Founded in 1963 with the mission to provide talent for Central Florida and the growing U.S. space program, the university鈥檚 extensive involvement in space research and education not only drives innovations in space technology but also prepares the next generation of leaders in the field.

With more than 40 active NASA projects totaling more than $67 million in funding, 麻豆原创 continues to push the frontiers of space research, and its contributions promise to help shape the future of humanity’s presence in the cosmos.

鲍颁贵鈥檚 cutting-edge areas of space expertise include:

Space Medicine

鲍颁贵鈥檚 College of Medicine is pioneering new frontiers in aerospace medicine, positioning itself as a leader in space health research and education. Spearheaded by initiatives to create an interdisciplinary curriculum, 麻豆原创 is integrating expertise from engineering, medicine and nursing to address the unique health challenges of space exploration.

The college is building on existing research in space health, including innovative studies on the effects of microgravity on bone health, which could lead to improved protection for astronauts. Collaborations across disciplines, such as testing therapeutics for radiation protection and developing antimicrobial solutions for space station environments, highlight 鲍颁贵鈥檚 commitment to advancing astronaut health and shaping the future of space medicine.

Space Propulsion and Power

麻豆原创 is advancing space propulsion with groundbreaking research that could make space travel more efficient and viable for future missions. Researchers are developing innovative hypersonic propulsion systems, such as rotating detonation rocket engines, which harness high-speed detonations to increase propulsion efficiency and reduce fuel consumption 鈥� an advancement that could significantly lower costs and emissions associated with space travel, creating new commercial opportunities in the industry. 麻豆原创 is taking its hypersonics research even further with its recently launched Center of Excellence in Hypersonic and Space Propulsion 鈥� the HyperSpace Center.

Additionally, 麻豆原创 teams are exploring novel power systems for spacecraft venturing far from the sun, where solar energy becomes impractical. With funding from NASA, researchers are creating storable chemical heat sources capable of providing essential heat and power in extreme environments, from the icy surfaces of distant moons to the intense heat of Venus.

Space Technology and Engineering

麻豆原创 is forging the future of space technology with innovations that push the boundaries of lunar and deep space exploration. Through advancements in lunar resource utilization, 麻豆原创 has developed methods to efficiently extract ice from lunar soil so that it can be transformed into vital resources like water and rocket fuel, while new techniques for processing lunar soil drastically reduce construction costs for infrastructure such as landing pads.

麻豆原创 researchers are also pioneering 3D-printed bricks made from lunar regolith that withstand extreme space conditions, setting the foundation for resilient off-world habitats. Lunar regolith is the loose dust, rocks and materials that cover the moon鈥檚 surface.

鲍颁贵鈥檚 Exolith Lab, part of the , continues to lead in space hardware testing, advancing resource extraction and lunar construction technologies. Meanwhile, FSI’s CubeSat program is opening new doors in space exploration with compact, affordable satellites that give students and researchers access to microgravity and beyond.

Space Commercialization

麻豆原创’s new space commercialization program 鈥� led by , College of Business professor of practice and associate provost for space commercialization and strategy 鈥� positions the university as a leader in space-related business education.

Autry will guide the college鈥檚 efforts to deliver Executive and MBA programs in space commercialization, driving curriculum development and establishing space-focused programs that equip students to lead in the growing commercial space industry.

In addition to the space commercialization聽program, Autry will be working with external stakeholders, including NASA, the U.S. Space Force and commercial firms like Blue Origin, SpaceX and Virgin Galactic, to develop opportunities to advance mutual interests in space.

This includes working with Kennedy Space Center to lead a State University System partnership with the state of Florida to develop the necessary talent to maintain and expand Florida鈥檚 leadership in space exploration and commercialization.

Autry will also be leading 鲍颁贵鈥檚 effort to develop and execute a roadmap for the university鈥檚 SpaceU brand through targeted investments in talent and facilities.

Space Domain Awareness

麻豆原创 is advancing space domain awareness research to protect critical assets in orbit by developing sophisticated algorithms for tracking and predicting the movement of objects such as satellites and asteroids, so they don鈥檛 collide with spacecraft. Under the guidance of aerospace engineering expert Tarek Elgohary, 麻豆原创 researchers are creating a computational framework to rapidly and accurately track space objects in real time. This initiative is backed by the U.S. Air Force Office of Scientific Research Dynamic Data and Information Process Program.

麻豆原创 is also addressing the growing issue of orbital debris through a NASA-funded study that includes researchers from 鲍颁贵鈥檚 FSI and . This project seeks to increase public awareness and support for managing space debris, a hazard to satellites and potential space tourism ventures.

Workforce Development

麻豆原创 is propelling students toward dynamic careers in the space industry with hands-on programs and sought-after internship opportunities. Through the new engineering graduate certificate in electronic parts engineering, developed in collaboration with NASA, students are gaining essential skills in testing and evaluating space-ready electronic components 鈥� a key advantage for aspiring space professionals.

Additionally, 麻豆原创 students can benefit from hands-on internships at Kennedy Space Center, where they gain real-world experience in various fields, from engineering to project management.

At the , students gain direct experience in microgravity research and robotics. The center embodies 鲍颁贵鈥檚 commitment to democratizing space access, offering pathways for students from all backgrounds to participate in and contribute to the growing space industry.

FSI鈥檚 CubeSat program further immerses students in satellite design and operation, offering direct involvement in active space missions.

Planetary Science

麻豆原创’s planetary science program is driving breakthroughs in space exploration with projects spanning the moon, Mars and beyond. The NASA-funded Lunar-VISE mission, led by 麻豆原创, will explore the Gruithuisen domes on the far side of the moon to understand their volcanic origins, potentially unlocking insights crucial for future space exploration.

Complementing this, 麻豆原创 researchers are contributing to NASA鈥檚 Lunar Trailblazer mission, which will map water ice deposits on the moon 鈥� an essential resource for sustained stays in space. On another front, 麻豆原创 scientists are studying dust behavior in microgravity through experiments that flew on Blue Origin鈥檚 New Shepard rocket, potentially leading to strategies for mitigating lunar dust, a challenge for electronics and equipment on future missions.

Expanding its reach beyond the moon, 鲍颁贵鈥檚 planetary science research involves asteroid studies, including the high-profile OSIRIS-REx mission to asteroid Bennu and examining seismic wave propagation in simulated asteroid materials to understand asteroid evolution and early planetary formation. 麻豆原创 is also home to the , a node of NASA鈥檚 Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute, which facilitates NASA鈥檚 exploration of deep space by focusing its goals at the intersection of surface science and surface exploration of rocky, atmosphereless bodies.

Additionally, 麻豆原创 researchers are studying trans-Neptunian objects and using the James Webb Space Telescope to explore the solar system’s outer reaches, analyzing ancient ices to uncover clues about the solar system’s history, while also investigating exoplanets to advance our understanding of other planets and to search for life beyond Earth.

In parallel, 麻豆原创 researchers are also advancing bold ideas for terraforming Mars through nanoparticle dispersion to create warming effect, making the Red Planet potentially more habitable.

麻豆原创 researchers have also contributed their expertise to multiple high-profile NASA missions, including Cassini, Mars Pathfinder, Mars Curiosity, and New Horizons.

Advancing Astrophotonics, History and Policy

鲍颁贵鈥檚 space research spans pioneering astrophotonics technology, studies in space history and critical analyses in space policy, each offering unique insights into the universe. The within CREOL, the College of Optics and Photonics, is pushing the boundaries of photonics and astronomy, using tools like photonic lanterns, fiber optics, and hyperspectral imaging to detect cosmic phenomena and address profound questions about dark energy.

Meanwhile, delves into space history, exploring the cultural and scientific impacts of milestones like the Apollo missions and the Space Shuttle program, helping illuminate humanity鈥檚 journey into space.

The contributes to this comprehensive approach with its broad studies of space policy, both domestically and internationally, including examining military space policy and rising space powers. The work involves studying space law, international agreements, and policy frameworks that guide space activities, which is essential for addressing the governance and strategic planning needed for space exploration and utilization.

Pioneering Tomorrow鈥檚 Space Exploration

麻豆原创 is pushing the frontiers of space research and education, tackling today鈥檚 challenges while preparing for the demands of future space missions. As the new space race continues, 鲍颁贵鈥檚 forward-thinking approach will continue to drive progress, inspire new possibilities and expand humanity鈥檚 reach into the universe.

Launched this past January, the program received more than 160 applications from 36 countries from both undergraduate and master鈥檚 students. Students underwent a rigorous application process to compete for the $10,000 scholarship, professional development aid, mentorship, and a global network as they enter their prospective fields. The ten-year scholarship fund of over $2 million was established with contributions from ten $100,000 donors and a $1 million match from the foundation. Some sponsors included Google, NeoPhotonics, Intel and many others.

For Pardo, the award is an example of what happens when you persevere. As a daughter of two immigrant parents, she has overcome many obstacles. When she was younger, her family faced financial hurdles, resulting in a move back to Colombia, where Pardo grew up. After graduating high school at the age of 16, she returned to the U.S. without her parents to pursue higher education.

鈥淚 have overcome language, cultural and financial barriers due to the passionate and hardworking mindset my parents instilled in me,鈥� Pardo says. 鈥淚 owe my determination, passion, and character to my family, to whom I am forever grateful.鈥�

It鈥檚 that grit that has propelled her to pursue a bachelor鈥檚 in photonic science and engineering with a minor in physics and astronomy. Pardo has been excited by space research ever since she began at 麻豆原创, which explains her current research focuses on working in ray tracing simulations at different fuel levels, initial velocities, and initial accelerations to study the behavior of fuel in a fuel tank.

This research is important because without gravity, it is challenging to accurately measure the fuel left in a spacecraft, which is one of the determinant factors of a mission. Pardo鈥檚 research hopes to solve this problem and make space missions more efficient. Her ultimate goal is to develop an imaging-based fluid gauging system to improve fuel management in space.

Although Pardo entered the application process on her own, it was the encouragement from Assistant Professor at and Director of Shuo 鈥淪ean鈥� Pang and current 麻豆原创 doctoral student Andrew Klein who propelled her to finish the application process strong. She also thanks the multitudes of programs she鈥檚 been a part of, such as at 麻豆原创, VECTOR at Valencia College, the research groups at CREOL, the 麻豆原创 and the companies where she has interned. This achievement is a combination of the entirety of her experiences and wonderful people she has met along the way, she says.

鈥淚 feel honored to receive this award,鈥� Pardo says. 鈥淚 am tremendously thankful for the overwhelming support from professors and students at CREOL that made this possible.鈥�

The Optica Women Scholars scholarship will go toward reducing any financial barriers that may arise, allowing Pardo to focus on her academics and research during the remainder of her undergraduate journey at 麻豆原创. She plans to graduate in Spring 2023.

Humans have been practicing Leap Year since the days of Julius Caesar and the Roman Empire, but why?

麻豆原创 Physics Professor Josh Colwell explains the science behind the need for Leap Year and other facts you may not know about the bonus day.

Leap Year exists because of the time it takes the Earth to orbit the Sun.

There are 365 days in most calendar years, but in the time it takes for the Earth to go around the sun once, our planet actually spins 365 and nearly a quarter times. The reason we care about that extra quarter is because the Earth has seasons.

To know when to plant and harvest your crops it鈥檚 nice to have a calendar where spring always starts in March and the longest day of the year is in June and the shortest day is in December.

“In order to have that consistency in the seasons from year to year, we have to periodically make a correction [to the calendar].”

Because there鈥檚 that extra quarter of a day in the year, it means we have to reset our calendar periodically. Otherwise, start dates of seasons would gradually drift by a quarter of a day every year. After 40 years, we鈥檇 be 10 days off. So the start of the season would be 10 days different than it would be 40 years before. After hundreds of years, summer could be starting in November. So in order to have that consistency in the seasons from year to year, we have to periodically make a correction.

A Leap Year happens every four years except for when it doesn鈥檛.

We add a leap day every four years except if it is a year that is divisible by 100 unless it happens to also be divisible by 400. Did I confuse you enough with that formula?

So that means 1900 was not a leap year. Nor was it a leap year in 1800, nor will it be in 2100. But 2000 was a leap year because it was divisible by 400. We skip it in three out of every four of those century years. We will skip it in 2100, 2200 and 2300 but we will not skip it in 2400.

We do this because a year is not exactly 365.25 days long. It鈥檚 actually closer to 365.24 days long. The 365-day calendar including Leap Year was adopted during Julius Caesar鈥檚 time, but they didn鈥檛 account for that small difference. This minute discrepancy meant that the “Julian Calendar” drifted off course by one day every 128 years, and by the 14th century it had drifted 10 days off schedule. Pope Gregory XIII fixed the issue by instituting a revised 鈥淕regorian Calendar鈥� in 1582, which we still use today. Fun fact: when this calendar was created, to fix that 10 day drift, Oct. 4, 1582, was followed by Oct. 15, 1582. By skipping those years not divisible by 400, we keep the calendar in check.

Leap Year doesn鈥檛 necessarily have to occur in February.

Our collection of months is very peculiar. If we have a calendar that鈥檚 based on a 7-day week, there are 52 weeks plus one day in 365 days. Theoretically, you could have 13 months of 28 days and then have one loaner day 鈥� say New Year鈥檚 Day 鈥� that isn鈥檛 in a month. The particular mish-mash of 28-30-31 days that we have in our calendar is a question for an historian more than an astronomer.

February gets it because it is shorter than the other months. But it really doesn鈥檛 matter. You could put it anywhere.

We also observe leap seconds 鈥� they鈥檙e just not as well known.

“Even having Leap Year doesn鈥檛 get our calendars exactly right. So periodically the International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service adds leap seconds to our daily lives we don鈥檛 notice.”

Every four years we add a day 鈥� except not quite every four years because we have that divisible-by-400 rule. So even having Leap Year doesn鈥檛 get our calendars exactly right. So periodically the International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service聽adds leap seconds to our daily lives we don鈥檛 notice, especially now that most people鈥檚 clocks are updated automatically on their cell phones. We add a leap second less than once a year. There have only been 27 leap seconds since 1972. They are based on very precise measurements of the rotation of the Earth, which isn鈥檛 perfectly constant, to bring things into alignment.

Ultimately these things are tied to the motion of the Earth around the sun and the exact rotation of the Earth and little tiny things adjust that interaction between the Earth and the moon that causes little slow downs and speed ups. All of these things are little adjustments so that our written calendar, which we use to organize our daily lives, lines up as closely as possible to the astronomical calendar, which for us is important because of seasons.

If we lived on any other planet besides Earth, we鈥檇 still need to observe Leap Year.

On some planets, like Venus, it rotates so slowly, that the difference between the time it takes to rotate and the time from noon to noon is very extreme. The longest solar day of any of the planets in the solar system is on Mercury. Its day is about 176 Earth-days long. Venus鈥� day is 117 Earth days long and it rotates backwards compared to the direction it goes around the sun. Uranus is tipped almost exactly on its side so for its northern summer, the sun is directly over the north pole. And for its northern winter it would be complete darkness in the northern hemisphere for years because it takes it 84 years to go around the sun. So the seasons can be quite extreme on other planets. We鈥檙e set up well here on Earth.

The team, led by Robert Main of the University of Toronto, was able to observe unprecedented details of a pulsar 6,500 light years from Earth. Astronomers study pulsars for a variety of reasons. For example, pulsars have been used to verify gravitational waves. In fact, the pulsar system that led to the first indirect measurement of gravitational waves was also discovered at Arecibo, and led to the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1993. Pulsars may also hold clues to understanding the mechanisms behind colliding black holes.

The team鈥檚 new findings are published this week online in the journal Nature.

The Arecibo Observatory, a National Science Foundation facility, is managed through a collaboration between 麻豆原创, Universidad Metropolitana in San Juan, and Yang Enterprises Inc. in Oviedo, FL. Arecibo鈥檚 instrumentation gives hundreds of international scientists the opportunity to make observations and conduct research not easily done through other means.

鈥淎recibo continues to be one of the most important telescopes to our research, due to its incredible sensitivity,鈥� Main says.

Main, a Ph.D. astronomy student in the Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics and the Dunlap Institute for Astronomy & Astrophysics at the University of Toronto, says Arecibo and the pulsar鈥檚 location gave the team a unique opportunity.

The observation was made possible by the rare geometry and characteristics of a stellar binary system in which a brown dwarf star and a pulsating neutron star, or pulsar, orbit each other. Gas, or plasma, from the brown dwarf acts like a lens, focusing radiation from the emission sites, Main described in a press release.

鈥淲e are essentially looking at the pulsar through a naturally occurring magnifying glass, which allows us to see the two regions separately,鈥� Main says. 鈥淭he biggest advantage to Arecibo is its incredible sensitivity compared to other radio telescopes聽since it has much more collecting area. Finding the effect of highly magnified pulses was only possible in Arecibo, since we already had the sensitivity to detect every pulse from this pulsar.鈥�

Main is already working on furthering his findings with new observation times at Arecibo.

From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., observers will have an opportunity to view the moon through several telescopes set up at Knights Plaza near the CFE Arena. Students and professors associated with 鲍颁贵鈥檚 Planetary Sciences Group will be on hand to help viewers decipher the many lunar features they will see through the lens.

There also will be activities geared toward children: star charts, meteorites, demonstrations and other activities, such as 鈥淔ind the Apollo Lunar Landing Sites on the Moon,鈥� playing off the popular 鈥淲here鈥檚 Waldo?鈥� books.

The goal is to share the wonder of astronomy with youngsters and potentially inspire a new generation of space explorers with physics degrees.

鈥淲e鈥檙e very excited,鈥� said Yan Fernandez, director of the 麻豆原创 Robinson Observatory and an associate professor of astronomy and physics. 鈥淎 lot of us remember looking at the night sky through telescopes as children and being in awe of the things we saw, like the moon, our nearest neighbor. We want to make sure children in Central Florida have that same opportunity.鈥�

A similar event last year drew more than 100 people. An observation night was scheduled last month, but rain forced the volunteers to cancel the event.

鈥淏ecause it gets darker earlier now, we hope to see people who might otherwise would not have been able to visit in September, when the sun sets later, closer to kids’ bedtimes,” Fernandez said. “And the cooler weather should make for crisper views through the telescope.”

The event is free but parking fees apply. To get live updates, especially if the weather is questionable, look for the 麻豆原创 Robinson Observatory on Facebook at .

Consolmagno will cover the Vatican’s role in astronomy, from the reform of the calendar in 1582 to the Vatican Advanced Technology Telescope in Arizona.

Consolmagno is curator of the Vatican meteorite collection in Castel Gandolfo. His research focuses on the connections between meteorites, asteroids and the origin of small bodies in the solar system.

Previously, he has worked at Harvard and MIT and as a teacher in Kenya for the Peace Corps. He is the past chair of the American Astronomical Society’s Division for Planetary Sciences and past president of Division 16 (Moons and Planets) of the International Astronomical Union. He has coauthored five books on astronomy and has appeared on 鈥淭he Colbert Report,鈥� as well as a number of BBC radio programs.

Consolmagno’s talk is part of the College of Sciences’ Distinguished Speaker Series.

Their unexpected findings will be published Thursday, April 29 in Nature, which will feature two complementary articles by the 麻豆原创-led team and by another team of planetary scientists.

鈥淲hat we鈥檝e found suggests that an asteroid like this one may have hit Earth and brought our planet its water,鈥� said 麻豆原创 Physics Professor Humberto Campins, the study鈥檚 lead author.

To continue reading about the study, click here.