NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — The U.S. Space Force awarded nearly $45 million to the Rochester Institute of Technology and the University of Michigan to spearhead advanced research in space power and propulsion. These universities will lead the third Space Strategic Technology Institute, part of the Space Force’s University Consortium initiative. The program, which is also supported by the Air Force Research Laboratory, aims to foster academic research aligned with the strategic needs of the Space Force.
“This research will enable game-changing space power and propulsion technology transition to the Department of Defense,” the Space Force said in its announcement of the contracts.
Critical technologies
Under the latest round of contracts, the University of Michigan will receive $34.9 million, while RIT will be awarded $9.9 million. Both institutions will lead teams of academic and industry partners to explore innovations in solar cell technology, thruster technology, and novel power approaches.
The Space Force’s University Consortium in earlier phases awarded $6.4 million to the University of Colorado Boulder and Virginia Polytechnic Institute for the first Space Strategic Technology Institute, focusing on space domain awareness. Another $49.1 million was allocated to the University of Cincinnati and Texas A&M University for research in space access, mobility, and logistics under the second institute.
Space Force leaders said these investments serve a dual purpose: addressing technical challenges in the space domain while also cultivating a skilled workforce in the space sector.
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