By Armand Poblete November 1, 2024 Sponsored and Guided by ThinkerBox
The skies of the future are looking significantly more inclusive and efficient, thanks to a group of innovative students from Andrews University. Team AngelWings has officially advanced as a finalist in NASA’s prestigious MUREP Innovation Tech Transfer Idea Competition (MITTIC) Space2Pitch event.
This journey was made possible through the intensive mentorship and framework provided by ThinkerBox, Andrews University’s premier innovation hub. By bridging the gap between classroom theory and real-world venture creation, ThinkerBox guided the team in transforming complex NASA intellectual property into a viable, socially impactful business model.
Bridging the "Last-Mile" Gap
The AngelWings concept focuses on one of the most persistent hurdles in modern logistics: "last-mile" delivery in underserved rural areas. While urban centers enjoy rapid delivery services, remote communities in the United States and Africa often face high costs and long wait times for essential goods.
To solve this, the team is utilizing NASA’s Near-Real Time Verification and Validation of Autonomous Flight Operations (TOP2-320) technology. This software allows drones to operate safely and precisely even in GPS-denied environments—a critical requirement for navigating remote or rugged terrains where traditional satellite signals may falter.
Key Innovations of AngelWings
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Two-Way Logistics: Unlike standard delivery drones, the AngelWings VTOL (Vertical Takeoff and Landing) system allows for the retrieval of items, enabling two-way commerce and medical sample collection.
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Hybrid Power: The team is designing drones with a hybrid-powered system, targeting a range of 30–35 miles.
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Healthcare & E-commerce Impact: From delivering life-saving medical supplies to allowing rural customers to return products, the applications are vast.
The Path to Commercialization
Armand Poblete, a faculty member in Andrews University’s Department of Information Systems and the team’s advisor, highlighted the ambitious scope of the project. In a recent update, Poblete noted that the team’s two-year roadmap—refined through ThinkerBox's incubation process—aims to take AngelWings from a competition-winning concept to a fully operational commercial entity.
"Our goal is to lower costs and enhance access," Poblete shared via LinkedIn. He further emphasized that the technology is being built for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations, which is essential for scaling drone networks globally.
As finalists, the team recently presented their pitch at the Johnson Space Center, meeting with NASA executives and industry investors. With demonstrations expected soon, AngelWings is proving that space-age technology, when paired with the right entrepreneurial guidance, has a vital role to play right here on the ground.
Other Mentions and Sources
Information regarding Team AngelWings and their progress in the NASA MITTIC competition has been featured in the following institutional and academic publications:
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Digital Commons @ Andrews University: The university's official repository published a detailed feature titled "Soaring to New Heights: Team AngelWings takes innovation to NASA’s stage," appearing in the Andrews University Annual Report. This source lists the multidisciplinary team: Derek Feitosa, Guichard Manigat, Cin Thang, David Brown, Donnie Vanterpool, and Jeremiah Bahadur.
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UAS Traffic Management (UTM) News: This industry-specific outlet covered the advancement of the team, specifically focusing on the integration of the TOP2-320 NASA patent for autonomous flight verification.
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NASA MUREP MITTIC Official Finalist Announcements: NASA’s Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP) officially recognizes Andrews University as a finalist, highlighting their use of NASA IP for socioeconomic impact.
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ThinkerBox Innovation Spotlights: As the primary sponsor and guide, ThinkerBox features the project in its portfolio of student-led ventures that have successfully navigated the "Space2Pitch" pipeline.