world challenges in aerospace design and testing. This project simulates what it’s like to work in the aerospace industry, providing invaluable lessons in collaboration, problem-solving, and communication. Students are also guided by faculty mentors and industry professionals, gaining connections and insights that will help launch their careers.HEDGE is supported by UVA’s Department of Engineering, which provides credibility, resources, and opportunities to share our story. In fact, one of the most exciting parts of this journey is the potential for outreach: we plan to share our progress through articles and publications, raising awareness about the possibilities of low-cost hypersonic research and inspiring others to follow in our footsteps. This exposure not only highlights the groundbreaking work of our team but also shows how projects like this can prepare students to make meaningful contributions to the aerospace field.At its core, HEDGE is about making hypersonic research more accessible. By using a CubeSAT platform and innovative design strategies, we’ve created an experiment that can collect high-value data during reentry—at speeds of up to Mach 4.88—without the massive price tag. This modular, scalable approach can open doors for other universities and organizations to explore hypersonic research, breaking down barriers and democratizing access to this critical area of aerospace innovation. HEDGE is a not only unique project focused not only on a low-cost CubeSAT launch, but an investment in the next generation of aerospace professionals. Backed by UVA’s Department of Engineering and connected to NASA’s RockSat-X program, HEDGE offers a unique opportunity to make an impact on both education and research. Together, we can inspire change, create opportunities, and take an important step toward making hypersonic research more accessible for everyone.