Robert Eldridge Email & Phone Number

New Zealand

New Zealand

Logan, Queensland, Australia

My role at Black Sky Aerospace has been to continue pioneering development of sovereign avionics in Australia, for use in sounding rockets and missiles. My multidisciplinary background has facilitated me in integrating customer avionics and payloads with our systems both structurally and electronically, ensuring that missions proceed smoothly and reliably.

This opportunity allowed me to develop a sovereign flight computer as part of my Master's thesis at the University of Queensland. To achieve this, I worked at Black Sky Aerospace full time for 6 months, then continued working for them part time until I graduated.

Private tutor for students requiring a new perspective to assist their learning.

St Lucia, Queensland, Australia

As part of the UQ Hypersonics research group XLabs, I investigated the feasibility of directly measuring cold-wall ablation effects. Measuring the effect of ablation could allow for better simulation of spacecraft during planetary re-entry. The Hayabusa and IXV reentry vehicles were modeled in 2D and 3D cross-section to compare results with flight data and prior non-ablative model testing. To achieve this, I designed and fabricated several 3D printable geometries that were tested to determine… Show more As part of the UQ Hypersonics research group XLabs, I investigated the feasibility of directly measuring cold-wall ablation effects. Measuring the effect of ablation could allow for better simulation of spacecraft during planetary re-entry. The Hayabusa and IXV reentry vehicles were modeled in 2D and 3D cross-section to compare results with flight data and prior non-ablative model testing. To achieve this, I designed and fabricated several 3D printable geometries that were tested to determine the surface heating over the model. The results of this were published as "Instrument Hypervelocity Testing using Additive Manufacturing". Show less

St Lucia, Queensland, Australia

Course level tutoring of first year students in design and manufacture of 3D printable structures. Extensive consultation with students about manufacturing submissions and methods to improve / rethink their designs.

St Lucia, Queensland, Australia

As part of my first and second year studies, I studied under Dr. Chris James as part of XLabs, the planetary entry hypersonic research group at UQ. During this, I helped design and 3D print models in different materials that led to publication of "Rapid Prototyping for Hypervelocity Impulse facility test models" in Aerospace Science and Technology. I presented the findings of this paper in person at the 2018 Australian Space Research Conference.

Bachelor Of Engineering (Honours Class 1) And Masters Of Engineering, Mechatronics And Avionics Engineering, 6.467 / 7

Activities and Societies: Member of UQ Space Member and Tutor in UQ Innovate / Makerspace Intern Researcher at UQ XLabs (Planetary Entry.

Qce, Op 1

Activities and Societies: Interact, Rowing, Debating, Antipodeans Abroad, Woodwork and Metalwork.

A-

Activities and Societies: Member of Purdue SEDS Payload team Exchange Semester as part of my Engineering Bachelors degree. Received.