Clemson University alumna and NASA Johnson Space Centerdirector Vanessa Wyche visited the college April 29 to sign a Space Act Agreement.
The agreement allows Clemson faculty and NASA employees at the Johnson Space Center in Texas to work together identify and pursue mutual research that fosters innovation in aerospace engineering, space and Earth science, advanced materials, computer and data science, advanced manufacturing, human health in space and other fields.
Clemson students will also be able to engage with NASA’s leading experts, participate in educational outreach activities and benefit from mentorship and internship programs related to human spaceflight.
“NASA’s Johnson Space Center’s history of working with colleges and universities dates back to the early days of the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs where students, faculty, and staff helped us achieve our human spaceflight missions,” said Wyche. “The partnership with Clemson University to collaborate in research and technology development initiatives will assist NASA in meeting our nation’s exploration goals and advance human spaceflight as we continue missions on the International Space Station, return to the Moon under Artemis, and prepare for future human missions to Mars.”
In addition to the agreement, Clemson faculty members are performing several NASA-related projects including working on advanced materials to withstand the extreme temperatures of space, AI-enabled drones for mapping and modeling, novel materials for spacecraft windows, and microbial fuel cells for space life-support systems.
This story was filed as part of an editorial partnership between South Carolina Public Radio and the Greenville Journal, which is responsible for its content. You can learn more about the Greenville Journal here.