Ye Lu

Ye Lu is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). He holds a B.S. and M.S. in Aerospace Engineering from WPI (2013 and 2015, respectively) and a Ph.D. in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Purdue University (2019). Before joining WPI in 2023, he served as an Assistant Professor in the College of Aeronautics and Engineering at Kent State University. His research focuses on the intersections of orbital mechanics and hypersonic flight mechanics, with an emphasis on advancing space mission design through novel techniques and next-generation exploration architectures. Specific interests include planetary exploration mission concepts, such as orbiter co-delivery systems, sample returns from gas giants, and multi-probe exploration strategies.

Dr. Lu leads the Laboratory for Spaceflight and Planetary Exploration, where his team addresses challenges in aerobraking, aerocapture, and entry-descent-landing systems. His work integrates computational modeling and experimental approaches to optimize mission parameters and enhance spacecraft resilience. Professional affiliations include the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) and the American Astronautical Society.

While his current academic role is in aerospace engineering, his scholarly publications span materials science and energy technologies, including studies on perovskite solar cells, flexible electronics, and battery mechanics. This interdisciplinary approach reflects his broader interest in applying mechanical principles to diverse engineering challenges.