UF Astraeus Space Institute

On Friday, SpaceX CRS-31 returns to Earth, bringing groundbreaking research that has the potential to transform space exploration as we know it. Led by Dr. Amor Menezes and a team from the University of Florida—Dr. Yousong Ding, Dr. Jamie Foster, and Dr. Sean Niemi—this pioneering experiment on the International Space Station is pushing the limits of microbial biomanufacturing in space. In the microgravity environment of the ISS, the team has optimized engineered microbes to produce high-demand compounds which are critical resources for long-duration space missions. By simulating the gravity conditions of the Moon and Mars, this experiment explores how microbes can be used to produce life-sustaining resources in space. These findings have the power to revolutionize how we support human presence beyond Earth, ensuring self-sufficiency on the Moon, Mars, and future space destinations. Alongside NASA astronaut Nick Hague, who initiated the experiment, the team has worked together in the spirit of collaboration to generate insights that will serve as a cornerstone for future missions. The upcoming analysis of the returned samples is a monumental step forward in determining how we can manufacture vital resources in space, keeping explorers sustained and thriving during long missions. This research exemplifies the spirit of Astraeus, where curiosity, collaboration, and inspiring breakthroughs drive us toward a future where humanity thrives in space. As we continue to expand our understanding of microbial biomanufacturing, we move one step closer to making sustainable, off-Earth exploration a reality. For more information: https://lnkd.in/erU_fAHy

The sky is not the limit. It’s just the beginning for Astraeus and Rob Ferl.🌌🔭 For years, space researchers at UF have been working in silos–studying everything from plant growth in space to the impact of space travel on human biology. Yet, true innovation requires more than just individual effort. Astraeus is UF’s answer to the need for cross-disciplinary collaboration in space science. Rob Ferl’s vision for Astraeus goes beyond his own excitement about watching his experiment travel to space. He wanted to share the thrill with others who are passionate about exploring the universe. With the support of a $2.5 million investment from former UF President Ben Sasse, Astraeus is becoming a front door for researchers and innovators alike–uniting them in their shared curiosity and ambition to push the boundaries of space exploration. Astraeus is accelerating UF’s contributions to space science, offering unprecedented opportunities to collaborate with government, industry, and other key players in the field. With $600,000 in research funding already awarded, $13 million in space-related research underway, and 100+ faculty members involved, Astraeus is just getting started. Rob Ferl’s vision for Astraeus isn’t just about answering the big questions of space–it’s about shaping the next frontier of science, innovation, and discovery. #Astraeus #UFResearch #SpaceScience

UF is joining forces with NASA and nine other universities on the groundbreaking Landolt Mission, set to launch an artificial “star” into Earth’s orbit in 2029! This mission will revolutionize our understanding of stellar brightness, enhancing everything from star evolution models to dark energy parameters. Dr. Jaime Tayar, assistant professor of astronomy at UF, will lead the mission team in refining telescope calibration, bringing us closer to pinpointing habitable zones around distant stars. This project isn’t just about stars; it’s about training the next generation of leaders in space research. Read more: https://bit.ly/4hOYGw4. #LandoltMission #NASA #UFAstronomy #SpaceScience #Astrophysics #Astraeus

🚀 How can glow-in-the-dark squids help unlock the secret to astronaut health? 🦑 Dr. Jamie Foster, a researcher at the Astraeus Space Institute, has spent her career exploring how the microbiome—the collection of bacteria, fungi, and viruses that naturally live within and on our bodies—affects our health. Her groundbreaking work also investigates how space travel alters this delicate balance. Dr. Foster uses a unique model to study these interactions: the bobtail squid, which shares a bioluminescent relationship with the bacteria Vibrio fischeri. This one-host, one-bacteria system provides a controlled environment to study how microbes affect health, especially in microgravity. In 2021, Dr. Foster launched the UMAMI experiment (Understanding Microgravity on Animal-Microbe Interactions) to the International Space Station. The results were fascinating: Squids without their microbial partner showed significant stress, while those colonized with Vibrio fischeri experienced rapid recovery, with stress levels dropping nearly to baseline within 12 hours. This research has the potential to transform our understanding of astronaut health during long-duration missions. Microbes could play a key role in helping astronauts manage stress and maintain immune function in space. Beyond space travel, these findings could have far-reaching applications in medicine, agriculture, and environmental science. Dr. Foster’s work shows that the tiniest organisms can have the most profound effects on health—whether on Earth or in space. 🌍✨

UF Astronomy is reaching new heights with NASA partnerships and cutting-edge research using the Webb telescope. With infrared capabilities revealing unseen details of our universe, faculty and students are exploring everything from early star formation to potential signs of life beyond Earth. Professors like Dr. Elizabeth Lada, Dr. Adam Ginsburg, and Dr. Charles Telesco are leading these transformative projects, each one illuminating a piece of the cosmic puzzle. Discover how UF is on the frontlines of astronomical discovery. Read more: https://bit.ly/40x8BzZ #UFAstronomy #WebbTelescope #NASAResearch #SpaceExploration #AstronomyResearch #Astraeus

Can we turn CO2 into a thriving future on Mars?🪐 Nils Averesch, an Assistant Professor of Space Biology at the Space Life Science Laboratory, is exploring how carbon dioxide could be used to create essential materials for survival on Mars. As we plan future Mars missions, harnessing local resources will be key to sustaining explorers. Thanks to advancements in 3D printing and innovative uses of Martian regolith, Averesch's research into bioplastics could allow astronauts to manufacture critical supplies right on Mars - reducing our reliance on Earth-bound resources. This breakthrough could help us repair, build, and expand on the Red Planet, turning the dream of a self-sustaining presence on Mars into a reality!🚀 #Astraeus #UFResearch #Innovation #Mars

"Curiosity and creativity are essential to exploring the cosmos, and UF’s ‘Art and Science of Astrophotography’ course brings these elements to life. Taught by Dr. Elizabeth Lada and alum Noah Rashkind, this course combines scientific rigor with artistic perspective, allowing students to capture celestial scenes and appreciate the universe’s vast beauty. Just as new technologies, like the Webb telescope, offer fresh perspectives, this course inspires a profound sense of connection and awe. Read more: https://bit.ly/40x8BzZ #Astrophotography #UFResearch #SpaceScience #Astronomy #UF #Astraeus"

What’s really lurking on Mars… and can we keep it from reaching Earth? Dr. Andrew Schuerger, UF Professor of Plant Pathology, has transformed his lab into a Martian landscape using the Planetary Atmospheric Chamber. This eerie machine replicates Mars' harsh conditions—frigid temperatures, high pressure, and intense UV radiation—to test what might survive. But what we don’t know could be even scarier. His experiments show that Earth's microbes, plants, and astronauts would be fried by Mars’ UV rays within hours. But here's the unsettling part: could something else be lurking on the Red Planet that might hitch a ride back to Earth? With NASA’s Office of Planetary Protection monitoring closely, Dr. Schuerger aims to uncover the chilling mysteries of Martian life. The biggest challenge? Recreating Mars’ ghostly landscape to explore what could survive—or thrive. Each experiment brings us closer to understanding these unknowns, but beware: some questions may be scarier than the answers. #Astraeus #UFResearch #Mars

Space can be a frightening place for both astronauts and machines! 👻 This Halloween, we’re spotlighting UF researchers like Dr. Siobhan Malany, Dr. Chris Petersen, and Dr. Rachael Seidler, whose work is making space exploration a little less spooky. From maintaining astronaut health to optimizing satellite operations in extreme conditions, their research is paving the way for safer missions in the future. ✨ Read More: https://lnkd.in/eE2ZJ8sa #SpookyScience #SpaceExploration #Astraeus #AstronautHealth #SatelliteTechnology #UFResearch

Are habitable planets around M dwarfs more common than we think? 🌍 Sheila Sagear and Sarah Ballard from the University of Florida's Department of Astronomy are investigating this very question by studying exoplanets orbiting M dwarfs, the most common type of star in the galaxy. Using the “photoeccentric method,” they analyzed 163 planets around 101 M dwarfs, uncovering that about 1/3 of these planets may retain water—making them potential candidates for life. Their findings highlight the importance of compact multi-planet systems, with more circular orbits, as promising places for habitability. Their research not only deepens our understanding of planet formation but also brings us closer to answering a profound question: Is Earth unique, or are there other planets capable of sustaining life across the galaxy? #Astronomy #SpaceExploration #Exoplanets #Habitability #UF