Kyle Horn

Kyle Horn is a graduate student in aeronautics and astronautics, developing technologies to support long-duration robotic exploration of Venus. His research focuses on using solid oxide electrolysis (SOE) to generate buoyant gases from the planet’s dense carbon dioxide atmosphere, enabling aerial platforms to remain aloft for extended missions. As a MathWorks Fellow, Kyle will use MATLAB to build a comprehensive system model that integrates physical principles with empirical lab data, allowing him to simulate performance, evaluate trade-offs, and identify Pareto-optimal designs. He applies MATLAB’s Optimization Toolbox to explore mission design variables and uses data visualization tools to communicate results across technical and nontechnical audiences. Kyle also relies on MATLAB to process experimental data on SOE efficiency and degradation under Venus-like conditions. Kyle’s research could redefine the feasibility of long-duration missions in hostile planetary environments, opening new frontiers in space science and exploration.