The Vanderbilt Aerospace Design Laboratory designs novel, rocket-flyable payload systems that highlight major challenges in space exploration — then proves them on a real launch within a fast-paced eight-month cycle.
VADL's members are upperclassmen completing the School of Engineering's Senior Design Project, graduate students whose research aligns with aerospace, and select underclassmen with strong records and a demonstrated passion for the field. Together they pull from mechanical, electrical, computer, and software engineering.
VADL is directed by Professor Anilkumar — a NASA space-science investigator, aerospace engineer, and educator, and the inaugural Mark Dalton Director of Experiential Learning in Aerospace Engineering. He founded the lab in 2007 to give Vanderbilt engineers a path into aerospace careers and graduate study.
His mentorship has been recognized nationally: AIAA Faculty Adviser of the Year, the AIAA Abe Zarem Educator Award, AIAA Associate Fellow, and Vanderbilt's Chancellor's Cup.
Challenge these students and they will come and build.
A program built one launch at a time — and the gift that secured its future.
Professor Anilkumar establishes VADL to meet a growing student demand for real aerospace engineering — and to compete in NASA's University Student Launch.
Early teams earn payload-design, educational-engagement, and regional AIAA awards, establishing a culture of documentation and rigor ahead of the program's first national title.
A biofueled subsonic ramjet payload aboard StarCRAFT wins VADL's first NASA Student Launch national title.
Seven national championships in the span — 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020 — make VADL one of the most successful student teams in Vanderbilt history.
Mark F. Dalton, JD '75, emeritus trustee, establishes the Dalton VADL Fund — expanding research, the competition budget, and industry relationships.
VADL enters its 19th year of competition with a soil-conductivity lander — its most technically ambitious payload concept yet.
In the fall of 2021, Mark Dalton — emeritus trustee and former chair of the Board of Trust — met with Dr. Anilkumar and the team to hear about the program's impact. That conversation stuck with him.
As a benefactor, he established a fund to expand research opportunities for students, grow the competition budget, and foster relationships with aerospace companies — propelling VADL into the future and strengthening its ties to alumni and prospective students alike.
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