NSM In Space

What can rocks and minerals from other worlds tell us about the history of our own planet?

NSM researchers study meteorites, planetary materials and the geological processes that shape planetary surfaces. By examining materials from Mars, the moon and the asteroid belt, they investigate how planets formed and changed over time, uncovering clues about Earth’s early history that may no longer be preserved in its rocks.

This research also helps scientists piece together the geological history of other worlds, including how volcanic activity and impacts have shaped the surface of Mars.

Their expertise extends to impact sites and Mars-like landscapes on Earth, where geological fieldwork helps prepare scientists and technology for planetary exploration. NSM students have applied their geological expertise to testing robotic rovers in simulated Martian environments, helping evaluate how these technologies could support rock sampling and other fieldwork on future planetary missions.

Discover Earth & Planetary Dynamics ›

How do the conditions of space affect the microorganisms that live alongside us?

Preparing for human spaceflight requires understanding not only how space affects astronauts, but also how it affects the microorganisms that accompany them. Among these are biofilms — communities of microorganisms that grow together and can influence human health.

Through NASA-backed research, NSM scientists are helping investigate how conditions associated with spaceflight, including altered gravity and increased radiation, may affect these microbial communities. Their work identifies important gaps in our understanding of biofilms in space and explores how this knowledge could help address risks to astronaut health while informing future applications in drug delivery and space agriculture.

Learn About Biochemistry Research ›

How can scientists help prevent Earth’s microorganisms from traveling to other worlds?

Even in the carefully controlled clean rooms where spacecraft are assembled, some bacteria can survive. NSM researchers are studying how these microorganisms persist and how scientists can better detect them before a spacecraft leaves Earth.

In one study, UH researchers found that a bacterium isolated from a spacecraft assembly clean room can enter a dormant state under nutrient-poor conditions and later resume growing. Understanding this survival strategy could help improve methods for detecting microbial contamination and inform planetary protection practices for future missions.

Dive Into Microbiology Research ›

How can computing technologies help astronauts prepare for the challenges of exploring other worlds?

NSM researchers are helping develop immersive technologies designed to prepare astronauts for complex tasks in space. Through a NASA-funded collaboration with a Houston-based technology company, UH Computer Science faculty and students are contributing to augmented and virtual reality tools that simulate activities on the moon and Mars.

Building on earlier work in medical training, the project combines immersive environments with software designed to interpret natural language, with the goal of helping astronauts practice critical procedures and prepare for future missions.

See What’s Happening in Visual Computing Research ›

From the surface of a distant planet to the atmosphere surrounding it, understanding other worlds begins with understanding the geological and physical processes that shape them.

Through courses such as Exploring the Planets, Planetary Materials and Remote Sensing, students can examine planetary environments and develop skills used to study Earth and other worlds.

Explore Earth & Atmospheric Sciences ›

Physics provides a foundation for understanding the principles that govern matter, energy and motion, from the smallest particles to the larger universe.

Students interested in space science can explore how these principles relate to astronomy, planetary environments and the scientific instruments used to study them.

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Space exploration also depends on expertise beyond planetary science and physics. Mathematicians develop models that help scientists calculate spacecraft trajectories and interpret mission data. In Computer Science, expertise in human-centered robotics, quantum computing, and high-performance and scientific computing can contribute to challenges such as autonomous systems and the analysis of mission data. Chemists study materials and chemical reactions relevant to spacecraft, planetary environments and the search for signs of life. Biologists investigate how living systems respond to conditions such as microgravity and radiation.

Together, these disciplines illustrate the range of scientific and technical work behind space exploration and the different directions NSM students may pursue as they build their careers.

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