Space Policy & Research Center
Space Policy & Research Center
The Space Hub of the U-Dub
$ Invested from NSF
In FY2024, the University of Washington received over $64 million from the National Science Foundation alone.
Research and Innovation
Showcasing ongoing research, technological innovations and resources advancing space exploration at the University of Washington.
Research Spotlight
Our Mission
The Space Policy and Research Center (SPARC) serves as the University of Washington's central hub for space-related research, innovation, and collaboration. We unite faculty, researchers, students, and industry leaders to explore and advance the frontiers of space science, technology, and policy. With a rich tradition of groundbreaking work in astrophysics, aerospace engineering, space policy, and beyond, the UW is dedicated to addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing our world and our universe.
Onboard decision-making record!
UW researchers are the first to meet an elusive NASA requirement for sub-second onboard decision making for planetary landings.
Advances
Spotlights
How UW astronomers, the world’s largest survey telescope and a revolutionary new view of space will upend what we thought we knew about the universe. The Rubin Observatory, which features a 27-foot mirror and the largest digital camera ever constructed, will unleash a deluge of information about our night sky as part of the 10-year Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST). The University of Washington was a founding member of the LSST mission, which is no ordinary stargazing venture.
NASA funds UW-led effort to study living organisms in a space environment
The BioS-ENDURES Consortium will focus on innovation, acceleration and implementation of knowledge and technology of space biology centered on human-plant-microbiome relationships. The long-term goal is to enable a durable human presence in low Earth orbit, 90 to 600 miles altitude, and beyond.
Spokane facility gets $48M to boost thermoplastic research for aerospace
The 100,000-square-foot facility — the American Aerospace Materials Manufacturing Center — recently received a $48 million grant through the federal CHIPS and Science Act, passed in 2022 to spur U.S. development of semiconductors and other innovative projects.