About

The Center for Advanced Space Science and Technology Research at UMD (ASTRA-UMD) serves to bring together researchers from across the University of Maryland (UMD) to focus on advancing space exploration-related technologies. Through partnerships across campus, and along with the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) and NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (NASA GSFC), ASTRA-UMD aims to support collaborative research and education in the space-related sector.

Space technologies are increasingly essential to modern life, powering everything from communication systems, GPS, and defense to weather forecasting, materials science, and robotics. The exploration of space is also ever evolving, driven by the mix of commercial sector growth from companies like Blue Origin and SpaceX to a renewed government interest in lunar exploration, space defense, and beyond.

The University of Maryland has a long history of contributing to space science, with notable advancements in robotics, Earth science, and planetary science missions. Located near major research hubs like NASA-GSFC, APL, and the Naval Research Laboratory, UMD has a unique opportunity to strengthen these partnerships, enhancing UMD’s role in space-related education, research, and technologies.

MISSION & OBJECTIVES

ASTRA-UMD is dedicated to enabling advanced research in space science and exploration engineering. With a mission to strengthen UMD’s partnerships and expand educational programs, ASTRA-UMD’s key goals include: 

• Establishing formal research collaborations with GSFC, APL, and NRL
• Leading multi-institution proposals to support space-related initiatives
• Attracting talented graduate and undergraduate students interested in space science and engineering
• Engaging working professionals through specialized space-focused engineering courses
• Supporting faculty in closely working with mission planners and experts in the field