February 2, 2012
Charles Laymon Appointed Principal Investigator and USRA Director of the Science and Technology Institute at the National Space Science and Technology Center (NSSTC)
Dr. Charles (Chip) Laymon has been selected to lead the Universities Space Research Association (USRA) Science and Technology Institute at the National Space Science and Technology Center (NSSTC) in Huntsville, AL. Dr. Laymon will serve as the Principal Investigator for the collaborative research and educational agreement with NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center and Director of the USRA NSSTC Program. A geoscientist and twenty-one year veteran of USRA, Dr. Laymon's research has focused on remote sensing applications to the study of hydrologic processes.
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January 25, 2012
Next Degree Student Featured in National Magazine
A Next Degree student at USRA's Center for Space Nuclear Research (CSNR) has received national recognition for work performed at the Idaho National Laboratory. Jorge Navarro, a candidate for a Ph.D. in nuclear engineering, was recently named as one of Hispanic Engineer & Information Technology?s ?40 under 40: Rising Stars in STEM.?
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December 13, 2011
USRA Announces 2011 Scholarship Winners
USRA's scholarship selection committee has chosen an outstanding group of students in physical science and engineering disciplines from colleges across the US.
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December 6, 2011
NICER/SEXTANT Team Named Goddard Chief Technologist's Innovators of the Year
In a ceremony held December 1, 2011, Principal Investigator (PI) Dr. Keith Gendreau (NASA) and Deputy PI Dr. Zaven Arzoumanian (USRA), together with their team-members, were named this year's "Internal Research And Development Innovators of the Year."
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November 22, 2011
Airborne Observatory Views Star Forming Region
Researchers at NASA's Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) Science Center, located at NASA Ames Research Center at Moffett Field, Calif., and operated by the Universities Space Research Association, have used the space agency's flying telescope to take the highest resolution mid-infrared image of a region of rapid, massive star formation named W40.
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November 15, 2011
Summer Scholars Research 'Out of this World' Biotechnology Applications
This year, NSTI Summer Scholars Program Interns Deidra Huff and Demitrius Boyson joined NASA Mentor Dr. Pamela Denkins at JSC to participate in a 10 week, hands-on, multi-project experience concerning the mitigation of the effects of microgravity and radiation on astronauts in space.
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November 8, 2011
USRA Planetary Scientists to Observe Large Asteroid Passing Near Earth-Moon System
The Arecibo Planetary Radar system operating as a part of the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico, has been monitoring the trajectory of Asteroid 2005 YU55 since April of 2010. Planetary radars are keeping watch over 2005 YU55, an asteroid the size of an aircraft carrier, as it heads for a November 8th flyby of the Earth-Moon system.
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July 28, 2011
Earth Scientists Show World in New Light with iPad App
Software and media specialists at NASA, including several employees from the Goddard Earth Sciences Technology and Research (GESTAR) program, have now made it possible to hold Earth in the palm of your hand, thanks to a new iPad app released on July 26.
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June 29, 2011
SOFIA Takes Advantage of Mobility to Observe Pluto Occultation
A few hours before dawn on June 23, 2011, NASA's Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) flew more than 1,800 miles over the Pacific Ocean from its base in Southern California to a point where scientists observed the dwarf planet Pluto as it passed in front of a distant star. Known as an "occultation," researchers captured data that will enable them to make new measurements of Pluto's atmosphere and increase the knowledge base of this distant object.
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June 3, 2011
Universities Space Research Association Part of Team Selected by the National Science Foundation to Manage Arecibo Observatory
Universities Space Research Association (USRA) is part of a multi-organization team led by SRI International that has been awarded a five-year cooperative agreement by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to manage, operate and maintain the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico.
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May 11, 2011
Dr. William Corso Appointed as the USRA Director for the Goddard Earth Sciences Technology and Research (GESTAR) Cooperative Agreement
The Universities Space Research Association (USRA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. William (Bill) Corso as the Director for NASA's Goddard Earth Sciences Technology and Research (GESTAR) cooperative agreement.
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May 10, 2011
Teachers Selected to Fly on SOFIA Airborne Observatory
NASA's Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) program has selected six middle and high school science teachers to fly onboard the observatory aircraft during research flights between May and July 2011.
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April 5, 2011
USRA Holds its 42nd Meeting of the Council of Institutions
The Universities Space Research Association (USRA) held the 42nd annual meeting of the Council of Institutions (COI) on Friday, April 1, 2011 at the Grand Hyatt in Washington, D.C.
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April 4, 2011
USRA Selected to Lead Goddard Earth Sciences Technology and Research (GESTAR) Studies and Investigations
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) has selected a team led by the Universities Space Research Association (USRA) to facilitate experimental, analytical, and theoretical research in support of NASA's strategic Earth and space science objectives.
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March 17, 2011
USRA, GWU Space Policy Institute to Host U.S. Export Controls and Space Science Symposium
The Universities Space Research Association (USRA) and The George Washington University's Space Policy Institute will host a symposium, entitled "U.S. Export Controls and Space Science," on Thursday, March 31, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
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March 9, 2011
USRA to Host 16th Coherent Laser Radar Conference onboard The Queen Mary
The Universities Space Research Association will be hosting the 16th Coherent Laser Radar Conference (CLRC) onboard The Queen Mary from June 20, 2011, through June 24, 2011.
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February 17, 2011
Summer Fellowship Opportunities to Propel the Next Generation of Nuclear Scientists
The Center for Space Nuclear Research (CSNR) invites undergraduate and graduate level students to experience cutting-edge research in nuclear power and propulsion technologies through our Summer Fellowship Program.
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January 27, 2011
SOFIA Telescope Assembly Characterization First Light (TACFL) Flight Team Receives NASA Group Achievement Award
The Universities Space Research Association (USRA) is proud to announce that the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) Telescope Assembly Characterization First Light (TACFL) flight team has won a NASA Group Achievement Award.
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December 3, 2010
USRA Earns 2010 NASA Glenn Small Business Industry Award; Named Large Prime Contractor of the Year
The Universities Space Research Association (USRA) is proud to announce that it has been selected as a recipient of the 2010 NASA Small Business Industry Award for NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) in the category of Large Business Prime Contractor of the Year.
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December 3, 2010
SOFIA Observatory Completes First Science Flight
The Universities Space Research Association (USRA) is extremely proud to be a partner in the successful flight of the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) on December 1st.
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November 8, 2010
NASA Goddard USRP Interns Earn Back-to-Back Dwornik Awards
Paul Richardson and Jacob Richardson, two undergraduate interns placed with NASA Goddard Space Flight Center through the Undergraduate Student Research Program (USRP), have each won the Stephen E. Dwornik Student Research Paper Award for Undergraduate Oral Presentations in 2009 and 2010, respectively.
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October 1, 2010
Earth Science Picture of the Day Web Site Celebrates its 10 Year Anniversary
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) and the Universities Space Research Association (USRA) are pleased to announce the popular Earth Science Picture of the Day (EPOD) web site is turning 10.
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July 6, 2010
USRA Welcomes the First UAE Student Interns to NASA's Education Associates Program
The Universities Space Research Association (USRA) recently took great pleasure in welcoming the first contingent of students from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to NASA's Education Associates Program (EAP).
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June 21, 2010
Telescope Inspires Baltimore Students to Reach for the Stars
The Maritime Aerospace Scholars Program (MASP), a science enrichment program sponsored and funded by the Universities Space Research Association (USRA) in partnership with the Baltimore City Public Schools and based at the Maritime Industries Academy High School (MIA) in Baltimore, recently got an exciting boost with the dedication of a telescope for use by students as part of the science curriculum and in program-related after school activities.
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June 14, 2010
USRP Receives NASA Award for Management Excellence
The Universities Space Research Association (USRA) is proud to announce that the significant strides made over the last two years by NASA's Undergraduate Student Research Program (USRP) - including USRP's growth into NASA's largest undergraduate Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) internship program - have been recognized with the selection of the USRP management team for a NASA Group Achievement Award for Excellence in Management.
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June 3, 2010
SOFIA Meets "First Science Light" Milestone, Makes First In-Flight Observations
The University Space Research Association (USRA) is extremely proud to announce the achievement of "first science light" by the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) with the observatory's initial in-flight observations.
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May 3, 2010
SOFIA Media Day Introduces "First Light" Missions
Reporters attending a recent Media Day event for the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) were given not only an introduction to the innovative high-flying observatory but were also briefed on the telescope's exciting, upcoming "First Light" missions.
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April 14, 2010
USRA Welcomes Newest Member: University of Stuttgart
The Universities Space Research Association (USRA) is extremely proud to welcome the University of Stuttgart to its distinguished group of member universities.
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January 20, 2010
LPI Intern Program Alumna to Serve as NASA Deputy Associate Administrator for Exploration
USRA is proud to congratulate Dr. Laurie Leshin, an alumna of The Lunar and Planetary Institute's (LPI) prestigious summer intern program, on her appointment as the new Deputy Associate Administrator of the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters.
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January 15, 2010
USRA Scientists Undergo Suborbital Scientist-Astronaut Training
Three scientists with the Universities Space Research Association (USRA) successfully underwent training this week to gain familiarization with human suborbital spaceflight.
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December 19, 2009
NASA Flight Tests Unique Jumbo Jet with Opening in Side; Plane's Airborne Telescope Will Be Used to Study Cosmos
A NASA jumbo jet (SOFIA) that will help scientists unlock the origins of the universe with infrared observations reached a milestone Friday when doors covering the plane's telescope were fully opened in flight.
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December 17, 2009
SOFIA Telescope Cavity Doors Successfully Opened In Flight
NASA's Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy, or SOFIA, marked another step toward beginning operational space science missions Dec. 14 when both the external and internal telescope cavity doors were opened during a test flight near Edwards Air Force Base.
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December 9, 2009
NASA's SOFIA Aircraft Resumes Flight Tests
NASA's Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy, or SOFIA, aircraft took to the skies above California's Mojave Desert Dec. 9.
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September 14, 2009
SOFIA Program Supports Astronomy for Students with Sensory Impairments
NASA's Stratospheric Observatory For Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) Science Center at NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, California, has selected the YAAYS (Yerkes Astrophysics Academy for Young Scientists) and Space Exploration and Experience (SEE) projects at the University of Chicago's Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay, Wisconsin, to receive funding support for the 2009 calendar year.
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September 3, 2009
Earth Science Picture of the Day Web Site Relaunched by USRA and NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) and the Universities Space Research Association (USRA) are pleased to announce the relaunch of the popular Earth Science Picture of the Day (EPOD) web site.
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August 19, 2009
USRA Appoints Donald Kniffen as Vice President for Science
Dr. Donald A. Kniffen, a veteran of the space program for over forty years has been appointed Vice President for Science at the Universities Space Research Association (USRA).
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June 8, 2009
USRA Earth Sciences Selected to Participate in a Range of Research Projects
The Universities Space Research Association (USRA) is very pleased to congratulate its Earth Sciences scientific and technical staff at the National Space Science and Technology Center (NSSTC), in Huntsville, AL, on their upcoming participation in a number of recently awarded research projects covering a range of critical scientific topics.
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June 2, 2009
USRA Scientist Named American Academy of Arts and Sciences Fellow
The Universities Space Research Association (USRA) is proud to announce that Dr. Eric Becklin has been selected as a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (the Academy).
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May 4, 2009
USRA Honored by NASA for Design, Implementation of Critical Program/Project Management Development Program
The Universities Space Research Association (USRA) was recently honored by NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) for outstanding performance in leading the effort to design and implement NASA's Program/Project Management Development Program (PPMD) and in coordinating the delivery of the first round of training for NASA executives under this program.
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April 8, 2009
USRA Selects Erick Young for SOFIA Science Mission Operations Director
The Universities Space Research Association (USRA) is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Erick Young as the Science Mission Operations Director for the Stratospheric Observatory For Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA - a highly modified Boeing 747SP aircraft fitted with a 2.5-meter/98-inch diameter infrared telescope).
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April 1, 2009
USRA Welcomes Two New Members: Howard University and The Chinese University of Hong Kong
The Universities Space Research Association (USRA) is extremely proud to welcome two new members - Howard University and The Chinese University of Hong Kong - to its distinguished group of member universities.
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March 31, 2009
Director General Jean-Jacques Dordain of the European Space Agency Addresses USRA's Members During 40th Anniversary Symposium
The Universities Space Research Association (USRA) hosted their 40th anniversary symposium, "Our Future in Space," on Thursday, March 26 at the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, D.C. Director General Jean-Jacques Dordain of the European Space Agency (ESA) addressed the audience of professors, deans, and leaders in the space research field from industry and government, including international representatives.
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March 30, 2009
USRA Selected to Manage NASA'S Education Associates Program
NASA Ames Research Center (NASA Ames) has selected the Universities Space Research Association (USRA) to manage, enhance and expand the Education Associates Program (EAP).
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March 12, 2009
USRA to Host 40th Anniversary Symposium, "Our Future in Space," on March 26 at the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, D.C.
The Universities Space Research Association (USRA) will host their 40th anniversary symposium, "Our Future in Space," on Thursday, March 26, from 1 p.m. ? 5 p.m. at the National Academy of Sciences, located at 2100 C St. N.W., Washington, D.C. A reception in the Great Hall will follow. To obtain a press credential, send inquiries to consulting@clumpcommunications.com by March 18.
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March 12, 2009
USRA Calls Attention to the Impact of Export Controls on Space Research and the Need for University-Class Missions That Allow Hands-On Training
In testimony delivered during a recent Capitol Hill hearing organized by the Aerospace States Association (ASA), Dr. Thomas H. Zurbuchen, Professor of Space Science and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Michigan and Vice Chair of the Universities Space Research Association's (USRA) 102 member Council of Institutions, urged action on two pressing issues affecting space-related research at US universities and our nation's ability to remain a leader in space.
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February 17, 2009
USRA Announces Banner Year for USRP Intern Program
The Universities Space Research Association (USRA) is proud to announce outstanding 2008 results for the NASA Undergraduate Student Research Program (USRP).
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February 2, 2009
USRA Selects Awardees for LCROSS Observation Campaign
The Universities Space Research Association (USRA) is proud to announce the selection for funding of four proposals for scientific activities to be carried out under the LCROSS Observation Campaign.
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January 21, 2009
USRA Lunar and Planetary Institute-Johnson Space Center Team Selected for NASA Lunar Science Institute
The Universities Space Research Association (USRA) is proud to announce NASA's recent selection of a team of scientists from USRA's Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) and the Johnson Space Center (JSC) to be one of seven initial members of NASA's Lunar Science Institute (NLSI).
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December 8, 2008
USRA Sponsors Poster Awards at Fermi Gamma-Ray Burst Symposium
The Universities Space Research Association (USRA) highlighted its ongoing participation in and support of the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope mission by joining conference organizers in sponsoring a poster prize competition at the Fermi Gamma-ray Burst Symposium held during October 20-23, 2008 in Huntsville, AL.
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December 1, 2008
USRA Research Institute for Advanced Computer Science Celebrates 25th Anniversary
The Universities Space Research Association (USRA) is proud to announce the 25th anniversary of its Research Institute for Advanced Computer Science (RIACS).
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November 18, 2008
USRA to Participate in NSF/NASA Mission to Study Link Between Lightning and Gamma Ray Flashes
The Universities Space Research Association (USRA) is proud to announce its participation in the upcoming National Science Foundation (NSF)/NASA "Firefly" Cubesat mission, with USRA scientist Dr. Joanne E. Hill serving as Co-Investigator on the mission.
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November 10, 2008
USRA DSLS Celebrates 25th Anniversary
The Universities Space Research Association (USRA) is proud to announce the 25th anniversary of its Division of Space Life Sciences (DSLS).
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October 28, 2008
USRA Selects Scientists for SOFIA "First Light" Observations
On behalf of NASA, the Universities Space Research Association (USRA) has selected three astronomers to participate in the first scientific observations conducted by the Stratospheric Observatory For Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA), a highly modified Boeing 747SP aircraft that carries a 2.5-meter (98-inch) diameter airborne infrared telescope.
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October 27, 2008
USRA Scientist Principal Investigator for MiniSAR Instrument on India's Chandrayaan-1 Lunar Mission
The Universities Space Research Association (USRA) is proud to announce the participation of Dr. Paul Spudis, a noted US planetary geologist with the USRA Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) in Houston, as Principal Investigator (PI) for the team that designed and built one of two US instruments flown on the Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) Chandrayaan-1 Lunar mission.
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September 22, 2008
USRA Announces 2008 Scholarship Winners
The Universities Space Research Association (USRA) is proud to announce the 2008 winners of the annual USRA Scholarships.
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September 16, 2008
USRA, Baltimore City Public Schools to Expand Science and Technology Career Development Program
The Universities Space Research Association (USRA) in partnership with the Baltimore City Public Schools (City Schools) has announced plans to expand the successful Baltimore Aerospace Scholars Program to 3 city High Schools for the 2008-2009 academic year.
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June 25, 2008
USRA Supports Senate Committee Action on NASA Authorization Bill
The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation unanimously approved, yesterday, an original Senate version of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2008.
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June 20, 2008
John Lindsay, 1941-2008
It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the passing of John F. Lindsay at the age of 67. John, who was a visiting scientist on the staff of the Lunar and Planetary Institute, died early this morning after a valiant battle against cancer
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June 16, 2008
USRA and Case Western Selected to Provide Science and Technology Support to NASA Glenn Research Center
A team led by the Universities Space Research Association (USRA) and Case Western Reserve University has been selected to provide NASA's Glenn Research Center (GRC), in Cleveland, OH, with science and technology support required to advance understanding of the effects of the space environment on the functioning of space exploration systems.
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May 20, 2008
USRA Supports Introduction of NASA Authorization Bill by Congressman Udall
Representative Mark Udall of Colorado introduced in the House this past week the NASA Authorization Act of 2008. Representative Udall, who chairs the Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee of the Committee on Science and Technology, was joined by Representative Bart Gordon of Tennessee, Representative Ralph Hall of Texas, and Representative Tom Feeney of Florida. The bill authorizes funding to NASA of $19.2 billion for fiscal year 2009, above the President?s budget request of $17.6 billion. The previous NASA authorization bill was enacted in 2005. USRA supports this important legislation and commends Chairman Udall for introducing the bill this year.
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May 16, 2008
USRA Testimony at Senate Hearing on NASA Authorization
The President of USRA, Dr. Frederick A. Tarantino, testified May 7 before the Senate Subcommittee on Space, Aeronautics, and Related Sciences on recent USRA Council of Institutions resolutions.
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April 30, 2008
USRA Members Urge the U.S. Government to Focus on Key University Issues in the NASA Reauthorization
In a resolution passed during the Universities Space Research Association (USRA) annual meeting (March 28, 2008) the association's 102 member universities unanimously called for specific measures to address a number of key issues critical to the academic community and to the future of space science and aeronautics in the U.S.
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February 11, 2008
Sheri Klug Joins USRA as the Undergraduate Student Research Program Manager
Columbia, MD, February 11, 2008 -The Universities Space Research Association (USRA) is pleased to announce that Sheri Klug has joined the association as USRA's program manager for NASA's Undergraduate Student Research Program (USRP).
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January 30, 2008
Helen Hall Joins USRA
Ms. Helen Hall has joined USRA as SOFIA Deputy Director for Program Management at the NASA Ames Research Center. Helen has an extensive background in program and project management.
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January 17, 2008
LPI Celebrates 40 Years of Lunar and Planetary Research
The Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) is kicking off its 40th anniversary with a new look and exciting events throughout the year.
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October 30, 2007
Scott Williamson Joins USRA as General Counsel, Vice President Program Development
The Universities Space Research Association is pleased to announce that Scott Williamson has joined the association as General Counsel and Vice President Program Development.
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July 26, 2007
Dr. Frank Curran Joins USRA
Dr. Francis (Frank) Curran joined the Universities Space Research Association (USRA), this Tuesday, July 24, 2007.
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