space – University of Michigan Space Institute

U-M Space Institute Supports Space Medicine at ResearchPalooza and Wins Service Award

Posted on October 23, 2024 (October 23, 2024) by U-M Space Institute

The University of Michigan Space Institute participated at ResearchPalooza in September on the University of Michigan Medical School campus. During the event, experts from the U-M Space Institute raised awareness of existing opportunities for students, faculty, and university partners to engage in space medicine research and education.

Space Force Establishes $35M Institute for Versatile Propulsion and Power at U-M

Posted on October 16, 2024 (October 17, 2024) by U-M Space Institute

To develop spacecraft that can “maneuver without regret,” the U.S. Space Force is providing $35 million to a national research team led by the University of Michigan. It will be the first to bring fast chemical rockets together with efficient electric propulsion powered by a nuclear microreactor.

Could One of Jupiter’s Moons Support Alien Life? U-M Scientists Are on the Case

Posted on October 14, 2024 (October 22, 2024) by U-M Space Institute

NASA’s Europa Clipper, the organization’s latest mission to Jupiter’s system of moons, launched from Florida’s Kennedy Space Center. It’s the start of a grand journey to Europa, a moon that scientists believe has a salty ocean of water beneath its icy outer surface. When the spacecraft reaches its target in 2031, it will start collecting the data necessary for University of Michigan researchers to help determine whether the ocean could support life.

CLAWS Student Member Shares Lessons from the NASA Suits Challenge

Posted on October 2, 2024 (October 23, 2024) by U-M Space Institute

The University of Michigan Collaborative Lab for Advancing Work in Space (CLAWS), a multidisciplinary student group that designs technology for human space exploration, participated in the NASA SUITS Challenge in May at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. Matthew Hart, a Michigan student and member of CLAWS, participated in this year’s NASA Suits Challenge.

First Data from XRISM Space Mission Provides New Perspective on Supermassive Black Holes

Posted on September 20, 2024 (October 23, 2024) by U-M Space Institute

Some of the first data from an international space mission is confirming decades worth of speculation about the galactic neighborhoods of supermassive black holes. More exciting than the data, though, is the fact that the long-awaited satellite behind it—the X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission or XRISM—is just getting started providing such unparalleled insights.

“Space Force Awards $45 Million to Universities for Propulsion and Power Research”

Posted on September 16, 2024 (October 9, 2024) by U-M Space Institute

The University of Michigan was featured in “Space Force Awards $45 Million to Universities for Propulsion and Power Research” for SpaceNews. The U.S. Space Force awarded nearly $45 million to the Rochester Institute of Technology and the University of Michigan to spearhead advanced research in space power and propulsion. | September 16, 2024

“The Seven Most Interesting Discoveries We’ve Made by Exploring Saturn”

Posted on September 16, 2024 (November 13, 2024) by U-M Space Institute

Dr. Cheng Li, an assistant professor at U-M Climate and Space, was featured in “The Seven Most Interesting Discoveries We’ve Made by Exploring Saturn” for Smithsonian Magazine. Li unveiled the cause of Saturn’s giant storms that sometimes last for months. | September 16, 2024

“USSF Announces Selections for Advanced Space Power, Propulsion Research”

Posted on September 13, 2024 (October 9, 2024) by U-M Space Institute

The University of Michigan was featured in “USSF Announces Selections for Advanced Space Power, Propulsion Research” for United States Space Force News. The United States Space Force, in partnership with the Air Force Research Laboratory, selected Rochester Institute of Technology and University of Michigan to lead the USSF University Consortium/Space Strategic Technology Institute Continue Reading »

Leinweber Innovation Lab Celebrates Grand Opening

Posted on September 12, 2024 (October 23, 2024) by U-M Space Institute

A new, revolutionary space celebrated a grand opening on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, as project leaders cut the ribbon to present the Leinweber Innovation Laboratory to the University of Michigan and the greater science community.

“Awaiting their Return from Space”

Posted on August 28, 2024 (November 13, 2024) by U-M Space Institute

Dr. Mojtaba Akhavan-Tafti, an assistant research scientist at U-M Climate and Space, discussed the challenges of a “space rescue” for stranded astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams on Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, as well as the risks involved with the Boeing Crew Flight Test in the episode “Awaiting their Return from Space” published on The Continue Reading »