UCF’s latest version of its space-themed uniforms for its annual space game features a nod to hypersonics and space propulsion research.
The overall look, entitled “Mission IX: HyperSpace,” will debut on Nov. 7 when the Knights host Houston at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium.
The focus of this theme is UCF’s HyperSpace Center, which collaborates with the United States Air Force to explore the technology that facilitates air travel at speeds ranging from Mach 6 to Mach 17. This means traveling six to 17 times faster than the speed of sound. It’s at the forefront of space travel.
The uniform features:
A helmet stripe that symbolizes the Mach diamond, also known as shock diamonds, which form during high-speed combustion under conditions of elevated atmospheric pressure. These high-speed experiments frequently showcase this stunning phenomenon.
A back bumper with the phrase “Citius Est Futurum,” which means “The Future is Faster,” in Latin and is the unofficial motto of the Mach 10 Oblique Detonation, or MXOD, program.
A center patch on each jersey that represents HADES — High-Enthalpy Altitude-Simulating Dynamic Experimental System — a large-scale hypersonic wind tunnel used for testing related to the MXOD program. The shape represents the design of the wind tunnel’s fueling apparatus.
A Mission IX patch in a delta-shaped design that reflects the aerodynamic form of future hypersonic vehicles capable of reaching speeds up to Mach 17. The upward orientation of the logo signifies UCF’s ascent in research, technology and athletics. Eight Polaris stars represent the previous eight space game missions.
Sleeve numbers, which are a nod to UCF’s research with a visualization of HyperSpace travel, and the pants feature the Space U moniker.
This is the ninth year that UCF has honored its ties to NASA’s space program with space-themed uniforms. The Knights first wore a space-themed look in 2017, marking the beginning of a new tradition that celebrates their past.
A team of 40 UCF undergraduates and 25 graduate students is working with Professor Kareem Ahmed as part of the HyperSpace project.
When the university opened in 1963, it was known as Florida Technological University. Its mission was to provide personnel to support the growing U.S. space program at the Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.
The school changed its name to the University of Central Florida in 1978.
Almost 30% of Kennedy Space Center employees are UCF alumni, and nationally, the school is ranked as the top university for placing graduates in aerospace industry jobs.
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