2025 Supported Research & Education

Mapping Microbial Niches in Igneous Terrains

Principal Investigator: Michael Petronis, Ph.D.

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico Highlands University, College of Engineering

Our study objectives include validating suspected microbial life habitats detected by remote sensing
tools and using this knowledge to identify potential sites and detection techniques for further exploration on Mars. In alignment with the Science Directorate mission, we propose field and laboratory based studies to map microbial life habitats hosted by igneous rocks using a combination of ground-based magnetometry, multi-spectral photogrammetry obtained via satellite/uncrewed aerial system, and ground sampling for rock magnetic and biochemical analysis. These datasets are complementary and their integration requires a multidisciplinary team to identify suitable conditions on Earth and relate these findings to possible sites for exploration on Mars. Our field and laboratory approach builds diverse transferable skills that are needed to support NASA’s Planetary Exploration team and for building the next generation of space explorers. Volcanic activity on earth often results in near surface habits that readily host a variety of microbial life. Volcanoes, and the underlying magma feeder systems, carry the potential to establish havens for biological activity as they provide a source of heat and mineral-rich fluids. Past geological studies demonstrate that rich microbial communities develop in association with mineralization and fluid alteration processes. Our study objectives include validating suspected microbial life habitats detected by remote sensing tools and using this knowledge to identify potential sites and detection techniques for further exploration on Mars. Upon notification of the award, phase 1 through phase 3 will be implemented to collect the data sets and begin the experiments. Data collection should be complete within the first 180 days, with the remaining time dedicated to analysis, interpretation, and eventual publication.

---

International Rocket Engineering Comp

Principal Investigator: Soekbin Lim, Ph.D.

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Student Competition

The Mach Miners have been launching experimental sounding rockets with the goal of educating students on the challenges of rocketry. We are looking to do so again at the June 2026 International Rocket Engineering Competition (IREC), where the team will be competing alongside more than 100 universities from across the world. In pursuit of this goal, this year’s design team is specifically looking to successfully launch and recover their student-designed and manufactured rocket airframe. IREC for student rocketry teams from across the USA and around the world. With a minimum payload size of 2.2 pounds and target altitudes of either 10,000, 30,000 or 45,000 feet above ground level. Competing rockets are typically 4 to 8 inches in diameter and 8 to 20 ft. long. Multistage rockets and all chemical propulsion types (solid, liquid, and hybrid) are allowed. This Competition teaches students to research, design and build rockets around their design goals.

---

AIAA Design/Build/Fly Competition

Principal Investigator: Andreas Gross / Andrew Saldivar

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico State University, Student Competition

The AIAA Design/Build/Fly Competition is an international event where university students design and fabricate a radio-controlled aircraft under the regulations given by AIAA. Competition will be hosted by Textron Aviation in Wichita, Kansas during the spring semester of 2026. Here, teams of graduate and undergraduate students will compete against one another by demonstrating their aircrafts capability to complete the task assigned. While no specific dates have been released for the 2025-2026 competition, it usually follows a pattern. During the beginning of September, AIAA will release the competition rules where students will begin their design process. A sensitivity analysis will also be conducted at this time to project the maximum number of points that the aircraft will be able to score. To enter the competition a proposal must be submitted by the end of October where students will discuss the design of their aircraft in detail with their sensitivity analysis and fabrication plan. Once submitted, AIAA will review the proposal and send acceptance letters at the end of November. Teams will then fabricate and perform a series of tests to gather as much data as possible on their aircraft to use for the final report. A final report will be submitted by the end of February to determine each team's flight order at the competition. All our team members will work in unison to achieve the common goal of designing and fabricating an aircraft. Each team member will contribute to designing, writing, fabricating, and testing the aircraft to ensure all necessary preparations are made before flying. Members will also be heavily involved as they learn through each step of the process while having a hands-on experience.

---

Introduction to CubeSat Flight Experiments

Principal Investigator: Elizabeth Kennick

Affiliation/Dept: Teachers in Space

Teachers in Space (TIS) offers to present Introduction to CubeSat Flight Experiments in a 2-day intensive training for teachers at Explora, Albuquerque, NM during January 2026. The primary objective of our professional development curriculum is providing real spaceflight activities, equipment, support, and flight opportunities for fifteen teachers to use in their K to 12th grade classrooms, encouraging students to pursue careers in the emerging space industry. Key features include teachers learning to use pressure sensors, accelerometers, and other sensors to build CubeSat experiments. The project culminates with teachers working with their students to design data collection experiments which will launch on a high-altitude balloon (HAB) mission.

---

NMT MechE Mayhem STEAM LAB

Principal Investigator: Curtis O'Malley, Ph.D.

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Education Enhancement Grant

The NMT MechE Mayhem STEAM Lab is an outreach group composed of NMT faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate students. The goal of the program is to inspire students around New Mexico with STEAM demonstrations and activities which encourage students to think, make observations, and develop new scientific and technological skills. The Mayhem STEAM lab approaches a wide range of STEAM subjects including autonomous and remote mission planning with exploration-focused wheeled robots. Beyond exploratory robotics, the Mayhem outreach program focuses on robust and durable robotic systems which culminates in an annual statewide robot combat tournament hosted on New Mexico Tech's campus each spring. The robotics projects walk students through the steps in creating
various classes of combat robots, developing mechanical and electrical design and assembly skills such as soldering, circuit building, and project planning. Through the multifaceted forms of STEAM engagement, the program hopes to provide a long-lasting understanding of core science and engineering concepts while creating, building, and maintaining students' STEM identities.

---

Pathways to Space Programs

Principal Investigator: Andrew Moralez

Affiliation/Dept: 21st Century Academic Enrichment Programs (CAEP)

The 21st CAEP is a non-profit organization based in Anthony, NM, dedicated to engaging students in STEM, literacy, and sports programs while preparing them for college. Serving over 100 students through various programs, its mission is to empower New Mexican students to reach their academic potential and pursue STEM careers. The organization addresses educational, economic, and social challenges faced by local students, aiming to support their growth and success in the STEM field.

---

Go for Launch! New Mexico

Principal Investigator: Sandy Campbell

Affiliation/Dept: True Kids 1

This project will design, build, and deploy a QB2 PocketQube satellite for orbit. Under the guidance of professional staff at the Taos-based youth media-and-technology nonprofit True Kids 1 (TK1), a NASA/Smithsonian expert and seasonal resident in Taos (Dr. Michael Garcia), and Taos High School teacher Dr. Mark Harris (with additional contributions from Dr. Jordan Alexander, an astrophysicist now at UNMTaos), this project will see Taos High School students discuss, plan for, assemble and then program a QB2 PocketQube device for orbit, while also working on a CanSat for additional instruction hours. We will create lesson plans focused on building each satellite subsystem – and in this way, use spacecraft development as hands-on, real-world application of core STEM teachings. This will be a dedicated four-hour class over 14 Friday sessions at TK1’s HQ, alongside a dedicated after-school program for 90 minutes once per week over this school year. Through the project, students will engage with scientific, computational, and mathematical concepts. Students will learn how electronics, microcontrollers, and software interact, then operating a ground station to interact with the satellite once in orbit (which will be arranged by NASA). It will further build on an existing aviation program at Taos HS, another TK1-supported project.

---

Launching a Student-Powered Satellite Program

Principal Investigator: Michelle Lucas

Affiliation/Dept: Higher Orbits

Go For Launch! is a multiday program (not overnight) that uses Space Exploration as a platform to launch student involvement in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), STEAM (Art), teamwork, communication and leadership. This program was developed to reach high school-aged students. Throughout the program students work with an Astronaut, for the entire event, and compete to have their science experiment sent to space. 

---

2025 AIAA Region IV Student Conference

Principal Investigator: Andreas Gross, Ph.D.

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico State University, Student Competition

The NMSU student branch of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics is an on campus student organization that educates students on opportunities in the aeronautics and astronautics industry. Each year, students from institutions in AIAA Region IV are invited to submit abstracts and later complete conference papers. Students who meet the submission requirements are invited to present their work at the student conference. At the conference, students give presentations for other attendees and then face a Q&A session. Student papers and presentations are judged by senior members of AIAA.

---

Joule Heated and OxYgen Plasma Source

Principal Investigator: Francisco Torres Herrador, Ph.D.

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico State University, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Hypersonic vehicles encounter extreme aerothermal environments with high temperatures and chemically reacting plasma flows. The interaction between these plasmas and Thermal Protection Systems involves complex gas surface interactions that are not yet fully understood. Many ground facilities operate in convectively dominated regimes, which limits the ability to study reaction kinetics.

This project will develop a plasma flow facility optimized for experiments in the kinetically controlled regime where reaction timescales exceed flow residence times. Objectives are to design and build a laboratory scale radio frequency plasma facility that can decouple thermal and chemical effects during testing, to investigate material response to air plasma exposure under controlled conditions, and to establish a long term capability at NMSU for advanced gas surface interaction research.

The system integrates modular vacuum hardware, real time temperature control, and LabVIEW based automation. It will support experiments on materials such as graphite, 3D printed TPS systems, and commercial carbon fiber composites. Initial validation will replicate published results on graphite, followed by parametric studies and post test analysis with SEM and XRD. Results will inform simplified gas surface interaction models and future computational work.

Planned tasks and timing are facility design four months, system construction two months, experimental campaign three months, and data analysis four months. Aligned with NASA priorities in TPS development and advanced ground testing, this pilot facility will support workforce training and position NMSU for future expansion into high enthalpy plasma testing.

---

NASA MINDS and ISU CoSMIC

Principal Investigator: Mostafa Hassanalian, Ph.D.

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Student Competition

The NASA MINDS competition challenges university students to design and develop innovative technologies that support NASA Artemis and future space exploration. With a focus on technologies for sustainable operations on the Moon, Mars, and beyond, teams research, design, prototype, and demonstrate their projects. Awards recognize technical merit, project management, and creativity. NMIMT is preparing to bring forward novel solutions in the 2024 to 2025 cycle.

---

Pathway to Space Camp

Principal Investigator: Andrew Moralez

Affiliation/Dept: 21st Century Academic Enrichment Programs

Pathway to Space Camp is a week long program scheduled for June 2025 at the NMSU campus in Las Cruces. It serves K to 12 students from Title I schools in the Gadsden District and aims to build interest and skills in STEM through hands on experiences tied to space exploration.

Students will build space capable telescopes, learn astrophysics and observational science, and complete a Space Entrepreneurship track where they design products that address exploration challenges. Astronaut training activities include scuba and underwater projects that simulate zero gravity conditions, offering insight into the rigor of space missions while building resilience and teamwork.

Funding will cover specialized equipment, expert instructors, and facility access. The program supports equity in education by removing barriers to STEM opportunities and inspiring future explorers, innovators, and leaders.

---

Space Weather Advanced Technology Demonstrator

Principal Investigator: Anders Jorgensen, Ph.D.

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Department of Electrical Engineering

The ionosphere and plasmasphere are key plasma regions of the Earth magnetosphere. Ionospheric disturbances disrupt global communications and navigation, particularly at military frequencies. The plasmasphere is a primary driver of the radiation belts and thus affects satellites and human space travel.

The Space Weather Advanced Technology Demonstrator is a mission concept that uses an optical beacon and laser communication with an HF transmitter and a VLF receiver to map the ionosphere and remotely sense the plasmasphere. This proposal prototypes the scientific instruments to retire risk so flight versions can be developed when the full satellite is funded.

Collaborators include Eötvös University, Redwire Loadpath, and LANL. A letter of support has been secured from NASA GSFC. Over one to two years the team will mature instruments from conceptual to critical designs and integrate them in a flat sat configuration with hardware or flight models of bus components. The completed satellite will be proposed for launch under ELaNa and the lab will be positioned to propose additional missions to NASA, NSF, DARPA, AFRL, and others.

---

Seismic Observation of Ringless Saturn

Principal Investigator: Jason Jackiewicz, Ph.D.

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico State University, College of Arts and Sciences

Planet formation is linked to the unknown interior structure of Jupiter and Saturn. The masses of their cores and the amount of heavy elements in their deep regions are directly related to formation mechanisms yet remain uncertain.

This observational project will measure seismic signals from Saturn when the rings are hidden in September 2025, leaving the disk fully observable. Data from a spectrograph built at NMSU and deployed at the Sunspot Solar Observatory will probe the deep interior. Graduate students will lead observations for one month. Partners in France and Japan will conduct parallel observations, enabling nearly continuous coverage. The work complements current and planned NASA missions to the outer Solar System.

---

Summer Community College Opportunity for Research Experience

Principal Investigator: Paola Bandini, Ph.D.

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico State University, Department of Civil Engineering

The NM AMP Program is a statewide alliance of seven four year universities and colleges in New Mexico. Since 1992, NM AMP has supported retention, development, and graduation of students in STEM by providing faculty mentored undergraduate research, academic support, stipends, and professional development.

The SCCORE project strengthens the pathway that engages STEM community college students to transfer to four year institutions for a STEM B.S. degree. Students serve as research assistants at a New Mexico four year institution during the summer and take part in orientation to campus resources, active research, a credit bearing class, and professional development workshops. Students present posters at the SCCORE Symposium and the NM AMP Student Research Conference. Faculty mentors guide students through research in their field of interest. Activities build on successful NM AMP programs and a broad faculty network to support students as they prepare for the STEM workforce in industry and academia.

---

WERC Environmental Design Contest, Lunar Dust Mitigation Design Challenge

Principal Investigator: Ginger Scarbrough, Ph.D.

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico State University, College of Engineering

The WERC Environmental Design Contest will include a NASA supported task titled Lunar Dust Mitigation in the 2025 competition. Diverse student teams research real world challenges, write technical reports, deliver oral and poster presentations, participate in a Flash Pitch, and build bench scale models as proof of concept. Teams are primarily undergraduates and will showcase models at the April 6 to 9, 2025 event in Las Cruces.

Professional scientists and engineers serve as judges and mentors who guide teams in process flow, techno economic analysis, waste minimization, regulatory compliance, health and safety, public engagement, and full scale implementation. Students report feeling treated as equals rather than judged, which research shows boosts confidence, enthusiasm, and retention in STEM. The contest aligns with NASA STEM engagement goals and the national strategy for STEM education by providing hands on, multidisciplinary learning and workforce development while connecting students with NASA professionals.

2024 Supported Research & Education

2024 Summer Spaceflight Experiments Workshops for Teachers

Principal Investigator: Elizabeth Kennick, MS

Affiliation/Dept: Teachers in Space Inc

Teachers in Space will present two sessions of the Summer Spaceflight Experiments Workshops for Teachers at Challenger Center in Las Cruces from July 10 to 13 and July 14 to 17, 2024. The goal is to provide real spaceflight activities, equipment, support, and flight opportunities for sixty teachers in grades two through twelve in order to inspire students to pursue careers in the space industry. Teachers will learn to use pressure sensors, accelerometers, and other sensors to build experiments that will fly on a balloon and in gliders. The project culminates with teachers guiding students to design data collection experiments that launch on a suborbital spaceflight.

---

2024 WERC Environmental Design Contest, Stormwater Management for Community Resilience

Principal Investigator: Ginger Scarbrough, Ph.D.

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico State University, Department of Outreach and Recruitment, Engineering

This project invites educators to take part in a multi day space and astronomy focused professional development workshop hosted by Space Foundation. The event equips teachers to engage students through exploration of the cosmos. Lessons span the structure of the universe, the search for life, black holes, and gravitational waves. Through interactive hands on activities, educators deepen understanding and learn how to integrate these concepts in classroom instruction. The curriculum aligns with NGSS and Common Core across grades and supports diverse learning styles.

---

ASME Conference and E Fest Competition

Principal Investigator: Jesse Waller, Ph.D.

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico State University, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress & Exposition participation in the Safety Engineering, Risk, and Reliability Analysis Division for a paper titled Preventative Inhalation Hazard Analysis of Ablative Coolant Material used in a Liquid Bi Propellant Engine. The paper received an Honorable Mention Award in the 2024 Student Safety Innovation Challenge. Funds support travel to the conference in Portland, Oregon from November 17 to 21 to participate in the Safety Innovation Division.

Innovative Additive Manufacturing IAM3D is an ASME E Fest challenge for mechanical, aerospace, electrical, and chemical engineering students. Teams fabricate a Design, Integration, Research and Test Ground Based Remote Controlled Vehicle. The vehicle should be all terrain with the ability to drive, jump, tow, float, hover, and carry a payload. The challenge simulates traversing a lunar landscape and offers practical experience relevant to rover design. ASME teams have a strong record in IAM3D, with prior participation at Virginia Tech and a first place finish at Cal Poly.

---

Computational Modeling, Structural Characterization, and Coupling of Cone Inspired Re Entry Vehicle with Its Internal Structures

Principal Investigator: Abdessattar Abdelkefi, Ph.D.

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico State University, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Re entry problems are complex due to many input variables, boundary conditions, and external excitations. During re entry as the flight regime transitions from hypersonic to supersonic to transonic, aerospace vehicles experience internal vibrations caused by pressure loading, turbulence, and random vibrations. This project studies a cone inspired re entry vehicle equipped with an internal structure to better understand structural dynamics and the coupling between the primary structure and the internal structure under external excitations. Both computational and experimental investigations will assess how the location and shape of the internal structure influence the dynamics of the coupled system.

---

Cosmic Classrooms, Professional Development in Space and Astronomy Education

Principal Investigator: Bobby Gagnon

Affiliation/Dept: Space Foundation, Department of Education

This project offers a multi day professional development workshop focused on space and astronomy. Sessions cover foundational astronomy through recent discoveries, including the structure of the universe, the search for life, black holes, and gravitational waves. Through hands on activities, participants build understanding and learn to integrate content into instruction. The curriculum aligns with NGSS and Common Core and supports diverse learning styles.

---

Destination STEM, Exploring STEM on Rails

Principal Investigator: Vanessa Mobley Knox, BS FCS

Affiliation/Dept: Family Ties NM

This grant supports a trip to Albuquerque for thirty five middle and high school students from rural Southern New Mexico who have strong interest in STEM careers. Day one features a guided tour of the University of New Mexico and meetings with faculty and staff about pathways and careers. Day two features a RailRunner trip from Albuquerque to Santa Fe with hands on work using sensors as part of the From the Classroom to the Rail initiative led by Dr. Fernando Moreu and UNM staff and sponsored by the Federal Railroad Administration. Students use low cost sensors to track train movement and study physics, engineering, and data analysis in real time. Requested funds cover transportation and lodging.

---

Development of Manufacturing Technology for Biomimetic Heat Pipe

Principal Investigator: Ashok Ghosh, Ph.D.

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering

This Research Initiation Grant investigates biomimetic heat pipes as advanced heat rejection technologies for deep space radiators. NASA is developing nuclear electric propulsion engines that operate between 227 and 327 degrees C. These systems require heat rejection on the order of tens of megawatts with performance far beyond current systems. Prior tests used water below 150 degrees C, which is unsuitable at higher temperatures due to high vapor pressure. Prior biomimetic heat pipe studies are promising and suggest strong potential. This project refines fabrication methods and explores materials to optimize performance and strengthen research infrastructure in New Mexico. The work is planned over twelve months.

---

Electronic Properties of Dry Aerosol Deposited Lunar Regolith

Principal Investigator: Paul Fuierer, Ph.D.

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Department of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering

NASA seeks technologies for lunar habitation and exploration, including dust mitigation and on demand manufacturing of electronic components using local regolith. This project initiates research on the electronic properties of lunar regolith produced by dry aerosol deposition. The process enables dense coatings without binders or heat and benefits from vacuum conditions. The group previously used lunar regolith simulant as feedstock and can produce homogeneous, ultrafine microstructures. The work will characterize dielectric properties over a range of frequencies and measure work function via photoemission electron microscopy. The project is endorsed by NASA MSFC and supports one MS and one BS student.

---

Human Centered Interfaces with Robots and Structures, A New Paradigm

Principal Investigator: Fernando Moreu, Ph.D.

Affiliation/Dept: University of New Mexico, Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering

Space robotics enables docking, on orbit refueling, and component replacement. Small scale robotic arm manipulation on satellite buses remains largely unexplored. Augmented Reality can provide a realistic interface for spacecraft control, yet real time data are hard to interpret. This project explores AR interfaces connected to sensors that inform human operators of robotic actions and studies human factors such as fear, stress, and trust during interactions with robots and mechanical systems.

---

Miners Mayhem

Principal Investigator: Curtis O'Malley, Ph.D.

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering

New Mexico Tech alumni, students, and community teams design and compete in a robot combat tournament with multiple weight classes for different skill levels. Through NMT outreach, middle and high school students compete in the MESA Bot category with three dimensional printed or foam bots controlled with Arduino. A one hundred fifty gram category focuses on high school and college club bots. The three pound division includes college teams from across the region and community hobbyists. The newest division is the thirty pound class, which pushes teams to design, build, and control larger systems. The event builds skills in mechanisms, optimization under weight limits, stability, and center of gravity considerations that transfer to aerospace and NASA applications.

---

NASA Lunabotics Mining Competition

Principal Investigator: Mostafa Hassanalian, Ph.D.

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering

The Lunabotics Robotic Mining Competition is a collegiate challenge in support of Artemis. Teams design and deliver a berm building robot that can navigate a simulated lunar environment, travel to an excavation zone, and deposit regolith in a berm building zone. Teams complete a project management plan, public outreach, assembly, a systems engineering paper, a presentation, and a proof of life video, then compete at Kennedy Space Center in May.

---

NM BEST Robotics, Low G

Principal Investigator: Patricia Sullivan, Ph.D.

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico State University, College of Engineering

The Boosting Engineering, Science and Technology program motivates middle and high school students through a robotics based competition. Teams design and build a working robot, document the process, and market the design while competing with schools across the state.

At kickoff the NM BEST Robotics Hub provides instructions and materials for the annual challenge. Each team has six weeks to build a robot that competes with peers statewide. Judging includes the robot, a technical notebook, an oral presentation, and a marketing plan with an eight by eight foot project display or booth. On game day, teams compete for top scores and a chance to advance to regionals.

---

Pathway to Space Camp

Principal Investigator: Andrew Moralez

Affiliation/Dept: 21st Century Academic Enrichment Programs

The 21st CAEP is a nonprofit organization in Anthony, New Mexico that engages students in STEM, literacy, and sports while preparing them for college. Serving more than one hundred students, its mission is to empower New Mexican students to reach academic potential and pursue STEM careers by addressing educational, economic, and social challenges that students face.

---

Photogrammetric Processing of Planetary Orbital Datasets

Principal Investigator: Ahme Elaksher, Ph.D.

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico State University, Department of Engineering Technology and Survey Engineering

This project strengthens NMSU capacity in planetary science, geospatial processing, and education. Photogrammetric procedures will produce reliable topographic information from optical images and other data collected by orbital sensors. Steps include bundle adjustment to determine image location and orientation, followed by three dimensional point determination through conjugate point matching. Results will be evaluated with rigorous mathematical models and independent ground truth. Outreach will educate the public on geospatial products used in planetary missions.

---

Spaceport America Cup

Principal Investigator: Michael Hargather, Ph.D.

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering

New Mexico Tech Mach Miners continue experimental sounding rocket work to build foundation for careers in rocketry. The team will compete in the June 2024 Spaceport America Cup alongside more than one hundred universities worldwide with goals to launch and recover a student designed and manufactured propulsion system and rocket airframe.

---

Spaceport America Cup, ESRA

Principal Investigator: Stephen Taylor

Affiliation/Dept: Experimental Sounding Rocket Association

Spaceport America partners with ESRA to run an intercollegiate engineering design competition that culminates in launch and recovery of student built rockets on New Mexico Spaceport Authority grounds. The event brings together teams from across the nation and world to advance study of engineering and high power rocketry.

---

STEM Outreach Demos at USAF Air Show

Principal Investigator: Isabel Morris, Ph.D.

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

A team of faculty and students will run a STEM exhibition at Holloman Air Force Base featuring NASA related demonstrations and activities in robotics, drones, and other aerospace and STEM areas. Demonstrations draw from student design projects, faculty research, and STEM education topics and include hands on activities, larger demonstration pieces, and staffed display booths. The program encourages interest in engineering and science and shares educational pathways.

---

Summer Community College Opportunity for Research Experience

Principal Investigator: Justin Karrenberg, MA

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico State University, Department of Civil Engineering

SCCORE is a long standing NM AMP best practice that supports pre transfer students from New Mexico community colleges as research assistants. The six week program includes orientation to campus resources, faculty mentored research, a credit bearing course, and professional development workshops. Student researchers engage daily in activities that build identity as university students and scientists and develop networks of peers and mentors that support belonging in STEM.

---

Weldability Analysis of Next Generation Refractory High Entropy Alloys

Principal Investigator: Pankaj Kumar, Ph.D.

Affiliation/Dept: University of New Mexico, Department of Mechanical Engineering

Refractory high entropy alloys are promising for high temperature structural applications. This project uses fusion based welding to evaluate weldability and to develop a fundamental understanding of microstructure evolution during welding. The focus is on novel NbTaTi rich alloys with minor Mo and W content for enhanced weldability, building on evidence of room temperature ductility. The work aligns with the Research Initiation Grant goals and supports workforce development in New Mexico targeted to the aerospace sector.

2023 Supported Research & Education

Curriculum Development in Emerging Technologies in Geospatial Technologies

Principal Investigator: Ahmed Elaksher, Ph.D.

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico State University, Department of Engineering Technology and Survey Engineering

Recent development in geospatial technologies has created strong interest in large scale mapping. Federal, state, and local agencies and private industry use geospatial technologies to better understand the dynamics of the earth system. This calls for an educated, diverse, and skilled workforce capable of using these tools. This course provides the theoretical background and technical experience needed to understand and use geospatial technologies. The ETSE department offers unique resources that support development of this material and student involvement, including traditionally underrepresented populations. Using NMSGC resources to meet these goals aligns with the objectives of the New Mexico Space Grant Consortium. The ETSE faculty bring a wide range of backgrounds that will support timely realization of the course toward its planned offering in Fall 2022.

---

NM PREP Academy, To the Moon

Principal Investigator: Clara Welles

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico State University, Engineering, Office of Outreach and Recruitment

STEM youth programs help prepare the next high skilled workforce and address pressing problems. Many school curricula lack a strong STEM focus, which lowers proficiency and interest. This project hosts the NM PREP Academy for high school students. With this grant, twenty five juniors and seniors from underserved communities in Southern New Mexico will attend a two week summer day program. Students will complete hands on, project based activities to explore engineering fields and build proficiency in math and physics, which are essential for success in STEM degrees. The camp broadens access, builds enthusiasm, and increases STEM proficiency.

---

Spaceport America Cup

Principal Investigator: Michael Hargather, Ph.D.

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico Institute of Mining & Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering

Space exploration is popular and important, yet progress requires a strong educational foundation. For several years, New Mexico Tech mechanical engineering design students have participated in the Experimental Sounding Rocket Team. The team has launched experimental rockets to learn rocketry and plans to compete again at the June 2022 Spaceport America Cup with more than one hundred universities worldwide. This year the team aims to implement a new payload that monitors structural health in flight and a propulsion system built entirely in house.

---

Flight Experiments Professional Development Workshops for Teachers

Principal Investigator: Elizabeth Kennick

Affiliation/Dept: Teachers in Space, Inc.

The Flight Experiments workshop provides public school teachers with repeatable experience in suborbital and orbital experiment design and launch processes. Participants build, launch, track, retrieve, and analyze data from flights that can be reproduced within a typical classroom budget.

Teachers learn about suborbital rockets, gliders, and high altitude balloons, plus orbital satellite tracking and communications, satellite licensing, payload integration and testing, and simple pre made sensors. The workshop includes a flight in which teachers carry their sensors. Teachers work with pressure, UV detection, accelerometers, and other sensors. The experience culminates with a high altitude sensor flight and recovery and analysis of the data. Afterward, teachers take the provided equipment and experience back to their classrooms to build a flight ready experiment with students. Regular sessions support troubleshooting and questions. The goal is to launch twenty five percent of teacher and student experiments on suborbital flights.

---

Deep Learning Enabled Remaining Life Cycle Prediction of Environmental Control System of Space Vehicle

Principal Investigator: Doeun Choe, Ph.D.

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico State University, Department of Civil Engineering

The Space Launch System is the largest and most powerful rocket under development by NASA. The Environmental Control System provides controlled purge to the SLS rocket and the Orion spacecraft. Reducing the possibility of system failure is critical. Given mission uncertainties, early damage prediction and remaining lifetime estimation are essential for crew and system safety.

This project proposes and tests sequence based deep learning models that predict remaining life of SLS ECS motors and blowers using vibration, temperature, speed, and current data with Long Short Term Memory and Gated Recurrent Unit networks. Multiple network designs will be developed using uni directional and bi directional layers and trained with SLS ECS data from Kennedy Space Center. The framework is extensible to other NASA systems, enables use of large time series datasets, and will support future proposals to NSF and NASA.

---

A Biomimetic Concept for the Design of Space Flight Radiators

Principal Investigator: Ashok Ghosh, Ph.D.

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico Institute of Mining & Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering

NASA has traditionally relied on pumped single phase liquid systems that reject heat through single phase radiators. For example, the shuttle used more than two hundred fifty one dimensional tubes embedded in a honeycomb structure. Heat moved by convection to the tube walls, conduction through the honeycomb, and radiation to space. NASA is now developing nuclear electric propulsion engines for next generation spacecraft to reach Mars and beyond. These systems need heat rejection far beyond current capabilities and must operate in radioactive environments.

New Mexico Tech developed a biomimetic multi function composite with interconnected pores graded radially to dissipate heat as fluid travels through it. Past experiments show localized heating can induce convective transport in a closed loop porous layer. This investigation will design a heat pipe radiator that distributes heat evenly over the lateral surface during operation. The twelve month effort aims to produce a thermal management system with superior mass, reliability, and operational simplicity for deep space missions.

---

Pathway to Space

Principal Investigator: Andrew Moralez

Affiliation/Dept: 21st Century Academic Enrichment Programs

The 21st CAEP is a nonprofit organization that engages students in STEM, literacy, and sports while preparing them for college. Based in Anthony, New Mexico, it has served more than one hundred students through a variety of long and short term programs. The mission is to empower New Mexican students to reach their academic potential and create a path to a STEM career. The program addresses educational, economic, and social challenges that local students face and is committed to helping students meet their needs and thrive in STEM.

2022 Supported Research & Education

Postdoctoral Fellowship

Principal Investigator: Marlena Fraune, Ph.D.

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico State University, Department of Psychology

This project improves astronaut mental models of co present robots on the International Space Station. The team will design robot behaviors that make a robot state and abilities easier to understand so astronauts know when and how to interact. Clear behavior reduces errors, improves trust, raises situation awareness, and lowers training needs. The work advances design recommendations for space robots.

---

Screening for Salt and Drought Tolerance in Edible Crops Selected for a Space Plant Breeding Program

Principal Investigator: Elena Sevostianova, Ph.D.

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico State University, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences

This project screens stress tolerant grasses and broad leaf crops for a space plant breeding program. The focus is on compact, fast growing, resilient plants with high nutritional value. Two grasses and two broad leaf crops will be grown in greenhouse conditions and irrigated with treated effluent under deficit evapotranspiration replacement to identify lines that maintain high nutrients.

Objectives:

• Use ground based facilities to simulate space relevant conditions with low quality water and deficit ET replacement.
• Strengthen New Mexico agricultural education and research at NMSU.
• Build nationally competitive expertise to enable future external funding in related areas.

---

Temperature Dependent Ellipsometry and Thermal Stability of Phase Change Materials for Tunable Optics Applications

Principal Investigator: Stefan Zollner, Ph.D.

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico State University, Department of Physics

NMSU will measure transmission spectra and ellipsometric angles of one inch calcium fluoride wafers coated with germanium antimony tellurium phase change alloys with a silicon dioxide cap. Measurements will span 190 nanometers to 40 micrometers and 80 to 750 Kelvin at an incidence angle of 70 degrees in an ultra high vacuum cryostat, merging data from two J. A. Woollam instruments with a custom window correction. The combined data will yield optical constants across wavelength and temperature for active optical device design. As needed, atomic force microscopy, x ray reflectance, and powder x ray diffraction will support analysis. NASA will supply layers, and regular meetings will coordinate samples, data, and analysis.

---

Design, Build, Fly

Principal Investigator: Andreas Gross, Ph.D.

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico State University, Department of Engineering

Design Build Fly is a yearly American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics fixed wing aircraft challenge. More than one hundred teams gather in Tucson to compete under strict design and mission rules. AIAA judges inspect airframes and score designs before flights. The NMSU club seeks funds to integrate advanced materials and manufacturing in the 2020 to 2021 airframe and to cover travel so about fifteen students can compete out of state.

---

Plant the Moon Challenge, Higher Education Team

Principal Investigator: Nicole Pietrasiak, Ph.D.

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico State University, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences

The team will enter the Plant the Moon Challenge hosted by the Institute of Competition Sciences with support from the University of Central Florida CLASS Exolith Lab. The goal is to test experimental conditions for growing nutritious food in lunar regolith simulant to support long duration missions. Focus areas include crop selection, regolith amendments, and microbial inoculants with emphasis on drought tolerant crops and mushrooms that need little water or fertilizer and offer strong nutritional profiles.

---

Plant the Moon Challenge, K to 12 Team

Principal Investigator: Andrew Moralez

Affiliation/Dept: 21st Century Academic Enrichment Programs

K to 12 students will design and conduct plant growth experiments using lunar soil simulant from the CLASS Exolith Lab, part of a NASA virtual institute. Teams will report parameters and results that help NASA plan for growing nutritious crops on the Moon. Participants with completed projects are invited to a virtual symposium with NASA scientists and program leaders.

---

Spaceport America Cup, Atomic Aggies

Principal Investigator: Fangjun Shu, Ph.D.

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico State University, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

The Atomic Aggies compete in the Spaceport America Cup run by the Experimental Sounding Rocket Association. Teams worldwide fly rockets in ten thousand and thirty thousand foot classes with student designed or commercial motors. Each rocket carries an eight point eight pound payload. ESRA provides launch infrastructure, safety liaisons, mentors, and progress reporting.

---

Conceptual Design and Performance Enhancement of Space Drones with Morphing Capabilities in Different Solar System Bodies

Principal Investigator: Abdessattar Abdelkefi, Ph.D.

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico State University, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

This project advances drones for planetary exploration. Flying platforms such as fixed, flapping, and rotary wing vehicles can correct entry errors, fly close to surfaces, and gather high resolution data that complement orbiters and rovers. The work studies morphing concepts and performance for operations at bodies such as Mars and Venus, building on recent progress that makes aerial platforms valuable for planetary science.

---

Low Gain Avalanche Detectors for Space Radiation Measurements

Principal Investigator: Sally Seidel, Ph.D.

Affiliation/Dept: University of New Mexico, Department of Physics and Astronomy

This project develops radiation tolerant silicon detectors with unprecedented timing accuracy for charged particles while retaining excellent spatial precision. Precision timing supports astrophysical studies that correlate charged particle events with solar, terrestrial, and galactic phenomena. Low gain avalanche detectors provide intrinsic charge amplification that improves timing and allows lower mass sensors for space. The team will characterize response to gamma rays and protons at doses and fluences relevant to extended deployment at the International Space Station and in deep space.

---

Training Future Influencers of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Technology, Course Development, First Delivery, and Publication of Materials

Principal Investigators: Marlena Fraune, Ph.D., and Matthew Rueben, Ph.D.

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico State University, Department of Psychology

The team will develop, deliver, and publish a new seminar on the societal impacts of robotics and artificial intelligence with technologies of interest to NASA. Students from STEM and non STEM majors will analyze media claims, evaluate technology impacts on human values, and create a personal vision for influencing the future. Materials and an instructor guide will be published for broad adoption. Active learning includes expert interviews, structured journaling, a moderated debate, and simulated social media interactions. The project runs July 20 to January 19 with development, a four month fall delivery, and a final month for improvement and publication.

---

NASA Robotic Mining Competition, Lunabotics

Principal Investigator: Seokbin Lim, Ph.D.

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico Tech, Department of Mechanical Engineering

Lunabotics is a collegiate challenge in support of Artemis. Teams design an excavating rover that can navigate a simulated lunar environment, travel to a mining area, unearth icy gravel, and deliver it to a bin. The rover must include teleoperation and autonomy. Phases include design with a project management plan and executive summary, build with systems papers, posters, presentations, and outreach, and dig with on site competition at Kennedy Space Center.

---

High School to College Robotics STEM Class

Principal Investigator: Curtis O'Malley, Ph.D.

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico Tech, Department of Mechanical Engineering

This class introduces high school students to robotics and rover design, programming, and engineering decision making through a robotic combat project and competition. Students assemble an existing bot with performance limits, study and improve the code, and redesign for efficiency and effectiveness. The course builds systems thinking by dividing complex problems into subsystems while accounting for interactions.

---

2022 WERC Environmental Design Contest, Cleaning Lunar Regolith from Spacesuits

Principal Investigator: Ginger Scarbrough, Ph.D.

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico State University, College of Engineering

The WERC contest will include a NASA supported task titled Cleaning Lunar Regolith from Spacesuits. Diverse student teams will research, write a technical report, give oral and poster presentations, and build a working bench scale model as proof of concept. Primarily undergraduate teams will demonstrate models at the April 2022 event in Las Cruces. Judges act as colleague mentors who discuss process flow, techno economic analysis, waste minimization, regulatory compliance, health and safety, public involvement, and full scale implementation. Students report feeling treated as equals, which research links to gains in confidence, enthusiasm, and retention in STEM. The contest meets NASA STEM engagement goals and the national STEM strategy by creating authentic learning that connects students with NASA professionals and supports workforce development.

2021 Supported Research & Education

Postdoctoral Fellowship

Principal Investigator: Marlena Fraune, Ph.D.

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico State University, Department of Psychology

This project improves astronaut mental models of co present robots on the International Space Station. The team will design robot behaviors that make robot states and abilities easier to understand so astronauts know when and how to interact. Clearer behavior reduces errors, improves trust, increases situation awareness, and lowers training needs. The work advances design recommendations for space robots.

---

Screening for Salt and Drought Tolerance in Edible Crops Selected for a Space Plant Breeding Program

Principal Investigator: Elena Sevostianova, Ph.D.

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico State University, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences

This project screens stress tolerant grasses and broad leaf crops for a space plant breeding program. The focus is on compact, fast growing, resilient plants with high nutritional value. Two grasses and two broad leaf crops will be grown in greenhouse conditions and irrigated with treated effluent under deficit evapotranspiration replacement to identify lines that maintain high nutrients.

Objectives:

• Use ground based facilities to simulate space relevant conditions with low quality water and deficit ET replacement.
• Strengthen New Mexico agricultural education and research at NMSU.
• Build nationally competitive expertise to enable future external funding in related areas.

---

Temperature Dependent Ellipsometry and Thermal Stability of Phase Change Materials for Tunable Optics Applications

Principal Investigator: Stefan Zollner, Ph.D.

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico State University, Department of Physics

NMSU will measure transmission spectra and ellipsometric angles of one inch calcium fluoride wafers coated with germanium antimony tellurium phase change alloys with a silicon dioxide cap. Measurements will span 190 nanometers to 40 micrometers and 80 to 750 Kelvin at an incidence angle of 70 degrees in an ultra high vacuum cryostat, merging data from two J. A. Woollam instruments with a custom window correction. The combined data will yield optical constants across wavelength and temperature for active optical device design. As needed, atomic force microscopy, x ray reflectance, and powder x ray diffraction will support analysis. NASA will supply layers, and regular meetings will coordinate samples, data, and analysis.

---

Design, Build, Fly

Principal Investigator: Andreas Gross, Ph.D.

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico State University, Department of Engineering

Design Build Fly is a yearly American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics fixed wing aircraft challenge. More than one hundred teams gather in Tucson to compete under strict design and mission rules. AIAA judges inspect airframes and score designs before flights. The NMSU club seeks funds to integrate advanced materials and manufacturing in the 2020 to 2021 airframe and to cover travel so about fifteen students can compete out of state.

---

Plant the Moon Challenge, Higher Education Team

Principal Investigator: Nicole Pietrasiak, Ph.D.

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico State University, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences

The team will enter the Plant the Moon Challenge hosted by the Institute of Competition Sciences with support from the University of Central Florida CLASS Exolith Lab. The goal is to test experimental conditions for growing nutritious food in lunar regolith simulant to support long duration missions. Focus areas include crop selection, regolith amendments, and microbial inoculants with emphasis on drought tolerant crops and mushrooms that need little water or fertilizer and offer strong nutritional profiles.

---

Plant the Moon Challenge, K to 12 Team

Principal Investigator: Andrew Moralez

Affiliation/Dept: 21st Century Academic Enrichment Programs

K to 12 students will design and conduct plant growth experiments using lunar soil simulant from the CLASS Exolith Lab, part of a NASA virtual institute. Teams will report parameters and results that help NASA plan for growing nutritious crops on the Moon. Participants with completed projects are invited to a virtual symposium with NASA scientists and program leaders.

---

Spaceport America Cup, Atomic Aggies

Principal Investigator: Fangjun Shu, Ph.D.

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico State University, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

The Atomic Aggies compete in the Spaceport America Cup run by the Experimental Sounding Rocket Association. Teams worldwide fly rockets in ten thousand and thirty thousand foot classes with student designed or commercial motors. Each rocket carries an eight point eight pound payload. ESRA provides launch infrastructure, safety liaisons, mentors, and progress reporting.

---

Conceptual Design and Performance Enhancement of Space Drones with Morphing Capabilities in Different Solar System Bodies

Principal Investigator: Abdessattar Abdelkefi, Ph.D.

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico State University, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

This project advances drones for planetary exploration. Flying platforms such as fixed, flapping, and rotary wing vehicles can correct entry errors, fly close to surfaces, and gather high resolution data that complement orbiters and rovers. The work studies morphing concepts and performance for operations at bodies such as Mars and Venus, building on recent progress that makes aerial platforms valuable for planetary science.

---

Low Gain Avalanche Detectors for Space Radiation Measurements

Principal Investigator: Sally Seidel, Ph.D.

Affiliation/Dept: University of New Mexico, Department of Physics and Astronomy

This project develops radiation tolerant silicon detectors with unprecedented timing accuracy for charged particles while retaining excellent spatial precision. Precision timing supports astrophysical studies that correlate charged particle events with solar, terrestrial, and galactic phenomena. Low gain avalanche detectors provide intrinsic charge amplification that improves timing and allows lower mass sensors for space. The team will characterize response to gamma rays and protons at doses and fluences relevant to extended deployment at the International Space Station and in deep space.

---

Training Future Influencers of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Technology, Course Development, First Delivery, and Publication of Materials

Principal Investigators: Marlena Fraune, Ph.D., and Matthew Rueben, Ph.D.

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico State University, Department of Psychology

The team will develop, deliver, and publish a new seminar on the societal impacts of robotics and artificial intelligence with technologies of interest to NASA. Students from STEM and non STEM majors will analyze media claims, evaluate technology impacts on human values, and create a personal vision for influencing the future. Materials and an instructor guide will be published for broad adoption. Active learning includes expert interviews, structured journaling, a moderated debate, and simulated social media interactions. The project runs July 20 to January 19 with development, a four month fall delivery, and a final month for improvement and publication.

---

NASA Robotic Mining Competition, Lunabotics

Principal Investigator: Seokbin Lim, Ph.D.

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico Tech, Department of Mechanical Engineering

Lunabotics is a collegiate challenge in support of Artemis. Teams design an excavating rover that can navigate a simulated lunar environment, travel to a mining area, unearth icy gravel, and deliver it to a bin. The rover must include teleoperation and autonomy. Phases include design with a project management plan and executive summary, build with systems papers, posters, presentations, and outreach, and dig with on site competition at Kennedy Space Center.

---

High School to College Robotics STEM Class

Principal Investigator: Curtis O'Malley, Ph.D.

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico Tech, Department of Mechanical Engineering

This class introduces high school students to robotics and rover design, programming, and engineering decision making through a robotic combat project and competition. Students assemble an existing bot with performance limits, study and improve the code, and redesign for efficiency and effectiveness. The course builds systems thinking by dividing complex problems into subsystems while accounting for interactions.

---

2020 Supported Research & Education

Regolith Subsurface Exploration Testbed R SET

Principal Investigator: Douglas D. Cortes, Ph.D.

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico State University, Department of Civil Engineering

The subsurface of Mars and the Moon stores resources ranging from water ice to methane hydrates. Subsurface sampling on Earth relies on large equipment that provides reaction force to drive probes. Inspired by earthworms, this project develops light, compact, self excavating subsurface characterization tools suitable for lunar and Martian deployment.

Funding supports an instrumented regolith subsurface exploration testbed where earthworm inspired devices can be tested under controlled laboratory conditions. A fifty five gallon cylindrical test bed will accommodate probes up to four inches in diameter and will be instrumented with acoustic emission sensors and electronics to monitor regolith response during penetration. The team will also seek funds for a modular loading frame to house the cell and double the current testing depth. The completed facility will position New Mexico for new research in self excavating robots for terrestrial and extraterrestrial subsurface exploration.

---

Curriculum Development in Digital Photogrammetry

Principal Investigator: Ahmed F. Elaksher, Ph.D.

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico State University, Department of Engineering Technology and Survey Engineering

The ETSE department requests support from the NMSGC Education Enhancement Program during the 2020 to 2021 grant year to:

• Develop a required course titled Digital Photogrammetry for the Bachelor of Geomatics and as an elective for other degrees, including lectures, assessments, and hands on labs and projects.
• Support faculty professional growth and procure supplies needed to develop and deliver course materials.
• Strengthen digital photogrammetry within the geomatics curriculum.
• Fund undergraduate assistants to help prepare course materials for photogrammetry mapping.
• Expand opportunities for under represented students by building knowledge and technical skills in digital photogrammetry.

---

Enhancing the Capstone Design Experience for Materials Students, Micro Particle Accelerator for Testing Impact of Space Surfaces and Coatings

Principal Investigator: Paul Fuierer, Ph.D.

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Department of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering

High velocity micrometeoroids pose risks to satellites and structures. Thick ceramic coatings made by dry aerosol deposition may offer protection, but orbital tests and hypervelocity ranges are costly. This project enables senior materials students to design and build prototype apparatus to accelerate microparticles to high speed and impact coated coupons for rapid, affordable testing.

Two student teams will develop competing designs. One uses an explosive charge accelerator. The other uses a solid propellant shotgun design. The work forms the lab component of MTLS 481 and 482. Learning goals include mastery of the design process, satisfaction with project outcomes, competence in planning and execution, and confident communication of results. Resulting prototypes will support research and STEM outreach. The Energetic Materials Research and Testing Center at NMT will provide expertise and cost share.

---

Mission Specific Design of Structural Materials for Radiation Environment

Principal Investigator: Ashok K. Ghosh, Ph.D.

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering

Conventional radiation shields such as lead, aluminum, and tantalum are heavy, passive, and can create secondary radiation. This project investigates fluid filled cellular composites FFCC as mission specific radiation shielding materials that also provide acoustic isolation, impact resistance, and thermal management.

The team will build a catalog of FFCC and other NASA qualified materials using a Monte Carlo simulation code so designers can optimize lightweight, lower cost shields. Preliminary analysis suggests FFCC can be about 1.54 times and 1.8 times more effective than aluminum and tantalum respectively for primary and secondary radiation at comparable density and cost. The twelve month effort includes collaboration with NASA Kennedy Space Center. Follow up work will model failure modes and fracture toughness and explore in situ regolith based construction.

---

Space Science and Engineering, Materials Under Extreme Dynamic Tension

Principal Investigator: Seokbin Lim, Ph.D.

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering

While shock physics under extreme compression is well studied, the fundamental physics of extreme dynamic tension remains unclear. This project develops a theory of material response under very high pulling speeds followed by necking and fracture, then evaluates it through numerical simulations to explain unique wave patterns during extreme tension.

---

Safe and Augmented Human Robotic Interaction for Space SAHRIS

Principal Investigator: Fernando Moreu, Ph.D.

Affiliation/Dept: University of New Mexico, Department of Civil, Construction and Environment Engineering

Augmented Reality can increase interactivity, feedback, immersion, and engagement, yet it can also add cognitive load and usability challenges. The linkage between AR and human robot interaction in space operations is not fully understood. This project explores AR based interfaces that improve human cognition of robot operations, enable new control modes, accelerate problem solving across time and space, and increase safety when humans collaborate with robots. The PI will collaborate with Electrical and Computer Engineering at UNM.

---

Cell Culture Systems for Space Neuroscience Research

Principal Investigator: Elba Serrano, Ph.D.

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico State University, Department of Biology

This project advances understanding of how spaceflight affects the nervous system, motivated by concerns about effects of sustained altered gravity on cognition. The work leverages NASA Ames resources including the GeneLab open data repository and the long arm centrifuges for hypergravity research.

Aims are to expand resources for neural transcriptomic and lipidomic data analysis in GeneLab and to establish tissue culture protocols for animal and human cell lines that can be adapted for hypergravity experiments on the Ames twenty g centrifuge. Given observed white matter changes in astronauts, the team will evaluate lipid profiles of neuroglial cells. The project builds the national STEM workforce by engaging NMSU students and broadening participation of underrepresented groups. Outcomes support the NASA Space Biology Science Plan for 2016 to 2025 and will generate pilot data for future proposals.

---

Silicon Detectors that Multiply Charge, a Strategy for Radiation Hardness in Extraterrestrial Applications

Principal Investigator: Sally Seidel, Ph.D.

Affiliation/Dept: University of New Mexico, Department of Physics and Astronomy

Silicon sensors effectively detect charged particles up to fluences near 2E16 neq/cm² and are attractive due to low mass, compactness, and mechanical robustness. Their radiation lifetime is limited by charge trapping that prevents charge from distant regions in the bulk from contributing to signal. This project studies a design that initiates controlled charge multiplication using very small inter electrode spacing and field shaping structures that inhibit breakdown.

The team will measure charge collection efficiency of prototype devices before and after proton and gamma exposure for multiple design variants. Pre irradiation measurements validated the method and showed promising results. Post irradiation tests will be performed below minus ten degrees C because leakage current and noise depend strongly on temperature. Deliverables include a properties report and a plan to expand into collaboration with NASA on mission specific applications.

---

Micromechanics of Defects in Additively Manufactured Materials

Principal Investigator: Igor Sevostianov, Ph.D.

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico State University, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

This project develops a quantitative micromechanics model to predict mechanical performance of parts produced by Additive Manufacturing. Part quality variability due to process induced defects limits use in critical applications. The work targets NASA challenges in materials development and in modeling and control for space applications.

The research will build theory and experiments to evaluate in situ performance and life prognosis of additively manufactured parts using electrical conductivity measurements while strengthening aerospace engineering education and research programs at NMSU. The goal is to develop nationally competitive expertise that supports future research funding.

2019 Supported Research & Education

Integrating HiRISE and MOLA Data Products for Reliable Topographic Modeling of the Mars Surface

Principal Investigator: Dr. Ahmed Elaskher

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico State University, Engineering Technology and Survey Engineering

Geospatial data and photogrammetric procedures now provide new insight into Mars. Two key data sources are HiRISE stereo imagery and MOLA altimetry Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter. This proposal outlines the timeline, methods, deliverables, and estimated cost to process HiRISE and MOLA data for reliable topographic modeling.

The project advances NASA goals in studying and characterizing planetary surfaces. Funding will help NMSU build capacity in planetary data processing and begin collaborations with NASA centers. It will also position NMSU for future proposals to NASA, NSF, and NGA. The work will be carried out by NMSU faculty and students with diverse expertise to ensure timely results.

---

Improving Human Robot Interaction Efficiency During Robot Mode Swaps to Support Safety, Sustainability, and Success of Space Missions

Principal Investigator: Dr. Marlena Fraune

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico State University, Department of Psychology

New robotic technology supports future space missions. NASA is developing intelligent robots such as Astrobee to improve mission safety, sustainability, and success. Astrobee can operate in different modes such as astronaut controlled, teleoperated by mission control, and autonomous to support varied activities and needs.

Switching modes can create confusion about capabilities and about whether the robot is remote controlled or acting autonomously. As a result, astronauts who are co located with the robot may be uncertain about when and how to interact with their teammate, especially when human assistance is required. This work studies interaction design that reduces confusion during mode changes.

---

Protective Ceramic Coatings by Aerosol Deposition of Extraterrestrial Regolith

Principal Investigator: Dr. Paul Fuierer

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Materials and Metallurgical Engineering

NASA is developing technologies for lunar and planetary surface exploration, including use of local resources for construction, repair, and protection of habitats and vehicles. This project uses aerosol deposition to manufacture ceramic coatings from extraterrestrial regolith simulant. Aerosol deposition is a spray process that builds dense nanostructured ceramics with superior performance. On Earth it requires a vacuum chamber. In space the natural vacuum makes coating large surfaces conceivable.

The goal is to deposit for the first time aerosol deposition films made of complex silicate minerals and glass found on lunar and Martian surfaces. Tasks include acquiring regolith simulant, determining process parameters and powder conditioning, and characterizing coatings. Results will demonstrate viability of aerosol deposition in space, define processing windows for these ceramics, and identify applications for the coatings.

2018 Supported Research & Education

Solid State Radiation Detectors Using Quantum Dots

Principal Investigator: Dr. Hongmei Luo

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico State University, Chemical and Material Engineering

This project will prepare inks of lead chalcogenide quantum dots with a band gap near 1 eV and small or conductive ligands. Using these inks, the team will deposit very thick films up to 100 micrometers for the stopping and detection of gamma rays. Films will be used in a simple two contact diode configuration with gold electrodes and tested for sensitivity by monitoring current during exposure to small elemental radioactive sources. Promising devices will be optimized by varying quantum dot size and material including heterostructured or shape controlled nanocrystals, film thickness, ligand type, and device geometry.

---

Validation and Application of a Novel Remote Sensing Model for Improving Agricultural Water Management

Principal Investigator: Dr. Zohrab Samani

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico State University, Civil Engineering

NASA Collaborator: Dr. Joshua B. Fisher, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory

This research validates and applies a remote sensing model for improving agricultural water management in New Mexico and worldwide. Multispectral satellite imagery from Landsat and other platforms enables large scale monitoring of energy partition and plant water use. The Regional ET Estimation Model REEM developed at New Mexico State University uses satellite imagery and ground information to compute high resolution energy balance and crop water consumption evapotranspiration. The updated model REEM Plus calculates energy balance and ET without daily local calibration and can also estimate ET from the thermal band alone.

---

Radiation Hard Detectors of Charged Particles in Space

Principal Investigator: Dr. Sally Seidel

Affiliation/Dept: University of New Mexico, Physics and Astronomy

This effort initiates development of silicon sensors with very high radiation tolerance for space applications. The target charged particle fluence tolerance is beyond 2E16 neq/cm². Devices use transformational three dimensional technology with electrodes perpendicular to the wafer surfaces. The team will characterize leakage current, capacitance, and charge collection efficiency as a function of exposure to protons, neutrons, and gammas for several design variants. Deliverables include a properties report and a plan for collaboration with NASA on readout, packaging, and cooling. Silicon sensors are used in radiation monitors on Mars, in solar particle event detectors, and in human dosimetry. Improving radiation tolerance is essential for longer missions in harsher environments and during long transits.

---

Solar Powered Photocatalytic Oxidation Membrane Distillation for Closed Loop Wastewater Reuse and Recycling in a Mars Human Base

Principal Investigator: Dr. Pei Xu and Dr. Nagamany Nirmalakhandan

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico State University, Civil Engineering

This project develops a solar powered multi functional photocatalytic oxidation membrane distillation system for closed loop water reuse and recycling in a Mars human base. The goal is to change current wastewater treatment practice by treating wastewater as a resource for potable use and food production while addressing chemical and energy scarcity on Mars.

2017 Supported Research & Education

Conceptual Design and Optimization of Swarming Detachable Tilt Rotor Drones for Mars Exploration

Principal Investigator: Dr. Ruey Hung Chen and Dr. Abdessattar Abdelkefi

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico State University, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

This project investigates the conceptual design of extraterrestrial detachable drones including fixed wing unmanned air vehicles and micro air vehicles that can operate on Mars.

1. Analyze the dynamics and stability of the tilt rotor drone.
2. Fabricate the designed tilt rotor micro air vehicle.
3. Study the physics and characteristics of unmanned and micro air vehicles during Mars missions.
4. Evaluate and improve the performance of the drones across different scenarios.
5. Assess separation and connection actuation mechanisms to select the optimal approach.

---

Hybrid UWB and Optical Communications for Distributed Space Systems

Principal Investigator: David Mitchell

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico State University, Electrical and Computer Engineering

Future missions will use distributed space systems in which multiple small satellites communicate to achieve mission goals. This research explores hybrid radio and optical wireless communication circuits and systems with channel coding for low power, spectrum efficient, and secure links. The focus is on combining ultra wideband impulse radio, free space optical communication, and low density parity check coding to define design principles for hybrid architectures. The work will produce a proof of concept system with a relaying link bridging UWB impulse radio and optical wireless communication, integrating transceivers and channel coding. Theory and a prototype will be developed by the team and graduate students over one year at New Mexico State University.

---

Cost Efficient Management and Development of Commercial Space Vehicles

Principal Investigator: Dr. Fernando Moreu

Affiliation/Dept: University of New Mexico, Civil Engineering

This project identifies research needs for software and hardware to create an autonomous network of wireless smart sensors for space missions. The network will evaluate the structural performance of a launch vehicle during flight. The wireless smart sensor network will collect structural data useful to designers and managers of launch vehicles and will support development of innovative launch designs and configurations.

---

Freshman Aerospace Design Project

Principal Investigator: Dr. Curtis O'Malley

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Mechanical Engineering

This course introduces first year mechanical engineering students to modern engineering tools and team based project work through an aerospace focused design project. Students learn to break down complex problems into manageable subsystems and design each while accounting for subsystem interactions.

---

Unlocking Energy from Limit Cycles for Sustainable Life Support Systems in Lunar and Martian Environments

Principal Investigator: Dr. Nadipuram R. Prasad

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico State University, Electrical and Computer Engineering

This work studies the use of ambient energy to induce sustained relaxed oscillations known as limit cycles in electrical systems for energy storage. The effort is currently at technology readiness level one. The team is building a breadboard prototype using typical source excitations with the goal of advancing to technology readiness level three.

---

Monitoring of Changes in the Mechanical Performance of Epoxy Carbon Composites Due to Accumulated Damage

Principal Investigator: Dr. Igor Sevostianov

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico State University, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Preliminary results on epoxy composites containing 0.5 wt% and 1.0 wt% graphene flakes show that both materials are electrically conductive and that conductivity decreases with applied tensile stress. This behavior makes graphene reinforced epoxy a strong candidate for self diagnostic structural materials that are valuable in many applications, especially in aerospace.