The University of Dayton School of Engineering is forging international relationships and providing students with unparalleled experience through the Space Technology Exchange Program (STEP). This initiative is an international research and master’s education collaboration that connects UD with the University of Leicester’s Space Park in the United Kingdom.
STEP is a master’s program that immerses students in real-world space industry challenges. Through hands-on, team-based projects, students develop spacecraft mission concepts and work across key subsystems such as thermal control, power, communications, and propulsion.
Projects culminate in concept-level spacecraft designs that tackle real engineering problems in planetary science and satellite missions. The program builds both technical depth and global professional skills, preparing students with strong expertise in spacecraft systems engineering, mission design, and effective international collaboration.
The first cohort’s mission included system design of a deep-space mission to explore the heliopause, the furthest extent of the Sun's influence on our solar system. Students worked for 6 months to design the thermal, power, communications and structure subsystems while also planning the expected launch date, time, location and mission trajectory.
“These skillsets prepare graduates for roles in government research laboratories, aerospace companies, and academic institutions that focus on advanced space technologies and systems development,” said Dr. Rydge Mulford, associate professor and program co-director.
A standout element of STEP is its reciprocal exchange. UD students travel to the University of Leicester for a research phase, working closely with British peers and faculty. Later, Leicester students come to Dayton to continue the collaboration and present final research outcomes. This bilateral structure gives students technical experience in two distinct research settings while naturally building the intercultural communication skills essential for global space missions. To keep the program accessible, a new hybrid option now allows UD students to participate in the UK portion virtually.
Currently, STEP is open to graduate students pursuing master’s degrees in the School of Engineering. Undergraduate students are strongly encouraged to strategically prepare for future engagement within the aerospace sector by proactively pursuing space-related coursework, research opportunities, and design projects.
As the first cohort successfully completes the program, the strategic goal is to build a long-term partnership that solidifies the research and educational collaboration between the University of Dayton and the University of Leicester. Through this initiative and growing cooperation with the Air Force Institute of Technology, STEP is working to develop the University of Dayton into a regional leader in spacecraft development in Southwest Ohio.