Lassonde celebrates top Aerospace Engineering achievement

ShanghaiRanking has unveiled its 2024 Global Ranking of Academic Subjects, and researchers at the Lassonde School of Engineering have earned York University a top spot in Aerospace Engineering, securing 1^st position in Canada and 26^th place worldwide.

Lassonde’s standout achievement in Aerospace Engineering underscores a commitment to innovation in both research and education. This includes the School’s Space Engineering program, Canada’s only program of its kind, offering students invaluable opportunities for experiential learning and involvement in state-of-the-art projects. The Centre for Research in Earth & Space Science (CRESS) further solidifies Lassonde’s position as a leader in Aerospace Engineering by fostering interdisciplinary collaboration across topics from astronomy and astrophysics to planetary science.

“Aerospace Engineering at York University is unique, with an exclusive focus on Space Engineering. As the undergraduate program director (UPD) and an active Space Engineering researcher, I’m excited to be recognized for our contribution and ongoing effort in both academic programming and research,” says Regina Lee, a professor in the Earth & Space Science & Engineering department. “Our program emphasizes cutting-edge technologies in the space industry, preparing students with a systems engineering approach to satellite and mission design. We are not only equipping students with the technical expertise required to tackle complex problems but also ensuring they have a solid foundation of knowledge in preparation for impactful careers in the space industry.”

Cubesat (RSOnar v2) developed by Professor Regina Lee and her students

This Aerospace Engineering ranking is driven by multiple factors, including research impact, international collaboration, editorial involvement and publishing in top-tier journals such as, Acta Astronautica and Advances in Space Research.

Only 50 universities worldwide are ranked for Aerospace Engineering, highlighting the prestige of this achievement. During the reporting period, Lassonde demonstrated impressive research output and impact, publishing over 90 papers on topics ranging from space science to robotics. These works have garnered over 1,000 citations and fostered collaborations with researchers in nearly 25 countries, showcasing Lassonde’s global reach and leadership in aerospace innovation.

Lassonde particularly excelled in contributions to space science, automation & control systems and mapping & topography, with a significant proportion of research focused on space debris, precise point positioning and adaptive control.

“Aerospace engineering consists of both aeronautics and astronautics,” explains Jinjun Shan, a professor in the Earth & Space Science & Engineering department. “At Lassonde, we have researchers working on various areas in aerospace engineering, primarily focusing on the astronautics side, like space systems.”

The School’s researchers are making a real-world impact on the future of space exploration, as well as geomatics and earth science. For example, Professor Mike Daly is contributing to history-making missions such as NASA’s OSIRIS-REx, while Professor Regina Lee is working on innovative solutions for space situational awareness using nanosatellites. Additionally, Professor Sunil Bisnath is conducting critical research in Global Positioning Systems (GPS), and Professor John Moores is leading efforts in planetary exploration.

Left: Drones developed and designed in Profesoor Jinjun Shan’s lab. Right: Robotic systems in Professor George Zhu’s lab

“York University has long been a leader in space science, with standout contributions to major missions led by our researchers,” says George Zhu, a professor in the Mechanical Engineering department. “This ranking is a powerful testament to Lassonde’s dedication to excellence in Aerospace Engineering, underscoring our role as a leader in this field. Our new standing helps to attract top talent—ambitious students, leading faculty and industry partners—who are eager to expand the horizons of aerospace technology.”

This ranking reflects the collective efforts of Lassonde’s faculty, particularly those in the Earth & Space Science & Engineering department, who are all working to advance the field of Aerospace Engineering. The achievement also highlights the opportunities available to Lassonde students, from nanosatellite field campaigns to international conferences. These experiences provide a high-quality education and equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to build meaningful and impactful careers in the field.

“Achieving this ranking is an immense honour and a reflection of the collective efforts and passion of our faculty, students and industry partners,” says Professor Shan. “Contributing to this ranking means that our Space Engineering program not only meets but exceeds the highest standards in aerospace education and research. It validates the cutting-edge work we do in advancing technology, tackling real-world challenges and preparing students to excel in a competitive industry. For me, this achievement represents the fulfillment of a commitment to innovation and excellence.”

As a recognized leader in Aerospace Engineering, Lassonde continues to raise the bar for excellence, fostering innovation and creating opportunities for students, faculty and industry partners. This milestone marks the start of a promising trajectory of continued success and advancement in the years ahead.