USSF – University of Michigan Space Institute

SPAR Set Its Sights on the Future of the Institute

Posted on March 17, 2025 (April 29, 2025) by U-M Space Institute

The SPAR Institute was formed to develop spacecraft that can “maneuver without regret,” with funding from the U.S. Space Force, and is set to bring fast chemical rockets together with efficient electric propulsion powered by a nuclear microreactor. As the eight universities and 14 industry partners and advisers come together to tackle the initiative, the SPAR Institute is now one of the nation’s largest efforts to advance space power and propulsion.

Kick-Off Meeting Held for the $35M U-M SPAR Institute

Posted on December 3, 2024 (February 6, 2025) by U-M Space Institute

The five-year, $35M Space Power and Propulsion for Agility, Responsiveness and Resilience (SPAR) Institute held its official kick-off meeting on December 4, 2024.

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

Posted on October 16, 2024 (December 11, 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.

“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

“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 »