Aaron Gonzalez
Team Lead & Head Engineer
Ascendant Dynamics
Redefining the Limits of Autonomous Heavy Lift
Competing in the DARPA Lift Challenge — Summer 2026
The Challenge
Pushing the boundaries of what autonomous vertical-lift aircraft can achieve
The DARPA Lift Challenge demands a breakthrough in heavy-lift drone capability: design a vertical-lift aircraft weighing no more than 55 pounds that can carry a payload exceeding 110 pounds over a 5 nautical mile course. This 4:1 payload-to-weight ratio represents a fundamental leap beyond current technology.
Ascendant Dynamics brings together expertise in aerodynamic design, advanced materials, and propulsion systems to tackle this challenge head-on. Our approach leverages cutting-edge composite structures and novel rotor configurations to maximize lift efficiency while maintaining the structural integrity needed for heavy payloads.
We're not just building a drone — we're proving that autonomous heavy-lift aviation is within reach, unlocking new possibilities for logistics, disaster response, and beyond.
55
lbs
Max Aircraft Weight
110+
lbs
Minimum Payload
5
NM
Course Distance
$6.5
M
Prize Pool
Design Gallery
Explore our engineering designs and concept renders
Our Team
The engineers and innovators behind Ascendant Dynamics
Dr. Juan Gomez Ortega
Fabrication & Materials Lead
Laboratory Manager in the Physics Department at Texas State University. Published researcher in materials engineering, polymer microfabrication, and thermal analysis of manufacturing processes. Brings precision fabrication techniques and advanced materials expertise critical to building ultralight, high-strength airframe components.
Anival Ayala, PhD
Design & Manufacturing Engineer
Research Scientist at TRI Austin with a PhD in Material Science Engineering. Extensive semiconductor industry experience spanning product development, process engineering, and cross-functional team leadership. Proficient in microelectronics packaging, CNC machining, and CAD/CAM — skills directly applicable to precision drone component design and rapid prototyping.
Zachary Spencer
Controls Engineer and RPIC
Industrial controls specialist at Schneider Electric and holds FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate for sUAS. Combines industrial automation and secure systems expertise with hands-on drone flight experience. Responsible for system integration, communications architecture, and flight operations.
Matthew Johnson
Aerospace & Propulsion Engineer
PhD student in Industrial Engineering at Texas A&M University with a Master's in Aerospace Engineering from UTSA. Researched high-enthalpy kinetics and chemical propulsion at the Laser Spectroscopy and Chemical Propulsion Laboratory. Co-founded the Texas State Space Lab, demonstrating both technical depth and initiative in aerospace innovation.
Partners & Sponsors
Join us in pushing the frontiers of autonomous flight
Partner announcements coming soon
Platinum
- Logo featured on aircraft
- Primary website placement
- VIP event access
- Dedicated social media spotlight
- Technical collaboration opportunities
Gold
- Logo on team equipment
- Website logo placement
- Event access
- Social media recognition
Interested in a custom partnership? We'd love to explore how we can work together.
Discuss Partnership OpportunitiesGet In Touch
Interested in partnering or learning more? We'd love to hear from you.
Reach Out Directly
Whether you're an industry supplier, potential sponsor, or fellow innovator, we welcome the opportunity to connect.
We typically respond within 48 hours.