Teaching Innovation Group in Aerospace Engineering

✈️ Activities of the GIDULEIA Teaching Innovation Group

Period: April 2022 – March 2024

The Teaching Innovation Group in Aerospace Engineering at the University of León (GIDULEIA) carried out an intensive program of activities between 2022 and 2024, focused on enhancing practical teaching, developing transversal skills, and creating innovative learning environments. Below are the main work areas, generated outputs, and dissemination actions.

🔬 Key Work Areas

1. Radio Navigation Laboratory

  • Objective: Improve practical sessions for the course Design, Certification, and Management of Navigation Systems in the Master’s in Aeronautical Engineering.
  • Innovation: Replacing virtual labs with a physical laboratory using real instruments (VOR, ILS, ADF).
  • Methodology: Application of Kolb’s experiential learning cycle.
  • Dissemination: Presented at the international conference END2023 (Lisbon).

2. Assessment of Transversal Competencies

  • Context: Evaluation of underexplored competencies such as professional autonomy.
  • Activity: Feasibility analysis of storing rocket propellant for 10 years.
  • Methodology: Autonomous work with minimal instructor guidance, in collaboration with the Instrumental Techniques Laboratory.
  • Outcome: Scientific contribution submitted to INTED2025 (Valencia).

3. Satellite Attitude Control Laboratory

  • Application: Courses in Satellites (Bachelor’s) and Aircraft and Satellite Development (Master’s).
  • Infrastructure: Helmholtz cage, electronic control system, and CubeSat model with magnetorquers.
  • Student Involvement: Development of Bachelor’s theses (TFGs) related to system design and control.
  • Status: Ongoing project, with future phases focused on software, methodology, and use cases.

🧰 Products and Materials Developed

  • Radio Navigation Laboratory: Equipped with spectrum analyzer, oscilloscope, software-defined radio, receivers, and instrumentation panels.
  • Satellite Laboratory: Functional Helmholtz cage, CubeSat model, and technical documentation.
  • Bachelor’s Theses: Three TFGs linked to the development of hardware and software for the satellite lab.