In a new study published in The Planetary Science Journal, researchers from 麻豆原创, NASA鈥檚 Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) and other institutions explored a unique, spider-like feature in Manann谩n Crater on Europa, one of Jupiter鈥檚 icy moons.

First observed by NASA鈥檚 Galileo spacecraft, the feature may have formed from briny water eruptions beneath the ice, offering clues about subsurface liquid water and potential habitability on Europa.

“Europa is a fascinating moon to study because its subsurface ocean may have the conditions to support life.” 鈥� Lauren Mc Keown, assistant professor at 麻豆原创

鈥淏y understanding surface expressions, we can learn more about processes and conditions where liquid water may exist below the surface,鈥� says Lauren Mc Keown, assistant professor at 鲍颁贵鈥檚 .

Using Earth鈥檚 lake stars as analogs, combined with field observations, lab experiments and modeling, the researchers hope to gain valuable insights into how these icy features form, which could have implications for future missions that might land on Europa and other icy airless worlds.

Originally from Ireland, Mc Keown鈥檚 interest in space began as a teenager when she first learned about the Cassini spacecraft, which explored Enceladus, a small icy moon of Saturn.

鈥淚 was fascinated by the animations showing a water plume shooting miles above the moon鈥檚 surface and the possibility that liquid water, or even an ocean, might exist there,鈥� she says. 鈥淚t encouraged me to explore NASA鈥檚 website to learn more about icy planetary surfaces and eventually pursue a career in planetary science at Trinity College Dublin.鈥�

As an icy planetary geomorphologist, Mc Keown studies surface features and processes on icy planets, moons and small bodies.

鈥淢y research includes analyzing Martian 鈥榮piders,鈥� which are dendritic 鈥� branching, tree-like 鈥� features that form in the regolith near Mars鈥� south pole,鈥� she says. 鈥淣ow, I鈥檓 applying that knowledge to other planetary surfaces, including Europa.鈥�

While Martian spiders form when dust and sand are eroded by escaping gas below a seasonal dry ice layer, Mc Keown believes Europa鈥檚 鈥渁sterisk-shaped鈥� feature may have formed after impact, when liquid brine within the icy shell extruded through broken-up ice from impact to form a pattern similar to Earth鈥檚 lake stars.

鈥淟ake stars are radial, branching patterns that form when snow falls on frozen lakes, and the weight of the snow creates holes in the ice, allowing water to flow through the snow, melting it and spreading in a way that is energetically favorable,鈥� she says.

Dendritic patterns like these are common in nature, appearing in Lichtenberg figures created by lightning strikes, in beach rilles where tides flow through sand, and in many other systems where fluid flows through porous surfaces.

鈥淚鈥檓 fascinated by these beautiful features on Earth, and there is very little research on how lake stars are formed鈥�, Mc Keown says. 鈥淭his inspired my team to explore whether similar processes could explain the pattern on Europa, albeit under different pressure and temperature conditions.鈥�

In the study, researchers proposed a new explanation for the feature, informally naming it Damh谩n Alla, Irish for 鈥渟pider,鈥� to distinguish it from Martian spider formations. They suggest it may have formed in a way similar to lake stars on frozen Earth lakes, under locally temporary elevated temperatures and pressures caused by an impact that created Europa鈥檚 Manann谩n crater.

鈥淟ake stars on Earth are star-shaped or branched melt patterns that form when warmer water rises through thin ice and spreads through overlying slush or snow before freezing,鈥� Mc Keown says. 鈥淥n Europa, we believe a subsurface brine reservoir could have erupted and spread through porous surface ice, producing a similar pattern.鈥�

To test this hypothesis, Mc Keown and colleagues conducted field and lab experiments, observing lake stars in Breckenridge, Colorado, and recreating the process in a cryogenic glovebox at JPL, using Europa ice simulants cooled with liquid nitrogen.

鈥淲e flowed water through these simulants under different temperatures and found that similar star-like patterns formed even under extremely cold temperatures (-100掳C), supporting the idea that the same mechanism could occur on Europa after impact,鈥� Mc Keown says.

Elodie Lesage, a research scientist at the Planetary Science Institute and co-author of the study, modeled how a brine pool might behave beneath Europa鈥檚 surface after this impact, and the team created an animation illustrating the process.

Observations of Europa鈥檚 icy features have been limited to images from the Galileo spacecraft.

Mc Keown鈥檚 team hopes to resolve this question with higher-resolution imagery from the Europa Clipper mission, a NASA spacecraft scheduled to arrive at the Jupiter system in April 2030.

鈥淭he significance of our research is really exciting,鈥� Mc Keown says. 鈥淪urface features like these can tell us a lot about what鈥檚 happening beneath the ice. If we see more of them with Europa Clipper, they could point to local brine pools below the surface.鈥�

The findings provide insights for possible patterns on Europa; however, researchers caution against relying solely on Earth analogs to understand other planetary surfaces.

鈥淲hile lake stars have provided valuable insight, Earth鈥檚 conditions are very different from Europa鈥檚,鈥� Mc Keown says. 鈥淓arth has a nitrogen-rich atmosphere, while Europa鈥檚 environment is extremely low in pressure and temperature. In this study, we combined field observations with lab experiments to better simulate Europa鈥檚 surface conditions.鈥�

Mc Keown is also proud of the collaborative nature of the work.

鈥淭his study came together organically and reflects a value that鈥檚 important to me: community,鈥� she says. 鈥淚鈥檝e had the opportunity to work with an incredible group of scientists 鈥� including JPL Planetary Geologist Jennifer Scully, with whom I collaborated to name the feature 鈥� whose multidisciplinary expertise was essential to this research. There are not many Irish planetary scientists, so working together has been rewarding, particularly because many of Europa鈥檚 features have Irish and Celtic names.鈥�

Looking ahead, Mc Keown plans to investigate how low pressure affects the formation of these features and whether they could form beneath an icy crust, similar to how lava flows on Earth to create smooth, ropy textures called pahoehoe.

鈥淚鈥檓 setting up a new lab at 麻豆原创, called the FROSTIE (Facility for Research Observing Simulated Topography of Icy Environments) Lab, where I鈥檓 designing a chamber specifically for these experiments. I am currently involving students to create icy simulants for this work while continuing to collaborate with JPL,鈥� she says.

Although geomorphology was the main focus of this study, the findings offer important clues about subsurface activity and habitability, which are crucial for future astrobiology research.

鈥淚鈥檝e spoken with astrobiologists interested in these patterns, including how microbes might inhabit lakes on Earth,鈥� Mc Keown says. 鈥淭here鈥檚 great potential for collaboration across disciplines with this research, and I look forward to connecting with colleagues and students at 麻豆原创 who are as passionate and excited about this work as I am.鈥�

Founded to reach the moon, we鈥檙e already on our way to the next frontier. Built for liftoff, America鈥檚 Space University celebrates 麻豆原创 Space Week Nov. 3-7.

Where Global Leaders Unite to Boldly Forge the Future of Space

As SpaceU, 麻豆原创 is pushing the boundaries of exploration once again by launching a groundbreaking new doctoral program in the planetary and space sciences. Now, aspiring researchers can apply to the inaugural cohort of the program, which launches Fall 2026 and is offered through the College of Sciences鈥� Department of Physics.

Apply to the planetary and space sciences doctoral program by the Dec. 1, 2025, priority deadline.

鈥淚t鈥檚 relatively unusual to have a separate Ph.D. program in planetary and space sciences like this,鈥� says Yan Fernandez, professor of physics and director of the new doctoral program. 鈥淚t鈥檚 an exciting step forward. We have a large number of faculty working on planetary science and there are very few universities with that kind of knowledge in one place.鈥�

The new doctoral program is interdisciplinary in its approach, bringing in elements from astrobiology, astronomy, data analysis, geology, physics and more. The program originated as a planetary sciences track as part of a doctoral degree in physics and was approved by the Board of Governors in Florida as the first and only planetary and space sciences doctoral program in the state.

鈥淎s SpaceU, we are aiming to be the premier engineering and technology university in the state and a destination for space-focused learning in the world,鈥� says Addie Dove, professor and chair of the Department of Physics. 鈥淲e want to ensure the programs we offer reflect the university鈥檚 strategic approach as well as what鈥檚 necessary to succeed in today鈥檚 workforce.鈥�

What Students Can Expect from the Program

The new degree will position graduates for employment opportunities that are projected to grow in Florida and nationwide. Program graduates will have the knowledge and skills necessary for roles in governmental agencies such as NASA, the private space industry, academia and research institutions. Graduates will be prepared to work as scientists within fields that include astronomy, atmospheric physics, space science and geoscience.

鈥淭his program is not just for physics students, but also for students who have studied geology, engineering, data science or聽 many other STEM fields,鈥� Dove says. 鈥淲e have a number of faculty who built hardware that has gone or will travel into space and there鈥檚 an opportunity for students with more of an engineering background to pursue this doctorate.鈥�

鈥淗aving a strong foundation in scientific thinking is important, whether individuals are building hardware going to other planetary surfaces, working on next generation telescopes, or considering problems that have not even been imagined yet,鈥� she continues.

The program broadens the areas of study to include not only physics but also astrochemistry, astrogeology, astrobiology, and scientific instrument development. Fernandez also emphasizes the importance of big data and machine learning in planetary science.

鈥淭here鈥檚 a need for a program like this because we are awash in data,鈥� Fernandez says. 鈥淪tudents who understand these aspects of big data, efficient programming and working in problems in planetary science can contribute in many ways to innovative research and to cutting-edge science.鈥�

Fueling the Future of Space

Dove notes that the students who have pursued the initial planetary sciences track in the physics doctorate program have successfully worked on space-related research.

鈥淭here are many possibilities available through the program鈥檚 large network,鈥� she says. 鈥淢any of our students obtain internships or fellowships over the course of their studies, and we create high impact experiences within our classes. Our graduates have become postdocs and have worked on spacecraft missions. Some have continued into academia, some have worked for NASA and we have also seen students go on to work for companies that develop hardware and technology to send to space.鈥�

Dove shares that it is important to be responsive to the changing needs of industry, while providing opportunities for students to work in the collaborative ways that researchers often work in planetary science and all of STEM.

鈥淲e wanted to ensure that the program reflected the values of our department, college and university and embraced our shared passion to boldly push the frontiers of knowledge,鈥� Dove says.

Note to Prospective Students: Enrollment is currently open for admission in the Fall 2026, with a priority deadline of Dec. 1, 2025. You may apply after the early deadline, and can reach out to faculty with research areas of interest. Be sure to apply to the鈥�planetary and space sciences doctoral program鈥痑nd not the track. Contact planets@ucf.edu for more information.

Using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), scientists analyzed far-away bodies 鈥� known as Trans-Neptunian Objects (TNOs) 鈥� and found varying traces of methanol. The discoveries are helping them better classify different TNOs and understand the complex chemical reactions in space that may relate to the formation of our solar system and the origin of life.

The findings, recently published in by the American Astronomical Society, reveal two distinct groups of TNOs with surface ice methanol presence: one with a depleted amount of surface methanol and a large reservoir beneath the surface, and another 鈥� furthest from the Sun 鈥� with an overall weaker methanol presence. The study suggests that cosmic irradiation over billions of years may have played a role in the first group鈥檚 varying methanol distribution, while raising new questions about the second group鈥檚 muted signatures.

Reaching Back in Time and Space

TNOs are important to our understanding of our solar system鈥檚 origins because they are incredibly well-preserved remnants of the protoplanetary disk 鈥� or disk of gas and dust surrounding a young star such as the Sun 鈥� and can give scientists a thorough glimpse into the past.

麻豆原创 Department of Physics Research Professor Noem铆 Pinilla-Alonso, who now works at the University of Oviedo in Spain, co-led the research as part of the 麻豆原创-led Discovering the Surface Compositions of Trans-Neptunian Objects (DiSCo) program which includes Associate Professor Ana Carolina de Souza-Feliciano.

Pinilla-Alonso says the research helps piece together the history of the solar system鈥檚 chemistry and gain insights into exoplanets, where methanol and methane play a crucial role in shaping atmospheres and hinting at the conditions of potentially habitable worlds.

鈥淢ethanol, a simple alcohol, has been found on comets and distant TNOs, hinting that it may be a primitive ingredient inherited from the early days of our solar system 鈥� or even from interstellar space,鈥� Pinilla-Alonso says. 鈥淏ut methanol is more than just a leftover from the past. When exposed to radiation, it transforms into new compounds, acting as a chemical time capsule that reveals how these icy worlds have evolved over billions of years.鈥�

Methanol ice is a key precursor that may lead to organic molecules such as sugars, and its discovery in TNOs paves the way for so much more, she says.

These spectral differences reveal that not all TNOs formed from the same molecular ingredients, Pinilla-Alonso says. Instead, their compositions reflect their origins 鈥� where and how they formed 鈥� and their transformations over time.

鈥淲hat excited me the most was realizing that these differences were linked to the behavior of methanol 鈥� a key ingredient that had long been elusive on TNOs from earth-based observations,鈥� she says. 鈥淥ur findings suggest that methanol is being destroyed on the surface of TNOs by irradiation, but remains more abundant in the subsurface, protected from this exposure.鈥�

Pinilla-Alonso worked alongside 麻豆原创 FSI researchers, including de Souza-Feliciano, who synthesized the laboratory data with modeling to better explain the behavior of methanol.

De Souza-Feliciano helped to better visualize the findings by reproducing some of the spectral features the scientists were seeing and could provide mathematical support for the data in the study.

鈥淥ne of the biggest surprises came from the methanol behavior,鈥� de Souza-Feliciano says. 鈥淔rom laboratory data, its signatures at shorter wavelengths differ from the fundamental ones in longer wavelengths.鈥�

De Souza-Feliciano collaborated on prior DiSCo research projects using JWST that characterized binary objects and other distant TNOs.

鈥淭he main DiSCo paper addressed the main characteristics of the three groups of TNOs,鈥� she says. 鈥淭his paper goes into detail about one of them, known as the cliff group, which is the nickname for the spectral group where the reflectance did not increase after approximately 3.3 microns.鈥�

Not only are these cliff group TNOs time capsules for our solar system, but the group houses cold-classical TNOs which have largely stayed in place since their formation, de Souza-Feliciano says.

鈥淥ne of the reasons why this group is a key for the outer solar system understanding is [because] it contains all the cold-classical TNOs,鈥� she says. 鈥淭he cold-classical TNOs are the only dynamic group that probably stayed in the place where they formed from the formation of the solar system to today.鈥�

International Collaboration

Rosario Brunetto, an astronomer at the Universit茅 Paris-Saclay, led the research with fellow scientists Elsa聽H茅nault and Sasha聽Cryan.

He says he believes this collaborative discovery will provide foundational knowledge of our solar system and ignite interest in planetary science.

鈥淭his discovery not only reshapes our understanding of TNOs but also provides a crucial reference for interpreting JWST鈥檚 observations of other distant objects, such as Neptune Trojans, Centaurs and asteroids, as well as for future missions exploring the outer solar system,鈥� Brunetto says. 鈥淏eyond its scientific significance, the search for methanol in the solar system also fuels curiosity and inspires new generations to explore the cosmos and understand the chemical evolutions in space.鈥�

麻豆原创 FSI Assistant Scientist Charles Schambeau and 麻豆原创 physics graduate student Brittany Harvison also contributed to the research.

The findings were made possible through an international collaboration with researchers from Northern Arizona University, the Laboratoire de G茅ologie de Lyon in France, NASA鈥檚 Space Telescope Science Institute, the Max-Planck-Institut f眉r extraterrestrische Physik in Germany, the Lowell Observatory, the Universidade de Coimbra in Portugal, INAF-Osservatorio Astrofisico di Catania in Italy, the University of Canterbury in New Zealand, the Instituto de Astrof铆sica de Canarias in Spain, the Universidad de La Laguna in Spain, Fundaci贸n Galileo Galilei-INAF in Spain and Observat贸rio Nacional do Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.

Researchers鈥� Credentials:

De Souza-Feliciano is an associate professor at FSI. She received a doctoral degree in astronomy from Observat贸rio Nacional de Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Her main scientific interest is the characterization of the surface properties of small bodies in the solar system through an observational perspective. She鈥檚 been deeply involved in the study of the surface composition of TNOS to better understand the variety of the entire population using both ground-based and space-based facilities. Because of this, de Souza-Felicano is involved in several projects using the JWST.

Pinilla-Alonso is a former FSI professor who joined 麻豆原创 in 2015. Most of her work on this project was conducted while she was at 麻豆原创. Pinilla-Alonso also holds a joint appointment as a research professor in 鲍颁贵鈥檚聽,聽and has led numerous international observational campaigns supporting NASA missions such as New Horizons, OSIRIS-REx and Lucy. Pinilla-Alonso is a distinguished researcher at the Institute for Space Sciences and Technologies in Asturias, within the Universidad de Oviedo. She received a doctoral degree in astrophysics and planetary sciences from the Universidad de La Laguna in Spain.

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.

Some of 鲍颁贵鈥檚 space experts will be on hand to help participants catch the best lunar views from campus. The event will be held 6-8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 21, weather permitting. That is before the night sky is the darkest, but you can still see the moon, says 麻豆原创 College of Sciences Assistant Professor of Physics Adrienne 鈥淎ddie鈥� Dove.

Dove and Professor of Physics Yan Fernandez will be in attendance sharing insight on their research related to the moon, including NASA鈥檚 Lunar-VISE mission, which will be exploring a region of the moon to identify minerals and chemical resources.

麻豆原创 Libraries and a few student organizations will have booths and activities for attendees to learn more about astronomy and physics 鈥� from meteorites to water rockets and exploring moon craters. Attendees can also learn about the moon as they collect stamps for a lunar passport at each of the space stations, staffed by 麻豆原创 planetary scientists, science librarian and members of the university鈥檚 Astronomy Society.

Help 麻豆原创 continue to provide stellar experiences for students and the Central Florida community by .

Sponsored by 鲍颁贵鈥檚 , Observe the Moon Knight is just one of many events hosted by Robinson Observatory and the student-run Astronomy Society.

麻豆原创 is known as SpaceU since it was founded in 1963 to develop science and talent in support of space research. The university continues its strong tradition of 鈥渞eaching for the stars鈥� 鈥� from producing its own simulated Martian soil to more than a dozen projects aimed at getting people back on the moon safely, many of which directly support NASA鈥檚 Artemis program. In fact, nearly 30% of Kennedy Space Center employes graduated from 麻豆原创. More than a dozen 麻豆原创 researchers have asteroids named after them, and 麻豆原创 has a planet named in its honor.

Honoring 鲍颁贵鈥檚 long-standing history of work with space industry carries into 麻豆原创 athletic programs with themed Space Games that first launched with football in 2016. On Oct. 18, the No. 2 麻豆原创 men鈥檚 soccer plays its Space Game against Coastal Carolina. Women鈥檚 soccer and volleyball have also played Space Games this year.

On Nov. 11, 麻豆原创 football will play its seventh annual Space Game, with Oklahoma State as this year鈥檚 opponent. 鲍颁贵鈥檚 50-yard line at the FBC Mortgage Stadium lines up on the exact latitude as Launch Complex 39A, NASA鈥檚 most historic launch pad, located about 35 miles east of the university.

Chances are that some of the equipment landing on the moon and the methods that will be used to grow food or build shelter, will have been tested first on experimental soil developed right at 麻豆原创.

鲍颁贵鈥檚 Exolith Lab has produced and shipped 25 tons of simulated extraterrestrial soil so far this year. Customers include NASA and commercial companies domestically and around the globe, who are using the dirt to test equipment being developed for Moon, Mars, and asteroid missions. University researchers also are using the material to test strategies they are developing to address a variety of problems facing astronauts such as finding sustainable ways to grow food on other planets. Even K-12 schools are among the clients because they are using the material to provide students hands-on science experiences to increase interest in STEM.

鈥淚t certainly has grown since we started,鈥� says Zoe Landsman 鈥�11 鈥�17PhD, the chief scientist for the Lab who earned degrees at 麻豆原创 in physics. 鈥淲e aren鈥檛 the only ones doing this, but we are certainly the only university doing this at this scale.鈥�

The first year the lab operated in 2018, less than half of ton of the experimental dirt was produced and shipped. In 2020, the lab produced 5 tons and halfway through 2021, the lab is almost at 25 tons, said director of operations, Anna Metke 鈥�19.

The lab is completely self-sufficient thanks to the increase in demand. The lab charges from $35 to $55 a kilogram with some specialty variations costing $5 per ounce. Money is reinvested into the lab.

Like Earth 鈥� which has sandy, rocky and clay regions 鈥� the moon, Mars and asteroids have various kinds of dirt. If an engineering team wants to test the tire design of a rover headed for moon鈥檚 south pole, it would need 鈥渟ofter鈥� mock moon dirt based on the data available about the Moon, Landsman says. If they were targeting a different part of the moon, the soil would be different.

The lab produces several kinds of simulant depending on the client鈥檚 needs. There are more than 10 options available, and Landsman works with clients who need custom orders.

Humble Beginnings

Exolith began in Physics Professor Dan Britt鈥檚 lab under a NASA small business grant in partnership with the commercial startup Deep Space Industries. Britt and his postdoctoral scholar, Kevin Cannon, developed a scientifically based, standardized method for creating simulated Martian and asteroid regolith (commonly called soil).

The team published its results in academic journals providing scientists around the world a high-fidelity standard. Deep Space Industries left the simulant business and 麻豆原创 picked up the slack as a non-profit service to the space exploration community. Orders and production have been growing steadily since then.

鈥淚t was a way to give scientists a way to test their ideas on something similar to what they would encounter in space,鈥� Britt says. 鈥淵ou wouldn鈥檛 want to discover that your method didn鈥檛 work when you are actually there. It takes a lot of money, effort, and time to get there, so you want your shot to be the best one possible. Our simulant helps improve the odds.鈥�

The demand grew quickly and in 2019 the operation moved to a 1,100-square foot warehouse in Winter Park. This month the group is preparing to move to an even bigger warehouse (about 5,500 square feet) closer to campus. As part of that move, the team expects to set up a 鈥渟andbox鈥� like the one found at NASA鈥檚 Swamp Works, Landsman says.

鈥淭his will give some of our researchers the ability to work with the simulant in a larger environment,鈥� she says. 鈥淲e鈥檙e all looking forward to that, when we fully build out.鈥�

From NASA to Social Media Influencers

With NASA鈥檚 Artemis mission right around the corner, the Moon simulant has been a hot item at Exolith. While the client list is private, there are several companies and agencies that are public about their supplier.

NASA, the European Space Agency, the Japanese Space Agency, and German Space Agency (DLR) have placed orders; so has Honeybee Robotics, Made in Space and Maana Electric, a company based in Luxembourg. Schools are also placing orders from St. James Day School in Texas to the Mendon-Upton Regional School District in Massachusetts. Even social media influencers are customers such as Emma Carr 鈥� better known as @astrosurferninja on Instagram 鈥� an exceptional tween who is chronicling her journey to becoming an astronaut via social media.

鈥淪he has done some of the most impressive plant growth experiments with our simulants,鈥� Metke says.

NASA even used the regolith this past summer as part of its Plant the Moon and Plant Mars summer challenge. It was a national competition aimed at getting regular citizens to work on experiments for growing food on the Moon or Mars. Those who paid to participate got a starter box with 2-6 kilograms of simulant depending on the size of the team.

The Process

When it comes to creating the simulant, it is a lot like making a cake. The team keeps a pantry stocked with raw materials including basalt (lava rocks), anorthosite, serpentine, olivine, and many other minerals important in extraterrestrial regoliths. Depending on what ingredient is needed the team can take large rocks and grind or smash them in a variety of equipment to turn them into different grades of powder.

Then they are mixed based on the formulas. The quantity of each ingredient is carefully measured to create the exact blend needed.

Then the order is packed in small or large bags, placed in cardboard boxes and ready for the U.S. Postal service. If the orders are bigger, they are shipped with the appropriate carrier.

Some boxes travel as far as Australia or Germany, while others are delivered to the labs of 麻豆原创 Assistant Physics Professor Adrienne Dove, Professor Joshua Colwell, and Associate Researcher Julie Brisset. They are all using simulant for a variety of research including how dusts reacts in space

For example, Dove is looking at how planetary surfaces of the Moon, asteroids and other small objects in space behave and interact with the surrounding electric fields and charged particles from the sun. This research is important because it not only informs the understanding of how Earth formed and evolved but it also makes space exploration safer, as scientists can use the research results to predict how spacecraft and humans will interact with planetary surfaces.

Exolith Benefits 麻豆原创 Students

Many of the lab employees are 麻豆原创 students or recent graduates. And while crushing rocks and following recipe ingredients isn鈥檛 glamorous, those working in the warehouse love every minute of it because its 鈥渞eal.鈥�

For Christian Sipe, an aerospace engineering student, working in the lab is directly helping him prepare for his future job. He serves as the lab鈥檚 chief In-Situ Resource Utilization engineer.

He鈥檚 already created equipment to solve problems in the lab. For example, he designed and manufactured a uniquely shaped connector which slip onto tubing so rocks being crushed in one machine can slip into the next container in the production, while reducing the dust created and expelled in the process.

鈥淚 hope to lead teams that use ISRU to build infrastructure on the Lunar surface, such as a Lunar outpost and many other key structures that will help humanity become a multi-planetary species,鈥� Sipe says. 鈥淭his is great experience, because I鈥檓 working with very similar material right here. It鈥檚 not a dream. It鈥檚 real, now.鈥�

Lab manager Parks Easter, a Burnett Honors Scholar studying civil engineering, says the opportunity at Exolith has set him up for success. His career goal is simple: help with the construction of a Lunar base through his geotechnical research on the regolith he鈥檚 been working with at 麻豆原创.

鈥淚 have learned so much from my experience at聽Exolith聽that I never would’ve learned within my major alone,鈥� Easter says. 鈥淚 have been given the opportunity to talk at multiple NASA conferences as well as publish abstracts about the development of our simulant. I have also gotten the chance to develop new regolith simulants and work on research projects as an undergraduate that I wouldn’t be able to do anywhere else. I have always loved space and thought that this would be the perfect application of my skills within the industry.鈥�

Being the first in her family to pursue the sciences, the Tennessee native was deeply influenced by science museums and hands-on labs in school. It was in high school where she first used a spectroscope to view tubes of various gases. Her love for spectroscopy and compositional science only grew from there. Currently, she is the vice president of and volunteers with the , which helps coordinate public events at .

Lunar regolith is a major component of her graduate research. Regolith makes up the top layer of planetary body surfaces and is composed of loose materials such as dust, rocks, and sand soil. This medley of minerals provides an insight into what can grow and thrive on a planet. 聽Although the moon and Mercury seem far away, Shackelford鈥檚 research will also provide insights for those on Earth.

鈥淐onducting planetary science research is important because the study of other planetary bodies can allow us to better understand our own planet, and subsequently, life itself,鈥� Shackelford says.

Being able to conduct research and share space discoveries is a true honor, she added. 聽After completing her , Shackelford wants to become a professor in her field or a science communicator. Shackelford, who enrolled at 麻豆原创 after completing her bachelor鈥檚 degree in Alabama, says it鈥檚 critical the public understand the discoveries being made.

鈥溌槎乖� is aiming to be at the forefront of planetary science research and is actively conducting research that will be the basis for the future of human space exploration,鈥� Shackelford says. 鈥淜nowing that we are so dedicated to the study of space sciences here really pushes me to focus on being the best science communicator that I can be. I want to share the wonder of our universe with everyone, not just my fellow scientists.鈥�

This past summer, teachers from East River High School, Wekiva High School, South Creek Middle School, and Mollie Ray Elementary spent time alongside Associate Professor of Physics Adrienne Dove and her team of undergraduate and graduate students at . Dove is working on a NASA-funded experiment (Strata-2P) aimed at understanding the mechanical interactions between particles that make up granular materials, such as rock, sand, and dust, in variable gravitational accelerations, including those on the moon, Mars, and asteroids.

鈥淥ur research has applications to planetary surface studies, such as those focused on the moon and asteroids, and is relevant to both human and robotic exploration missions, such as the upcoming NASA Artemis and VIPER missions,鈥� says Dove, who has had various experiments fly aboard parabolic aircraft and private rockets in the past few years. 鈥淭he results of the Strata-2P experiments will offer insights into how the geometry of the grains, like shape and size, and varying gravitational effects contribute to how granular materials pack and settle during planetary exploration activities. We鈥檒l be exploring different tools and techniques to interact with those surfaces.鈥�

NASA plans to land astronauts on the moon鈥檚 south pole by 2024. It would signify the first time Americans have gone back to the moon since the Apollo 17 mission of 1972. For the past several years NASA and commercial space companies have been working to get a spacecraft and supporting equipment in place to make the mission a success. Figuring out how to minimize the impact of space dust on the spacecraft, instruments and people is among the many challenges scientists are facing as part of the mission. Dove鈥檚 area of expertise includes studying these dusty interactions on planetary surfaces.

Dove knows first-hand that involving high school and college students in hands-on research is a great way to prepare them for the workforce. Research that can easily tie into a problem NASA or private industry is trying to solve is a great motivator for students, she says. But having classrooms of students in the lab just isn鈥檛 feasible. Dove worked with 麻豆原创 physics instructor and former high school teacher Adam LaMee to develop the Teacher-in-Residence program as part of this project. The program helps classroom teachers get a taste of space research, which they can then use to craft lessons and activities for students across different levels and backgrounds.

Over several weeks this summer, local teachers were able to participate in a range of activities in the lab from programming microprocessors, conducting image analysis using Python, generating data analysis and visualization, and fabricating devices needed for Dove鈥檚 research. They will continue interacting with the lab throughout the school year as the project progresses and they implement the lessons into their curriculum. They will also participate in the bi-weekly science team meetings (held virtually to accommodate the distributed team) and the planning process for the flight. The participants will receive stipends for their efforts and the teachers may also get a chance to fly aboard a zero-G flight with the 麻豆原创 research team later this year.

鈥淚 was beyond excited to have the opportunity to work with graduate students on an important project that is testing real world scientific data,鈥� says Shelley Bullard, who teaches at South Creek Middle School. 鈥淭he fact that the projects actually go up into space makes it even more exciting. I鈥檝e also interviewed undergraduate and graduate students in the lab so that I can show my middle school students how interesting the physics projects are and to give them an idea of what they can become in this field. I believe they will love the projects and may be encouraged to choose science careers as a result.鈥�

Dove and LaMee will be in touch with the participants throughout the school year to offer expertise as the teachers develop activities. They鈥檒l also want to hear how the activities translated in the classroom. The teachers are chronicling the project on a 聽to bring the content to a wider audience.

鈥淚t was fun meeting them and getting started,鈥� Dove says. 鈥淭hey鈥檝e brainstormed some really creative ideas, so it鈥檒l be awesome to see what they develop for their students. For me it was really a great learning experience so far because I鈥檝e never directly worked with K-12 on a project like this before. But having the opportunity to help teachers ignite the imagination and passion for science, I鈥檓 all for that.鈥�

The launch took place at 10:50 a.m. at the Mojave Air and Space Port in California.

The research sent into space is a small satellite called Q-PACE, or CubeSat Particle Aggregation and Collision Experiment. It was launched along with eight other CubeSat missions, all selected by NASA.

This is LauncherOne鈥檚 second flight and the first to carry its customers鈥� satellites.

Q-PACE鈥檚 mission is to capture video of small particles colliding in microgravity, which will help scientists understand the earliest stages of planet formation.

鈥淲e now have experience in building small satellites and getting them into orbit,鈥� says Josh Colwell, a professor and the project鈥檚 principal investigator. 鈥淚t鈥檚 pretty exciting, and now we have to get in touch with the satellite and get the experiments running.鈥�

Q-PACE is a rectangular satellite about a foot long with a width and height of about four inches.

A test chamber inside contains particles of various sizes, shapes and compositions, including a collection of small pieces of meteorites known as chondrules. When in orbit, the test chamber will be shaken at different speeds and directions to cause the particles to collide.

Different particles will be introduced over several phases, starting with large spherical particles and ending with aggregates of small dust particles and chondrules.

These collisions will be recorded with a high-speed camera, and the recordings will be transmitted to ground stations at 麻豆原创 and the University of Arkansas for analysis.

Q-PACE will be powered by the sun via its solar panels. The mission will last up to three years, after which it will fall into Earth鈥檚 atmosphere and burn up in the process.

The microgravity of low-Earth orbit will allow the particles to collide at slow speeds and will allow researchers to study how the particles bounce, stick and begin to aggregate.

This type of aggregation is a first step toward planet formation and is also seen taking place in the rings of Saturn and other planets.

Project co-investigators are Julie Brisset, an associate scientist with the ; Adrienne Dove, an assistant professor in 鲍颁贵鈥檚 Department of Physics; Doug Maukonen, a聽 systems engineer with the Florida Space Institute; Larry Roe, director of the Arkansas Center for Space and Planetary Sciences and an associate professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Arkansas; and Ju虉rgen Blum, a professor at the Technical University of Braunschweig.

The Q-PACE mission is part of NASA鈥檚 Educational Launch of Nanosatellites program. The mission was selected by NASA in 2015 for funding through its Small Innovative Missions for Planetary Exploration program.

Nearly all of the CubeSat missions onboard LauncherOne on Sunday were designed, built and tested by universities across the U.S., including Brigham Young University, the University of Michigan and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

Sunday鈥檚 flight continues a series of high-profile flights for 麻豆原创 space research.

Colwell is a Pegasus Professor of physics and assistant director of the Florida Space Institute. He received his doctorate in astrophysical, planetary and atmospheric sciences from the University of Colorado at Boulder and joined 鲍颁贵鈥檚 Department of Physics, part of 鲍颁贵鈥檚 , in 2006.

Brisset earned her doctoral degree in physics from the Technical University of Braunschweig and joined 麻豆原创 in 2016.

Dove received her doctorate in astrophysical and planetary science from the University of Colorado at Boulder and joined 麻豆原创 in 2012.

The research project is led by Adrienne Dove, an assistant professor in 鲍颁贵鈥檚 , and explores regolith behavior at zero and low gravity.

Regolith is loose, unconsolidated dirt and rocks and can be found on the surface of the moon, asteroids or other objects in space.

NASA announced the funding selections this month, and Dove will receive $440,000 for the 18-month project.

鈥淭his project is focused on understanding how tools, probes and other interactions with regolith are similar and different at various gravity levels,鈥� Dove says. 鈥淲e hope this will help us improve designs for operating on the lunar surface and at least better understand how objects and the surface will behave.鈥�

The flights are planned in November 2021, and the experiment will run on four flights during the flight week.

The funding will also allow for a teacher-in-residence summer experience for some local kindergarten through 12th grade teachers who will develop curriculum for their classes.

Dove鈥檚 research is one of 31 space technologies NASA selected for Flight Opportunities funding, which supports tests aboard parabolic aircraft, high-altitude balloons and suborbital rocket-powered systems.

This is the third time Dove has received Flight Opportunities funding as a project principal investigator. She has had research fly on trips with Blue Origin, Virgin Galactic and SpaceX and has an upcoming flight scheduled with Masten Space Systems. Dove鈥檚 new funding will be for trips with weightless flight company ZERO-G鈥檚 G-Force One plane.

In addition to 麻豆原创, universities selected to receive the NASA Flight Opportunities funding were 聽Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Purdue University, Stanford University, Arizona State University, University of California-Davis, University of Florida, University of Louisville, West Virginia University, Montana State University, University of California-Berkeley, Carthage College, Florida Institute of Technology and the New Jersey Institute of Technology .

The technologies that were selected address NASA鈥檚 priorities of lunar exploration and the use of commercial suborbital and low-Earth orbit platforms for research, according to a NASA press release.

鈥淏y supporting suborbital flight testing, our Flight Opportunities program aims to help ensure that these innovations are well-positioned to address challenges and enable NASA to achieve its lunar ambitions, while also contributing to a growing and vibrant commercial space industry,鈥� says Jim Reuter, associate administrator of NASA鈥檚 Space Technology Mission Directorate, or STMD, in the release. The Flight Opportunities program is part of STMD.

For the experiment, Dove will test how tools and probes interact with different regolith conditions and at different gravity levels, such as Martian, lunar, asteroid and zero gravity. The flights will be parabolic, meaning a plane goes up and then down at a rate that achieves a brief period of reduced gravity. And by changing the shape of the plane鈥檚 arc, the flights allow for the testing at different gravity levels, Dove says.

鈥淲e鈥檝e flown the basic hardware a number of times, so this flight will give us a chance to test instruments that might be used on future lunar exploration missions,鈥� she says. 鈥淲e鈥檙e obviously focusing on lunar applications this time around because of the increased interest in lunar activities and in creative ways to test how things will behave on the lunar surface.鈥�

Dove received her doctorate in astrophysical and planetary science from the University of Colorado at Boulder and her bachelor of science in physics from the University of Missouri. She joined 鲍颁贵鈥檚 Department of Physics, part of 鲍颁贵鈥檚 , in 2012.