VADL is a Center for Excellence in Aerospace Engineering at Vanderbilt University with a tradition spanning two decades. It is an interdisciplinary Research and Development Laboratory specializing in the design of Reusable Launch Vehicles and Novel Payload Systems. VADL is directed by Professor Amrutur Anilkumar, a NASA Space Science Investigator, Aerospace Engineer and Educator. VADL’s members originate from ME, CompE, EE, and CS backgrounds. VADL’s research is focused on the development of launch vehicle structural health monitoring systems, and engine lubrication health monitoring systems. 
VADL project teams compete at NASA competitions and to date, VADL has graduated more than 150 Alumni most of whom are pursuing careers and advanced studies in Aerospace Engineering. SpaceX, Blue Origin, Relativity Space, Rolls Royce, Boeing, GE Aviation, Lockheed, and Raytheon are some of the companies at which our Alumni are working as design and systems engineers.