通識教育講座領域：自然與工程科學

(1)主講者：Prof. Sean Swei

職稱：Professor of Practice

服務單位：Khalifa University Space Technology & Innovation Lab (KUSTIL)

演講者學經歷：

Education:
Ph.D. (1986~1993) Aeronautics & Astronautics, Purdue University, USA.
M.S. (1984~1986) Mechanical Engineering & Mechanics, Drexel University, USA.
B.S. (1979~1983) Mechanical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taiwan.
Experience:
(2020~present) Director/Professor of Practice, KUSTIL/Aerospace Engineering, Khalifa University.
(2006~2020) Adjunct Professor, Aerospace Engineering, San Jose State University, USA.
(2000~2020) Senior Research Scientist/Principal Investigator, NASA Ames Research Center.

Research Areas:
CubeSat Constellation, Active Space Debris Removal, SpaceMaterials, SpaceRobotics, Lunar/Mars
Mobility Vehicles

大綱:

Enabling Sustainable Access to Low Earth Orbit and Beyond

ABSTRACT

Ever increasing space debris in low Earth orbit (LEO) poses great risks of collision, thereby hindering both current and future space missions. Many studies have emphasized the dire need for active debris removal (ADR) missions to preserve orbit stability and ensure continued access to LEO for future generations. Because of its miniaturized and standardized form factor, the CubeSat is becoming an ideal platform for conducting cost effective space science missions for limited duration. However, the emerging trend is to explore potential CubeSat applications for longer mission life cycle and beyond LEO, therefore enabling new mission opportunities, such as ADR, CubeSat constellation, and extraterrestrial exploration. The CubeSat-based Laser Ablation for Debris Removal (LADR) concept presents a novel technique where the debris itself can be used as a source of propellant for CubeSats. The proposed LADR utilizes a low-power laser beam to ablate the surface of a debris object, thus generating thrust to enable sustainable orbital maneuvers during de-orbit phase of mission, while consuming the debris as propellant. In addition, the advent of micro/nano electronics and advanced space materials has enabled new capabilities for space mission designers that are otherwise not achievable. In this presentation, we will highlight some of the current space research activities conducted at Khalifa University to support the future space missions.

(2)主講者：Prof. Kuo-Wei Huang

職稱：Professor of Chemistry

服務單位：Center for Renewable Energy and Storage Technologies and Division of Physical Sciences and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia

演講者學經歷：

Education:
Ph.D. (2000~2004) Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, United States.
B.S. (1993~1997) Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taiwan.
Experience:
(2018~present) Professor, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology.
(2022~2025) Associate Vice President for Research, King Abdullah University of Science and
Technology

Research Areas:
Catalysis, Energy, Hydrogen storage, CO2 Utilization, Metal Extraction, DFT

大綱:

Fueling the Future

ABSTRACT

The estimated world population of 8.0 billion consumed ~15.2 Gtoe of energy (at an average rate of 20.1 TW). Globally, the burning of carbon-based fossil fuels supplies over 80% of the energy demand, and hence the prospering industrial societies are responsible for the observed increase in carbon dioxide levels from preindustrial 280 ppm to over 420 ppm now. The constantly increasing atmospheric CO2 concentration is highly likely to result in global warming, sea level rise, and ocean acidification. To reduce the environmental footprint of modern societies and address the limitations of fossil resources, the projected increase in global energy demand must go along with implementing low-carbon energy production and carrier systems. In this presentation, the current energy status and future options will be discussed and compared. It will then be concluded by introducing our research efforts in utilizing formic acid as a low-carbon hydrogen/energy carrier and e-fuel.