NASA – University of Michigan Space Institute

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Features CYGNSS Mission Led by University of Michigan

Posted on January 21, 2026 (February 5, 2026) by U-M Space Institute

The CYGNSS Mission led at the University of Michigan will be exhibited in the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in July. The museum will feature a replica of NASA’s CYGNSS mission in the “RTX Living in the Space Age Hall.” Named the Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System, CYGNSS was developed at the University of Michigan’s Space Physics Research Laboratory (SPRL) and the Department of Climate and Space Sciences and Engineering (CLASP).

Human Exploration of Mars: National Academies Give NASA Their Recommendations

Posted on December 10, 2025 (December 11, 2025) by U-M Space Institute

NASA hired the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine to identify the scientific community’s priority objectives for human study and exploration of Mars, as well as the types of measurements, samples and studies needed to complete the objectives. The Academies delivered their report to NASA in December.

Zurbuchen, Formerly of U-M, NASA, Honored by Center for Entrepreneurship

Posted on December 5, 2025 (December 11, 2025) by U-M Space Institute

The University of Michigan’s Center for Entrepreneurship (CFE) honored co-founder Dr. Thomas Zurbuchen, with the presentation of a new award bearing his name, as well as the renaming of the center’s long-running Friday speaker series he launched, EHour.

“NASA Rover Makes a Shocking Discovery: Lightning on Mars”

Posted on November 26, 2025 (December 11, 2025) by U-M Space Institute

Christopher Ruf and Nilton Renno, professors of climate and space sciences and engineering, were featured in The New York Times in the article “NASA Rover Makes a Shocking Discovery: Lightning on Mars.” The article highlights how sixteen years ago they reported electrical discharges on Mars. | November 26, 2025

“The Future of Space Commerce is Uncertain Under Trump. Here’s Why.”

Posted on October 27, 2025 (October 29, 2025) by U-M Space Institute

Dr. Michael Liemohn, professor at U-M Climate and Space, was featured in the article, “The Future of Space Commerce is Uncertain Under Trump. Here’s Why.” for The Conversation. The article highlights how The Office of Space Commerce has been under stress in 2025 due to budget cuts and regulation hurdles. | October 27,

“It Happened at Michigan: U-M Alum Was First American to Walk in Space”

Posted on June 23, 2025 (July 16, 2025) by U-M Space Institute

In an article for The University Record, Edward H. White II, a 1959 graduate of the University of Michigan, was featured about being the first American to walk in space. His story was featured in the article “It Happened at Michigan: U-M Alum was First American to Walk in Space.” | June 23,

NASA Announces Lepri Will Serve as SunRISE Mission Lead

Posted on June 5, 2025 (December 11, 2025) by U-M Space Institute

In June, NASA announced that Professor Sue Lepri, who works as the director of the Space Physics Research Laboratory and a professor at the University of Michigan Department of Climate and Space and Engineering, is taking over as the Principal Investigator of the SunRISE Mission, or the Sun Radio Interferometer Space Experiment.

“NASA’s Parker Probe Just Flew Through Solar Fire at 430,000 MPH”

Posted on March 23, 2025 (March 26, 2025) by U-M Space Institute

The NASA Parker Solar Probe, a mission led by Principal Investigator Dr. Justin Kasper of the University of Michigan Department of Climate and Space, was featured on SciTechDaily.com about completing its 23rd close encounter with the Sun. The probe was featured in the article “NASA’s Parker Probe Just Flew Through Solar Fire at 430,000 Continue Reading »

NASA Flight Surgeon Speaks to Unique Career Caring for Astronauts

Posted on March 19, 2025 (April 29, 2025) by U-M Space Institute

The University of Michigan Space Institute welcomed its first seminar speaker to Ann Arbor, Michigan during the 2024-2025 academic year to present "Caring for Astronauts, One Mission At a Time." An alumna of the University of Michigan Medical School, Dr. Natacha Chough spoke about her role as a NASA Flight Surgeon for an audience of students, alumni and guests.

“Former NASA Rocket Scientist Aisha Bowe to Make History as Crew Member on Blue Origin’s First All-Woman Spaceflight”

Posted on March 5, 2025 (March 26, 2025) by U-M Space Institute

In an article for BecauseOfThemWeCan.com, Aisha Bowe, a U-M Climate & Space alumna, talks about her announcement that she will be part of Blue Origin’s NS-31 mission, making history as one of six women flying together on the 11th human spaceflight of New Shepard. She was featured in the article “Former NASA Rocket Scientist Continue Reading »