Lassonde Professor inducted as Full Member of the International Academy of Astronautics

George Zhu, professor in the Mechanical Engineering department at York University’s Lassonde School of Engineering, has been inducted as a Full Member of the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA). This achievement follows his appointment as Corresponding Member in 2020. 

The International Academy of Astronautics is an independent organization of distinguished individuals elected by their peers for their outstanding contributions to astronautics and the exploration of space. With 1,200 active members worldwide., it is the only international academy of elected members in the broad area of astronautics and space.  

Zhu has made a significant impact in these areas, including spacecraft dynamics and control, and space debris mitigation. He has published over 200 peer-reviewed journals, 163 conference papers and supervised more than 100 highly qualified personnel. Professor Zhu’s induction as a full member of the IAA is a testament to his many achievements and dedicated service to the field.  

One of his major achievements is leading the development and launch of two CubeSats funded by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). The first was launched in November 2020 and showcased pioneering technology for space debris removal, the second was launched in July 2023 and is dedicated to observing ice in the Arctic, as well as monitoring thawing permafrost in northern Canada for climate change research. 

Through $3.6M in funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI), Zhu is currently developing transformative additive manufacturing and 3D bioprinting technologies for human space exploration. This work aims to revolutionize spacecraft manufacturing and provide self-sustaining medical support for space missions. 

Zhu is also a College Member of Royal Society of Canada and Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering, Engineering Institute of Canada, Canadian Society of Mechanical Engineering, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, as well as Associate Fellow of American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. 

Learn more about the IAA here.