The University of Michigan Space Institute

Empowering the University of Michigan to Advance Its World Leadership in Space

The Space Institute is the central focal point of space-related research across the entire University of Michigan campus, where stakeholders are encouraged to collaborate creatively and effectively with colleagues from a broad range of backgrounds.

We Advance Leadership in Space Activities:
  • Scientifically (including fundamental and applied research)
  • Technically (via engineering and project synergies)
  • Socially (emphasizing society’s reliance on space)
  • Commercially (through innovation, workforce education and corporate partnerships)
Our Focus is Three-Fold:
  1. Conduct research from space
  2. Design systems to operate in space
  3. Allow humans to live in space

U-M Space News

  • SPRL Moves New SPICES Instrument Closer to Realization

    SPRL Moves New SPICES Instrument Closer to Realization

    In an effort to demystify the chemical make-up of the solar wind, the Space Physics Research Laboratory (SPRL) has developed an instrument capable of accelerating particles faster than ever before onboard a…


  • Seeing the Sun in a New Light

    Seeing the Sun in a New Light

    For University of Michigan researchers who have dedicated their careers to building a better understanding of the sun, the eclipse holds a different allure: the chance to gather scientific data that’s normally…


  • U-M Student Team to Help Fill the Inflatable Void in NASA Challenge

    U-M Student Team to Help Fill the Inflatable Void in NASA Challenge

    A team of student engineers at the University of Michigan will research, design, and demonstrate novel inflatable systems configured for future lunar operations through a NASA-sponsored engineering competition. […]Read More…



Special Announcements

NASA invites applications for the 5th annual course of the Spaceflight Technology, Applications, and Research (STAR) virtual training focused on the science and technology behind biological experiments in space. Deadline: June 28, 2024.

Pathfinder and Power Grants

The University of Michigan Space Institute invites eligible faculty, instructors, researchers, students, or student teams to submit a proposal for seed funding in support of research, instructional, or student projects.

Congratulations to Our Grant Recipients


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