The University of New Mexico Sustainable Space Research Grand Challenge team is working to establish a center of space science-exploration excellence at the university. The team recently hosted an event that brought together industry, lab, and community space partners with faculty from various disciplines and institutions. This was done in an effort to connect all the space-related work happening across New Mexico.
The event, which took place at the Student Union Building (SUB), featured 15 presentations on different aspects of the space industry. These included discussions on cultivating food in space, exploring potential construction materials, understanding space law, and integrating art into lunar or Martian projects. Attendees were able to learn about UNM's space-related initiatives as well as statewide endeavors, thereby fostering connections and inspiring collaboration across diverse fields of space exploration and research.
“Our Grand Challenge team is poised to make significant advancements in how we think about infrastructure for space exploration, especially from a sustainable and holistic perspective,” said Kristina Yu, team co-convener and School of Architecture and Planning professor.
Following the presentations, attendees broke up into working groups to discuss future research directions, education and workforce development, as well as resources and outreach collaboration. The ideas generated will be used to develop future activities for the team.
Assistant Professor of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering Maryam Hojati stated that New Mexico is preparing to become a leader in space research. She noted that with endeavors spanning material exploration, cutting-edge technology, space law, healthcare innovations for astronauts, cybersecurity measures, artistic pursuits and more; the state is ready for a groundbreaking leap into the cosmos.
“With its existing expertise and robust research infrastructure, UNM can leverage partnerships with industry leaders, government agencies, and other educational institutions to establish specialized programs," said Hojati. "This would solidify its position as the academic epicenter for space-related research in New Mexico.”
The event was part of a series of outreach activities hosted by the team last month. Earlier, the team’s co-conveners spoke at a monthly event at NewSpace Nexus, a local non-profit connecting start-ups and others in the space industry with resources, workspace, and support. Charles “Chip” Shearer, senior research scientist at the Institute of Meteoritics and team co-convener, was interviewed for an episode of The Children’s Hour, a public radio program for children.
“By uniting universities, commercial ventures, and national laboratories under one cohesive vision, the Sustainable Space Grand Challenge aims to catalyze the growth of New Mexico's space economy,” Hojati added. “Through concerted efforts and strategic partnerships, the initiative seeks to attract substantial funding and investment.”
For more information about the Sustainable Space Research Grand Challenge team or their mission and work, please visit their web page.
