Space Sciences and National Security
As competition between nations escalates, space has become the new arena for global power and technological dominance. Once a realm of exploration, space is now essential to military readiness, secure communications, critical infrastructure, and economic resilience. The University of Arizona is ready for this moment.
In the News
Breaking speed barriers for stronger defense and industry growth
U of A engineering effort to make hypersonic vehicles faster and more affordable gets a $3.1 million boost from the U.S. Army.
U of A astronomer Erika Hamden named to Arizona Space Commission
U of A astronomer Erika Hamden will serve as an inaugural member of the Arizona Space Commission, where she will advise Governor Katie Hobbs in advancing Arizona's role in aerospace and space sciences.
NASA's Pandora mission one step closer to probing alien atmospheres, with mission operations based at U of A
Pandora, NASA's newest exoplanet mission, is one step closer to launch with the completion of the spacecraft bus, which provides the structure, power and other systems that will allow the mission to carry out its work.
Our Goals
- Advance research & innovation: Drive breakthroughs in satellite communications, quantum networks, AI-enabled space systems, and resilient photonics.
- Develop the workforce: Train tomorrow’s defense engineers, scientists, and space lawyers through immersive education and real-world application.
- Catalyze public-private partnerships: Collaborate with national defense agencies, industry leaders, and space-focused organizations to fast-track development and deployment.
- Scale impact: Leverage university infrastructure, including Tech Launch Arizona and industry alliances, to translate space innovation into national strength and economic value.
Meet Our Team
Our renowned faculty are advancing the frontiers of secure space exploration and defense.
Daniel Apai
Associate Dean for Research, College of Science
Professor, Astronomy and Planetary Science
Jekan Thanga
Head of SpaceTREx
Associate Professor, Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering
Robert Furfaro
Deputy Director of Engineering, Space4
Professor, Systems and Industrial Engineering
New 'spectral fingerprint' atlas of satellites aims to improve space security
U of A researchers created the first astronomical equivalent of a fingerprint database for satellites, a critical first step toward easily identifying human-made objects in the increasingly crowded geostationary orbit.
Military Times ranks U of A among nation's top 5 universities for service members
The University of Arizona is one of the nation's best universities for service members, according to Military Times.
$2.1M aids U of A researchers in building chemical sensors to safeguard troops
The U.S. Army awarded a team of researchers, led by Judith Su, $2.1 million to build a handheld version of her record-breaking FLOWER sensing device for active military personnel.
Inside a U of A center's mission to advance human spaceflight
The U of A Center for Human Space Exploration, also known as CHaSE, is paving the way for the next generation of space exploration.
Taking law to the final frontier
More satellites are being launched into space today than ever before. Capitalizing on this space gold rush, a new course at the U of A is exploring international ground rules to launch students into an emerging legal frontier: space law.
Humans will again set foot on the moon; this time, they'll have U of A science in tow
U of A Lunar and Planetary Laboratory researchers will have a hand in two of the three instruments NASA selected for deployment on the lunar surface by Artemis III astronauts.
U of A Space4 Center part of international AI space sustainability project
The U of A is part of an international collaboration that is exploring how artificial intelligence can be harnessed to improve space operations, safety and sustainability.