Sending Pitt Undergraduates into ORBIT
The University of Pittsburgh’s Pitt Space is launching Pitt ORBIT (Opportunity, Research, Building, Innovation, and Training), a summer research program designed to immerse Pitt undergraduates in space engineering research and prepare them for careers in the field. The program is supported by a $100,000 grant from the Howmet Aerospace Foundation, in collaboration with STEMNetX, a local nonprofit initiative that promotes experiential learning for STEM students. The grant will also fund an outreach program to introduce high school students to college and career pathways in space research.
“Last year, through our collaboration with Pitt Space, we piloted a fellowship program that provided undergraduate STEM students with opportunities to engage in hands-on space engineering research,” said Rama Bala, a Pitt Space faculty and president and CEO of STEMNetX. “I’m excited to build on that foundation by giving more undergraduates the opportunity to conduct meaningful research, develop technical skills, and prepare for careers in space engineering.”
Through Pitt ORBIT, undergraduates from the University of Pittsburgh can apply for funding to pursue a summer research project in space engineering. Students will gain hands-on research experience, technical training, career exposure, and opportunities to connect with industry professionals. The experience culminates in a Capstone Symposium, where students present their research and strengthen their professional communication skills.
The Howmet Aerospace Foundation grant will also enable Pitt ORBIT to pilot a Space Academy, bringing a cohort of high school students to Pitt to explore cutting-edge space research and participate in hands-on learning experiences in space, robotics, and related technologies, while connecting classroom learning to real-world research and career pathways.
“We’re grateful to the Howmet Aerospace Foundation for its generous support of this new initiative,” Bala said.
The charitable foundation for Pittsburgh-based Howmet Aerospace Inc., the Howmet Aerospace Foundation promotes STEM and technical education worldwide, focusing on underserved populations.
“With the tremendous growth in space-related industries, there is an urgent need for the next generation of space engineers,” said Alan George, R&H Mickle Endowed Chair, NSF SHREC Space Center Director, and department chair and professor of electrical and computer engineering. “Pitt ORBIT seeks to attract and engage our students in this exciting field and help them identify possible careers. I look forward to seeing our students in action this summer, working with our faculty to solve important problems.”
Pitt ORBIT is open to University of Pittsburgh undergraduate students interested in pursuing space engineering research during the summer. Students from any STEM major are welcome to apply and should have an interest in pursuing careers in space or space-adjacent fields. No prior research experience is required.
Applications for the Summer 2027 Pitt ORBIT program open December 1, 2026.
Learn more about the Pitt ORBIT program at Pitt Space.