Universities Space Research Association

USRA was a key collaborator in the new gravitational wave discovery—the first detection by multiple space and ground-based observatories.

To explore the sun’s atmosphere, NASA’s Parker Solar Probe will travel closer to the sun than any other spacecraft. It will have to survive extreme environments that can affect its electronics and materials.

Results from NASA’s Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory mission is providing insights into the huge impacts that dominated the early history of Earth’s moon and….

Operation IceBridge is an ongoing airborne mission to assess the state of the Arctic and Antarctic ice sheets. USRA contributes in the operation of Digital Mapping System cameras and precision alitutude reference systems. 

USRA operates Ames Airborne Sensor Facility to support  NASA with sensor development, data collection, instrument engineering services and remote sensing instruments.

USRA operates a Quantum Artificial Intelligence Lab with NASA and Google resulting in research papers by USRA, NASA, Google and the University community.

Visual cues that help pilots see during takeoff and landing are challenged during stormy or dusty conditions. USRA is developing technology that helps pilots see through storms.

In September 2017, the Multi-User Droplet Combustion Apparatus (MDCA) culminated 8 1/2 years of operations in the Combustion Integrated Rack (CIR) onboard the ISS with the completion of the final in-space operations of the Flame Extinguishment Experiment (FLEX) series of investigations. USRA played an integral role in the operation and analysis of the FLEX experiments. FLEX led to a 2012 ISS Research Discovery of the Year with the detection of a new “cool flame” mode of non-premixed combustion observed during the second stage burning of an alkane droplet; and was named among the top 20 Breakthroughs from 20 Years of ISS Research in 2020. This discovery paved the way for the Cool Flames Investigation experiment and has significantly improved models of low-temperature chemical kinetics.

Advanced Colloids Experiments (ACE) Growing Large Single Defect Free Colloidal Crystals in Space

USRA’s Dr. William Meyer (USRA) is the Project Scientist for the Advanced Colloids Experiments (ACE) family of investigations that were flown on the ISS over the last decade.  When removing the sedimentation and gravitational jamming seen on Earth, these experiments can use a 3D microscope to capture images that bridge the understanding of colloidal particle behaviors and colloidal engineering.  Recent experiments include ACE-T11, ACE Temperature Control -12-2 (ACE T-12-2) [Nanoparticle Haloing], ACE Temperature Control -11 (ACE-T11) [Hard spheres], ACE Temperature Control-Ellipsoids (ACE-TR [Ellipsoids]), ACE Temperature 4-1 (ACE T4-1), ACE Temperature 4-2 (ACE T4-2), ACE Temperature control (ACE-T-2-3 ), ACE Temperature control (ACE T1), and ACE Advanced Imaging, Folding, and Assembly of Colloidal Molecules (ACE-T9-3).

USRA teams worked on a Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator, an enabling technology for many planetary missions, that keeps electronic circuits and mechanical joints functional.

USRA and its collaborators supported the development of reliable cryogenic fluid storage for use in propellant or life support systems necessary in space and planetary expeditions.

USRA operates a Quantum Artificial Intelligence Lab with NASA and Google resulting in research papers by USRA, NASA, Google and the University community.

Throughout the past five decades, USRA has offered innovative learning opportunities for students, educators and the general public.

USRA institutes and programs engage the university community in various ways–from research collaborations to advocacy on issues important to university space-related research.