Astrophysics tells us of the deep connections between events at the beginning of the universe, the beginning of the Solar System, and the origin and evolution of life on Earth and other planets.  We are probing these connections by studying distant quasars, gravitational wave sources, extra-solar planets, and near-Earth asteroids by using the most advanced ground-based and space-based observatories.  Our searches span billions of years of time and billions of light-years of space, reaching from our own neighborhood to the edge of the observable universe.

The discovery of methane in the Martian atmosphere in the spring of 2004 is conceivably one of the most significant in the astrobiology arena.  One possible source of the methane is from methanogenic microorganisms.  Space Center microbiologists are studying methanogens as models for life on Mars.  Theoretically, these organisms could survive and prosper in the martian subsurface where they would use carbon dioxide as their carbon source and hydrogen and/or carbon monoxide as energy sources.  Additionally, other researchers are exploring the biochemistry of the first photosynthetic microorganisms whose appearance triggered an explosion of life on Earth, and investigating the extent to which terrestrial organisms such as Bacillus subtilis can be modified by genetic engineering to survive under Martian conditions.  Some Space Center faculty members are currently researching sulfate reduction.

We have been working for several years on prototypical designs for instruments to robotically recover surface samples from asteroids.  Much of this work involves the simulation of space and planetary environments using the Andromeda Planetary Environmental Chamber.  Such simulations require research and development to determine appropriate designs for simulation hardware.  More and more, astronomical observations are being done remotely or by robots.  An important part of such operations is a mathematical model of the telescope mount for use in accurate pointing.  Such models are not trivial, and Center engineers are gaining experience in producing good general models for widespread use by the astronomical community.  The Space Center has been awarded a $403K research contract for two years from NASA, starting in Fall 2007, for the development of an instrument for planetary, asteroid and comet landers. 

The composition and structure of an atmosphere contains a considerable amount of information about a planet’s evolution, chemical processes, and possible life forms.  Space Center research in this area involves remote sensing of atmospheric properties as well as modeling to link observed characteristics to chemistry on the planet.  Of particular interest are the use of LIDAR for detecting methane on Mars as a possible biological marker, instrumentation for Titan payloads, and spectral analysis of extrasolar planets.  The range of remote sensing being developed extends from kilometers to light years and modeling efforts include bench-scale replication in the Space Center's atmosphere simulation chamber.

Examination of the geological and geophysical characteristics of planetary bodies leads to greater understanding of the interiors and surfaces of these bodies, the origin and evolution of the Solar System, and the relationship of Earth and its history to that of its neighbors.  Center researchers use the Andromeda Planetary Environmental Chamber to simulate the surface environment on Mars and primitive bodies; they conduct investigations into the possibility of water on Mars.  Also, investigation of Earth-based analogues for planetary processes is an important aspect of SPAC research in planetary geology and geophysics.  The emphasis is on the use of space-based techniques, including GPS geodesy, radar remote sensing, and hyperspectral image analysis, to understand tectonic processes on Earth and other terrestrial bodies.

For examples of some of the current projects undertaken by Space Center faculty and their students and collaborators, please click here.