NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center has awarded the Universities Space Research Association (USRA) a five-year Cooperative Agreement to provide research and support at the National Space Science and Technology Center (NSSTC) in Huntsville, Alabama. USRA is teamed with the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), which is a USRA member institution.
“USRA is extremely proud of our long history of working in close partnership with the Marshall Space Flight Center,” said Dr. Frederick Tarantino, USRA President. “USRA will work to bring new capabilities to NSSTC to support exploration, while preserving our current Earth and space science collaborations. We are very happy to have this opportunity to continue our partnership with both MSFC and UAH.”
Under the agreement, USRA and UAH will provide NASA with a range of NSSTC research and support efforts in the key areas of Earth Sciences and Space Sciences. These include conducting collaborative research, sponsoring short and long-term visiting researchers, developing and managing laboratory facilities, bringing in distinguished lecturers, and facilitating scientific workshops, colloquia, and other events. Earth Science research is led by Professor Don Perkey of UAH and is focused primarily on the study of Earth from space, while Space Science efforts, led by Dr. Mark Finger, include work in areas such as X-ray and Gamma Ray astronomy, cosmic ray, solar, and space physics.
Also included in this renewed agreement is the USRA-directed Observing Microwave Emissions for Geophysical Applications (OMEGA) Project under which both USRA and MSFC personnel are working to develop new sensors for Earth observation. Work anticipated under this agreement also includes tasks related to MSFC’s role in exploration, especially in the emergent mission to establish a lunar return program with maximum extensibility to later missions. Meeting these new challenges will require world-class lunar research, providing technical and programmatic experts for systems analysis, program review, problem-solving, the assessment and development of new technologies, and support for precursor lunar robotic missions.
Dr. Frank Curran recently joined USRA as Director, Huntsville Operations to direct the association’s Huntsville Office and spearhead efforts under this award.
About USRA
The Universities Space Research Association is a private, nonprofit corporation founded in 1969, under the auspices of the National Academy of Sciences. USRA’s mission is to advance space related sciences and exploration through innovative research, technology and educational programs; to promote space policy; and to develop and operate premier facilities and programs involving universities, the private sector and governments for the benefit of humankind. USRA’s current membership includes 101 universities. The association’s mission is carried out through its institutes, centers, and programs.
About UAH
The University of Alabama in Huntsville colleges encompass a broad scientific and engineering base related to current and future research collaboration areas at NSSTC. The UAH Department of Atmospheric Sciences is located within the NSSTC, and several of UAH’s 16 Research Centers have a sizeable presence at the NSSTC. UAH has been a member of USRA since 1984. Dr. Jack Fix, Dean of the UAH College of Science, was recently elected to the USRA Board of Trustees. The university’s research partnerships with NASA, USRA, and the SSTA have helped UAH become first in the State of Alabama in research expenditures in science and engineering, excluding medical research. The proposed collaboration in research and education will help produce high quality scientists and engineers to staff future workforce needs of NASA and our nation. Universities Space Research Association
