Investigating Bacterial Co-culture Growth Responses to Simulated Microgravity​

With the popularity of space travel increasing, it is important to understand the effects of microgravity on microbial communities as alterations to bacterial interactions can occur. Staphylococcus epidermidis and Escherichia coli are bacteria that are commonly found within human microbiomes. S. epidermidis is a cocci-shaped gram-positive bacterium that is part of the human skin microbiome. However, it can gather on sites of open skin and enter the body leading to an infection. E. coli is a gram-negative rod-shaped bacterium that can be found in the human gut microbiome. The pathogenic strains of E. coli have the potential to cause harmful conditions in humans such as urinary tract and skin infections. Therefore, it is important to study how S. epidermidis and E. coli influence each other while in a co-culture when exposed to simulated microgravity (SMG) because of the potential changes to the microbiomes of long-term space travelers. This can give insight into the effects of bacterial community interaction in microgravity that can influence astronaut health in long-duration spaceflight. The growth dynamics of E. coli and S. epidermidis post-exposure to SMG as pure cultures and in a co-culture were defined in this experiment. The relative gene expression of growth and biofilm-related genes for E. coli and S. epidermidis post-exposure to SMG for 24 hours in a co-culture were measured. The relative gene expression results showed E. coli target genes, luxS and gapA, and S. epidermidis target gene, luxS, were significantly upregulated post-exposure to SMG for 24 hours in a co-culture

Assessing the Impact of Spacecraft Fragmentation in the Cislunar Region

The Cislunar region consists of the area of space between the Earth and the Moon. Rapid technological advancements have resulted in an increasing number of satellites sent to orbit the Moon. The dynamics of the Cislunar region are significantly more complex and chaotic compared to Low-Earth Orbit. This research focuses on analyzing the impact of satellite explosions in the domain, specifically at destinations with significant Cislunar traffic. Simulations of explosions at different locations of periodic orbits are carried out in order to study debris propagation. The primary objective of this research lies in creating a robust debris propagation scheme and identifying high-risk locations for explosions. Additionally, potential hazards caused by debris to other satellites in the vicinity are evaluated. Gaining insight into these impacts helps reinforce better safety measures by considering the potential risks related to spacecraft fragmentation in the Cislunar region, and adjust policies based on predictions of future needs and accidents

Comparing Linear and System-Theoretic Risk Models in Aviation: Insights from the Comair 5191 Accident

Aviation is one of the safest modes of transportation, thanks to the structured application of safety risk management processes. However, different frameworks offer varying approaches to managing risk. This study compares the effectiveness of two such frameworks: the Bowtie method, a linear approach, and the System-Theoretic Accident Model and Processes – Causal Analysis using Systems Theory (STAMP-CAST), a system-theoretic method, in analyzing the 2006 Comair 5191 accident. The Bowtie method visually links hazards to consequences, identifying preventive and mitigative controls that either failed or were absent in the sequence leading to the accident. Applied to Comair 5191, the Bowtie analysis reveals how the failure to prevent the aircraft from attempting to take off from the wrong runway resulted in a fatal crash. This method is particularly useful for identifying weaknesses in both preventive and recovery measures, making it easier to propose specific changes to prevent similar accidents in the future. STAMP-CAST, on the other hand, views safety as an emergent property of the overall system, influenced by its controls, structure, and feedback loops. For Comair 5191, CAST focuses on the broader systemic issues, such as organizational culture, regulatory gaps, and air traffic control management, that contributed to the accident. This approach goes beyond human error, examining how decision-making processes and communication breakdowns within the system created unsafe conditions. By applying both the Bowtie method and STAMP-CAST to the Comair 5191 accident, this study provides a comprehensive analysis of both direct and systemic causes, offering insights for improving aviation safety. The results demonstrate that while both methods are valuable in assessing safety risks, they address different aspects of system safety, each with its own strengths and limitations. The comparative analysis also highlights the importance of using a multi-faceted approach to risk assessment and underscores the potential for integrating diverse methods to enhance the prevention of aviation accidents

Aloke Roy, Participant

Aloke Roy is the Managing Partner at Visionar Systems, LLC, which provides systems engineering services to the aerospace industry. Mr. Roy covers technology research on artificial intelligence, machine learning, cyber security and wireless communications. Prior to this, Mr. Roy was with Honeywell Advanced Technology organization managing data communication, information security and radio technology development programs supporting Honeywell Aerospace. Previously, Mr. Roy was Director of Programs at Flextronics Corporation managing several major telecommunications OEM accounts. In this role, Mr. Roy was responsible for business development, outsourcing, and globalization of hardware design activities supporting large volume contract electronic manufacturing. His prior experiences include various positions at AT&T Bell Laboratories and ARINC Aviation Systems Division. As Systems Engineering Director at ARINC, Mr. Roy oversaw development of SATCOM, HF, VDL, ATIS, and PDC standards and services. Currently, Mr. Roy chairs RTCA Special Committee 223, which is developing the Aviation Internet Protocol and Aeronautical Mobile Airport Communication System requirements and operational performance standards. Mr. Roy is an advisor to FAA on communication and cyber security technologies and participates at ICAO Communications Panel on behalf of FAA. Mr. Roy holds several patents on aeronautical, wireless and secure communications. He is currently the Chair of IEEE AESS Cybersecurity Panel and Chair of AIAA DATC ICNS Executive Committee. Previously, he was the Chair of IEEE AESS Avionics Systems Panel (2019-2020); General Conference Chair of DASC 2019, ICNS 2017, and the President (2017-2018) of a Maryland-DC-Virginia volunteer cultural organization with 1000+ members.https://commons.erau.edu/avcysecworkshop-bios-2024/1042/thumbnail.jp

Hector Morales, Participant

Hector Morales has over 15 years of federal service with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) where he currently serves as the Air Traffic Organization’s (ATO) Cybersecurity Group (ACG) Manager. He is responsible for developing strategic cybersecurity solutions to protect the nation’s air traffic operational infrastructure. Hector also participates in international working groups, including the ICAO International Aviation Trust Framework (IATF). Prior to his role, Hector led the agency in modernizing and transitioning legacy mainframe systems into an enterprise-wide monitoring and control system to enhance the safety and security of the National Airspace System (NAS).https://commons.erau.edu/avcysecworkshop-bios-2024/1032/thumbnail.jp

ERAU Overview Q&A, Credientaling

Take advantage of this session if you still have any questions regarding our programs and offerings. AND - Review the requirements for teachers; the process and timeline necessary for the university to credential your teachers to teach dual enrollment courses

Exploring Exoplanets: Analysis of NASA’s EXOTIC Data

Exoplanet research has expanded rapidly, with 5,780 exoplanets confirmed and 7,241 candidates under investigation as of October 2024. While space-based missions are essential for detecting exoplanets, ground-based observations are critical for confirming these findings through extended star monitoring. To facilitate this, NASA offers the EXOplanet Transit Interpretation Code (EXOTIC), a tool accessible to researchers at all experience levels. Using multi-aperture photometry on data from the MicroObservatory telescopes, we analyze light curves for periodic flux dips, which may indicate a transiting exoplanet. Currently, our team is focused on analyzing NASA-provided data, with plans to extend our collaboration with the Museum of Art and Sciences (MOAS) in Daytona Beach. The data collected at MOAS will primarily focus on exoplanet candidates, which we aim to analyze using EXOTIC’s advanced tools to confirm potential exoplanets. Our project will contribute to expanding the catalog of confirmed exoplanets and provide valuable insights to the broader scientific community. This student-led, unfunded project with NASA offers a unique opportunity to advance exoplanetary science through hands-on research

5 BFTS Association Newsletter No. 30 - New Year 2025

On Christmas Day, the temperature here was a very mild 12C (54F) but the New Year has bought the UK very cold weather (down to -5C or 23F here but colder in other parts of the UK). The most predictable thing we can say about our weather is that it is unpredictable! It is predictable that Florida will experience a hurricane during the year, but when, where, and to what extent, is unpredictable. Not since 2005, have three hurricanes made landfall in Florida as in 2024, two being particularly devastating - Helene and Milton. In October 1941, a group of 50 cadets, soon to become Course 3, was heading down to Clewiston when they were told that Hurricane Annie was expected there on October 6, and the planes had been removed north to safety. Without hanger space at Clewiston, they were very vulnerable in high winds. On October 5, 1941, pilots including some Course 1 cadets, now able to fly a Stearman solo, had taken the planes first to Arcadia and then to Ocala. When they got to Ocala on October 6, they were told the hurricane had changed course and was heading for Tallahassee, which is where they were also heading! They spent that night at Ocala after the pilots made sure their planes were safe. According to one pilot, “we dug two holes for each ship [plane] and buried the wheels so that the ships were securely fixed”. They then returned to Clewiston via Arcadia. Meantime, the new Course 3 cadets arrived at Clewiston, finding no hurricane and no planes while ‘Annie’ was slamming into Tallahassee. It was windy in Clewiston, but as the Edinburgh contingent noted, they had known “much stronger winds in Scotland!” Similar memories from pilots who have long since ‘handed in their logbooks’ are amongst the many that are now on the 5BFTS digital archive hosted by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU). Their stories and the many documents and photographs that have been collected over the years, are being preserved for future generations. People are asking what their grandfathers/great-grandfathers/great-uncles, did during WW2. Thanks to ERAU, if they became a pilot at 5BFTS, their descendants will be able to find out! A Happy and Peaceful New Year to everyone

Info and Games - College of Engineering

A table will be set up in the College of Engineering atrium to share information and play games with students relating to textbook affordability and open education resources