The Putnam Research Group is focused on mission design and analysis of hypersonic and space systems, especially guidance, navigation, and control systems. Researchers in the group leverage a variety of computational and mathematical tools to develop and mature novel aerospace concepts, guide technology investment, and support industry and government research through expertise in:
- Hypersonic and space systems
- Aeroassist systems (e.g., entry, descent, and landing; aerocapture)
- Guidance, navigation, and control systems
- Atmospheric and space flight mechanics
- Mission design
- Modeling and simulation
Graduate researchers in the Putnam Research Group have interned and found employment at NASA (Johnson Space Center, Ames Research Center, Marshall Spaceflight Center, Langley Research Center, Glenn Research Center, Jet Propulsion Laboratory), the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, Blue Origin, Sandia National Laboratory, the Aerospace Corporation, Lincoln Laboratory, and Draper Laboratory.
Prospective graduate students should apply to the Department of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Illinois and specifically mention interest in the Putnam Research Group in their research statement.