University of Zagreb Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture
www.fsb.unizg.hrOverview
The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of Zagreb (FSB), is one of Croatia’s leading STEM faculties and a major academic and research institution in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, materials, robotics, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, manufacturing, and related disciplines. Founded in 1919, the faculty includes 14 departments, 42 chairs, 54 laboratories, more than 2,600 students, and over 300 researchers. FSB is highly active in European and national projects and participates in a broad range of programmes, including Horizon Europe and European Space Agency activities. In the space domain, FSB contributes through advanced research in flight vehicle dynamics, planetary exploration systems, intelligent drones, rovers, multi-physics simulation, and propulsion-related concepts. A particularly distinctive area of expertise is the development of flapping-wing aerial vehicles for extraterrestrial environments such as Mars and Venus. Through its Chair of Flight Vehicle Dynamics and Advanced Propulsion Laboratory, the faculty combines theoretical modelling, computational optimization, experimental validation, and international collaboration.
Core Competencies
Flight vehicle dynamics, planetary drone design, flapping-wing mechanisms, Mars atmosphere testing, space robotics, multi-physics simulation, aerodynamic optimization, rover mechanics, smart materials, AI-based control, multibody dynamics, computational granular mechanics
Space Experience
FSB has direct space-related experience in planetary flight systems and exploration technologies, with a particular focus on aerial mobility concepts for Mars and other extraterrestrial environments. Its work includes the design, optimization, and testing of highly efficient flapping-wing vehicles intended to operate in extremely low-density planetary atmospheres. The faculty combines advanced computational modelling, aerodynamic analysis, system design, and experimental validation, including testing in a Mars-simulation chamber. Through this work and collaboration with renown international aerospace partners, FSB has developed a distinctive capability in exploration-oriented flight technologies at the intersection of robotics, aerospace engineering, and planetary mobility research.
Collaboration Needs
FSB is seeking collaboration with partners in advanced manufacturing, smart materials, actuation systems, advanced sensors, and AI-based control. The faculty is also interested in cooperation with research institutes, universities, ESA actors, and industrial partners working on planetary robotics, exploration systems, rover technologies, and other space-related mobility and testing applications.
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