SpaceX inspired students’ award-winning aerospace design team

Students from the University of Plymouth have won the undergraduate prize for a prestigious design competition aimed at improving human space travel. Ajen Limbu, MEng and his team, Jack Orme and Elliot Tam, were inspired to enter the International Space Station (ISS) design competition after following the success of SpaceX.

“Elon Musk has accomplished inspiring engineering achievements with his remarkable SpaceX team. Designs such as the Falcon rockets and Dragon spacecraft resonate innovation and ignites an appreciation for aerospace engineering,” said Ajen.
“Taking part in this competition enabled us to both fulfil and further our appreciation of innovative aerospace engineering and our sense of exploration.

“Our design, the Interplanetary Space Vehicle  Drake SR-1, incorporated adapted versions of the current ISS modules and technology to satisfy the requirements of an interplanetary space station. Our vision of utilising current technology was in hope of the design being suitable for construction in this current age. Innovation mainly lied in the placement and selection of the specialised modules to ensure it was habitable for a long duration of time spaceworthy and mission ready.”

Limbu first got interested in engineering after playing with Lego as a youngster, and this enthusiasm has carried through into undergraduate studies.

“Ever since I was young I knew I wanted to be an engineer,” he told us. “I have always enjoyed problem-solving, being creative and working within a team. I used to play with Lego all the time, and in junior school I even competed in a Lego competition.

“This interest extended throughout my time in school, where I grew my interest in STEM subjects and was a member of the sixth form student robotics team. I decided to study engineering because I wanted to implement my skills, give back to the community and influence society in a positive way on a large scale.”

Ajen has been helped in his development through his relationship with a key mentor; he believes everyone can benefit from such a partnership.

“I was fortunate enough to attain an exceptional mentor, Stephen Ball, former CEO of Lockheed Martin UK, through a university scholarship.

“Not only has Stephen provided me with advice and techniques on how to be a better leader, team player and communicator, he has also given me career advice that has helped me clarify my ambitions.

“I would definitely encourage everyone to find a mentor themselves, to learn from their experience and gain advice on how they can improve their skills as an engineer.”