NASA Proposal Writing and Research Evaluation ExperienceDuring the Fall 2024 semester, I participated in the NASA Proposal Writing and Research Evaluation Experience (NPWEE), an immersive program introducing students to professional research and proposal development at NASA. I collaborated in a team of seven students from different schools on a project titled ACS3 Thrust Vector Reorientation Via Servo Motor Actuators, for which we received $10,000 in funding to develop our concept. Throughout the program, I gained hands-on experience in writing research proposals, designing experiments, and evaluating technical projects, under the mentorship of NASA engineers. Our proposal focused on improving solar sail technology by making sails more flexible and efficient, enabling spacecraft to change direction with greater control without relying on extra fuel or complex systems. This approach has the potential to save resources, reduce mission costs, and extend the lifespan of space missions. Participating in NPWEE strengthened my teamwork, scientific communication, and critical thinking skills, while inspiring my future aspirations in aerospace engineering and research.

Medina Yessenaliyeva

Institution: Juniata College