The space sciences deal with some of the most profound questions in the universe: How did the universe begin? How did it, and everything in it, evolve? What is its future? And how does the behavior of the energy and components of the universe affect life on Earth? The study of astronomy and other space sciences research focus on the middle levels of Earth's atmosphere to the beginning of the universe, billions of light-years away.
USRA works in collaboration with space science researchers, technologists, NASA's Science Mission Directorate and other government and private-sector enterprises to develop space probes and space observatories to search for habitable environments and create new technologies that will help us learn more about the origins, history, and future of our solar system and the universe beyond.
USRA's space sciences programs encompass:
National Space Science and Technology Center
The National Space Science and Technology Center (NSSTC) conducts a variety of space science projects that are designed to help us understand the origin, structure, evolution and destiny of the universe; the Sun and its effects on the Earth and the solar system. Read more »
Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy
The Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) is a reflecting telescope housed in a modified Boeing 747SP that will study the universe in the infrared part of the spectrum. Developed in collaboration with the German Space Agency, SOFIA is undergoing flight testing at Dryden Flight Research Center. USRA and the Duetches SOFIA Institute will conduct International Science Mission Operations at Ames Research Center over SOFIA's 20 year lifetime. Read more »
