Science

NASA Awards Millions in STEM Research Grants

Published

2 years ago

June 23, 2023

Daily News Staff

48838041088 cf9e4b301c o — Interns Brianna Sandoval (left) and Patrick Follis at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida assemble the flight hardware for the agency’s Orbital Syngas Commodity Augmentation Reactor, or OSCAR. OSCAR is an Early Career Initiative project at the spaceport that studies technology to convert trash and human waste into useful gasses such as methane, hydrogen and carbon dioxide. By processing small pieces of trash in a high-temperature reactor, OSCAR is advancing new and innovative technology for managing waste in space. OSCAR would reduce the amount of space needed for waste storage within a spacecraft, turn some waste into gasses that have energy storage and life support applications, and ensure waste is no longer biologically active. A prototype has been developed, and a team of Kennedy employees are in the process of constructing a new rig for suborbital flight testing.

NASA announced the recipients of its annual STEM grants, providing nearly $4 million in total funding, to support scientific and technical research that aligns with the agency’s strategic research and technology development priorities. By providing resources to STEM research, NASA helps create a stronger and more vibrant scientific community to drive innovation and push the boundaries of what is possible in space exploration.

“We’re excited to announce the awardees of this year’s grants that will help the agency answer some difficult questions regarding research capabilities,” said Kathy Loftin, manager for NASA’s Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) project. “These grants are a vital component of NASA’s science, technology, engineering, and math strategy to foster collaboration and stimulate growth in research and development in underserved areas across the country.”

NASA STEM provides a unique opportunity for researchers to solve science and exploration issues impacting its programs and missions. Forty research projects from 21 universities and organizations were selected based on their merit and alignment with agency missions. Each grantee will focus on a range of agency research needs, including repair, manufacturing, and fabrication technology for deep space missions; methods for detecting and eliminating bacteria in spacecraft; and studies on lunar and Martian regolith, including potential toxicity, suitability as soil for crops, and its ability to be used as construction material.

The grantees include Wichita State University in Kansas, which will receive funding to develop a compact, more efficient thermal management system for electric motors for vertical takeoff and landing vehicles. With the growth of electric, turbo-electric, and hybrid electric propulsion systems, development of smaller, more efficient, and easily manufactured cooling systems for electric motors could have significant applications for the automotive, aviation, and space industries.

With NASA returning to the Moon through Artemis, new technologies are necessary to help achieve the goal of a long-term lunar exploration. With efforts like NASA’s Lunar Surface Innovation Initiative, focusing on in-situ resource utilization of lunar materials, research from Louisiana State University will build upon in-space manufacturing advancements by studying the physical, chemical, and structural properties of alloys created from simulated regolith, including melting range, heat capacity, viscosity, and density.

To help NASA achieve its mission of unlocking the mysteries of the universe for the benefit of all, a research team from West Virginia University will develop a new concept in localization and guidance, navigation, and control algorithms for exploring Earth-like planets such as Venus. The team’s orbiter-assisted balloon navigation will use a variable-altitude balloon and orbiter to provide accurate geotagging and enable autonomous exploration of Venus, generating critical data to help understand Earth’s own formation and habitability change over time.

The remaining grantees are:

Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
College of Charleston, Charleston, South Carolina
Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana
Nevada System of Higher Education, Reno, Nevada
New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico
Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma
South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, Rapid City, South Dakota
University of Alaska, Fairbanks, Alaska
University of Alabama, Huntsville, Alabama
University of Arkansas, Little Rock, Arkansas
University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware
University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho
University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi
University of Nebraska, Omaha, Nebraska
University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming

The grants are funded through NASA’s EPSCoR’s R3 (Rapid Response Research) project. The EPSCoR project is directed at jurisdictions that have not participated evenly in competitive aerospace and aerospace-related research activities. For the EPSCoR R3 grants, universities and schools across the country submitted proposals, with each jurisdiction eligible to submit a total of six proposals for competitive agreement awards of up to $100,000 each. Twenty-five states, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam currently participate in the program.

NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement, in collaboration with several of the agency’s mission directorate programs and offices, established these grants to support research and development in areas critical to NASA’s mission and to contribute to the overall research infrastructure, science, and technology capabilities of higher education and economic development in the jurisdictions receiving funding.

For more information on the program and the recipients of this year’s awards, please visit:

Find your perfect chandelier for living room, bedroom, dining room. Shop now

www.nasa.gov/stem/epscor/home/index.html

Source: NASA

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Science

Touchdown! Firefly’s Blue Ghost Successfully Lands on the Moon

Published

6 days ago

March 2, 2025

Rod Washington

Moon Landing

In a significant milestone for space exploration, Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost Mission 1 made a successful landing on the Moon at 3:34 a.m. EST on Sunday. Positioned near the volcanic feature of Mons Latreille within Mare Crisium, a vast basin exceeding 300 miles in diameter, this event marks a pivotal moment in NASA’s initiatives concerning lunar exploration.

This successful moon landing represents the first delivery under NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative for Firefly Aerospace, and it adds another achievement to the Artemis campaign aimed at returning humans to the Moon. The Blue Ghost lander now rests upright and stable on the lunar surface, ready to begin its suite of scientific operations.

The Blue Ghost craft is carrying ten cutting-edge NASA science and technology instruments designed to perform a variety of functions over approximately one lunar day, which translates to about 14 Earth days. Acting Administrator Janet Petro highlighted the importance of this mission, stating, “This incredible achievement demonstrates how NASA and American companies are leading the way in space exploration for the benefit of all.” The lessons learned from this mission will enhance future safety protocols for scientific exploration on the Moon and beyond.

Following its launch from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on January 15, the Blue Ghost traveled over 2.8 million miles. During this journey, it downlinked more than 27 gigabytes of data while conducting several critical science operations. One notable achievement included signal tracking from the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) at a record distance of 246,000 miles, validating the potential for similar positioning systems to be used effectively on the Moon.

Nicky Fox, associate administrator for science at NASA Headquarters, emphasized the significance of this mission in laying the groundwork for future human presence on the Moon: “The science and technology we send to the Moon now helps prepare the way for future NASA exploration and long-term human presence to inspire the world for generations to come.”

The instruments aboard the Blue Ghost will perform a variety of tasks during their lunar surface operations, including testing advanced drilling technology, collecting regolith samples, and developing lunar dust mitigation strategies. The insights gained from these experiments will contribute to our understanding of how space weather and cosmic forces interact with Earth.

As operations continue, the team intends to capture stunning imagery of the lunar sunset and investigate the behaviors of lunar dust during dusk conditions—an occurrence previously documented by Apollo 17 astronaut Eugene Cernan. Following the lunar sunset, the lander will remain functional for several hours into the lunar night.

Firefly Aerospace’s CEO, Jason Kim, expressed gratitude to NASA for the partnership and outlined the significance of this mission. “Blue Ghost’s successful Moon landing has laid the groundwork for the future of commercial exploration across cislunar space,” he stated, adding, “We’re now looking forward to more than 14 days of surface operations to unlock even more science data that will have a substantial impact on future missions to the Moon and Mars.”

In total, five companies have been awarded 11 lunar deliveries under the CLPS initiative, propelling the lunar economy forward with over 50 instruments being sent to various lunar locations, including the lunar South Pole. With a cumulative maximum contract value of $2.6 billion through 2028, the CLPS initiative is set to revolutionize how we explore and utilize the Moon’s resources.

As we celebrate this monumental achievement, it is clear that the collaboration between NASA and companies like Firefly Aerospace is paving the way for a new era of exploration, promising exciting discoveries that will benefit our understanding of the cosmos and our own planet for generations to come.

Learn more about NASA’s CLPS initiative at:

https://www.nasa.gov/clps

The science section of our news blog STM Daily News provides readers with captivating and up-to-date information on the latest scientific discoveries, breakthroughs, and innovations across various fields. We offer engaging and accessible content, ensuring that readers with different levels of scientific knowledge can stay informed. Whether it’s exploring advancements in medicine, astronomy, technology, or environmental sciences, our science section strives to shed light on the intriguing world of scientific exploration and its profound impact on our daily lives. From thought-provoking articles to informative interviews with experts in the field, STM Daily News Science offers a harmonious blend of factual reporting, analysis, and exploration, making it a go-to source for science enthusiasts and curious minds alike. https://stmdailynews.com/category/science/

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The Bridge

Celebrating the Legacy of Dr. Patricia Era Bath: A Trailblazer in Ophthalmology and Beyond

Published

1 week ago

March 1, 2025

Lynette Young, Rod Washington

In a world where innovation often shapes the future, few have left as profound a mark as Dr. Patricia Era Bath. Born on November 4, 1942, Dr. Bath transcended boundaries, redefining what it means to be a pioneer in medicine and a champion for the underserved. Her journey is not just a testament to her incredible intellect and skill as an ophthalmologist, but also to her unwavering commitment to humanitarianism and social justice.

Patricia Bath — Changing the face of Medicine (Wikipedia)

A Visionary in Ophthalmology

Dr. Bath was not only a skilled surgeon; she was a revolutionary. As one of the early pioneers of laser cataract surgery, her work has changed the lives of countless individuals worldwide. The development of this innovative technique not only improved patient outcomes but also symbolized a turning point in ophthalmic surgery. With her groundbreaking achievements, Dr. Bath illustrated that the intersection of science and compassion could embody the essence of healthcare.

Her trailblazing career included being the first woman inducted as a member of the prestigious Jules Stein Eye Institute and the first woman to lead a post-graduate training program in ophthalmology. Moreover, her remarkable journey culminated in her becoming the first African-American woman on the staff at the UCLA Medical Center, where she pushed boundaries in a field historically dominated by men.

A Legacy of Firsts

Dr. Bath’s legacy is marked by her groundbreaking “firsts.” She was the first African-American person to complete residency in ophthalmology at New York University and the first African-American woman to serve as a surgeon at UCLA Medical Center. Even more impressive is her achievement of becoming the first African-American woman doctor to receive a patent for a medical invention, holding five patents in total.

Among her most notable contributions is the founding of the American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness in Washington, D.C., where she tirelessly worked to raise awareness and address disparities in access to eye care. Dr. Bath’s pioneering spirit extended beyond her profession; she propelled an entire generation toward a future where access to quality medical treatment is a right, not a privilege.

A Voice for the Voiceless

Dr. Bath’s humanitarian work extended to advocacy as she sought to illuminate the challenges faced by marginalized communities in achieving equitable healthcare. In 2009, she was honored to stand beside President Barack Obama, recognizing her contributions in ophthalmology and serving on his commission for digital accessibility to blind children. Her efforts highlighted the pressing need for inclusivity in healthcare, technology, and education—echoing her steadfast belief that everyone deserves access to the tools that enhance sight and learning.

In April 2019, just weeks before her passing, Dr. Bath shared her insights during a Senate hearing titled “Trailblazers and Lost Einsteins: Women Inventors and the Future of American Innovation.” Her testimony shed light on the gender disparities in STEM fields and the crucial need for recognition and support of female inventors. Even in her final days, she was a beacon of hope and progress.

Remembering Dr. Patricia Bath

Dr. Patricia Era Bath passed away on May 30, 2019, due to cancer-related complications, leaving behind an inspiring legacy of resilience, empathy, and innovation. At age 76, she had changed the very fabric of medicine while reminding us of the vital importance of diversity in healthcare.

As we celebrate Dr. Bath’s life, let us remember her not only for her remarkable achievements but also for the path she has paved for future generations. Her legacy lives on, reminding us that the fight for equity in healthcare is far from over and that the spirit of innovation fuels our collective journey toward progress.

In honor of Dr. Bath, let us continue her mission to advance healthcare for all, celebrate diversity in all its forms, and strive to make the world a more equitable place—for sight, for education, and for justice. Rest in peace, Dr. Patricia Era Bath. Your vision changed the world, and you will forever be remembered as a true trailblazer.

Patricia Bath (Wikipedia) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patricia_Bath

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Space and Tech

Blue Origin Announces Crew for New Shepard’s 31st Mission

🚀 Exciting news! Blue Origin announces its all-female crew for New Shepard’s NS-31 mission, featuring inspiring leaders like Katy Perry and Gayle King! 🌟

Published

1 week ago

February 28, 2025

Rod Washington

Blue Origin has exciting news as it announces the six remarkable individuals selected to fly on the NS-31 mission, the 11th human flight of its New Shepard program. This mission, set to launch this spring, features an inspiring all-female crew comprised of Aisha Bowe, Amanda Nguyen, Gayle King, Katy Perry, Kerianne Flynn, and Lauren Sánchez. These extraordinary women aim not only to explore the wonders of space but also to empower and inspire future generations.

Meet the NS-31 Crew

Aisha Bowe
Aisha is a former NASA rocket scientist and a dedicated advocate for STEM education. As the CEO of STEMBoard, she leads an engineering firm that has made waves in the industry, being recognized twice on the Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing private companies. Additionally, she founded LINGO, an edtech company focused on providing tech skills to students worldwide. Inspired by her own journey from community college to space, Aisha hopes her experience will motivate young people, particularly in the Bahamas, to chase their dreams.

Amanda Nguyen
Amanda is a bioastronautics research scientist with an impressive academic background, having graduated from Harvard and conducted research at prominent institutions like MIT and NASA. She played a role in the last NASA shuttle mission and is renowned for her advocacy work for sexual violence survivors, earning her a Nobel Peace Prize nomination. As the first Vietnamese and Southeast Asian woman astronaut, Amanda’s flight symbolizes a powerful reconciliation between the United States and Vietnam, using science as a pathway to peace.

Gayle King
An award-winning journalist and co-host of CBS Mornings, Gayle King has a reputation for her heartfelt interviews and thought-provoking discussions. With a career built on compassion and insight, she embraces new challenges, including being part of Blue Origin’s first all-female flight team. Gayle looks forward to stepping outside her comfort zone and experiencing the thrill of space travel.

Katy Perry
As one of the best-selling female artists of all time, Katy Perry brings her star power to the NS-31 mission. Beyond her music career, she is a passionate advocate for various philanthropic causes, serving as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. Through her Firework Foundation, Katy inspires underserved children to express themselves through the arts. Being part of this historic all-female crew fills her with pride, and she hopes her journey serves as a beacon of inspiration for her daughter and all aspiring dreamers.

Kerianne Flynn
After successful careers in fashion and human resources, Kerianne Flynn dedicated the last decade to community-building and storytelling through nonprofit work and film production. Her recent projects explore crucial social themes, including women in Hollywood and fair pay advocacy. With a lifelong passion for exploration and adventure, Kerianne aims to inspire her son, Dex, and a new generation of dreamers with her flight aboard New Shepard.

Lauren Sánchez
Lauren is an Emmy Award-winning journalist, bestselling author, and licensed helicopter pilot. As Vice Chair of the Bezos Earth Fund, she is committed to addressing pressing climate issues. In 2016, she founded Black Ops Aviation, the first female-owned aerial film and production company. Her children’s book, The Fly Who Flew to Space, became a New York Times bestseller. Lauren’s goal is to motivate the next generation of explorers to reach for the stars.

A Historic Mission

The NS-31 mission is a remarkable milestone for Blue Origin, being the first all-female flight crew since Valentina Tereshkova’s solo flight in 1963. This mission marks the 31st flight in New Shepard’s history, with the program having successfully flown 52 individuals above the Kármán line, the globally recognized boundary of space.

Read the press release: https://www.blueorigin.com/fr-FR/news/new-shepard-ns-31-mission

As anticipation builds for the upcoming launch, we celebrate these extraordinary women and their commitment to breaking barriers and inspiring future generations to follow their dreams. For those interested in flying on a future New Shepard mission, additional details can be found at BlueOrigin.com/New-Shepard/Fly.

Stay tuned for more updates as we approach this exciting launch!

Source: Blue Origin