Embry-Riddle Partners With Florida Universities to Boost Space Manufacturing

Researchers from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the University of Florida, Florida A&M University and Florida Institute of Technology have announced a partnership to create a multi-site organization known as the Center for Science, or C-STARS, which aims to advance the production of unique medicines, electronics and bioenergy systems in space, all within the epicenter of space activity: Florida. This initiative supports the rapidly expanding space manufacturing sector, backed by $80,000 in support from the National Science Foundation (NSF).

C-STARS will also lead workforce development programs to train the next generation of talent in space technologies, sciences and exploration.

The Sunshine State is home to more than 17,000 space-related companies, which drive the local economy. Nearly 70% of all U.S. orbital launches occurred at Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral last year, making it the nation’s busiest spaceport.

“This NSF planning grant allows the team to expand and deepen Embry-Riddle’s research activities on space technologies,” said Dr. Eduardo Rojas, associate professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering at Embry-Riddle and site director. “We seek discoveries and technology development for space electronics that will both energize our space coast industry and bring new knowledge and opportunities to our students.”

The rapid increase in private sector investment and competition has increased the demand for in-space manufacturing products to drive the new space economy. C-STARS aims to meet that demand. Additionally, the universities will collaborate with Tennessee-based Oak Ridge Associated Universities to enhance outreach.

“Space manufacturing provides distinct advantages that cannot be replicated on Earth, enabling the production of novel and potentially higher-quality products,” said Dr. Siobhan Malany, an associate professor of pharmacodynamics at the UF College of Pharmacy and center director of C-STARS. “As space research becomes more accessible and affordable, commercial space companies will depend upon C-STARS’ expertise to develop the necessary infrastructure and train their workforce to grow their space operations.”

The C-STARS initiative has proposed ambitious and groundbreaking projects, including using lunar regolith, or moon dust, to manufacture circuits on the moon; creating recyclable electronics to help reduce the more than 53 million metric tons of electronic waste currently generated annually worldwide; and advanced manufacturing photonic electronics for use as biomedical sensors — all in space.

“One of our most important goals is to provide the next generation of students hands-on experience in the development of space systems,” said Dr. Arthur Paolella, adjoint faculty in Electrical & Computer Engineering and co-principal investigator on the project.

A Pioneering Tradition

This collaboration is a continuation of Embry-Riddle’s long history of conducting pioneering space research — including a joint project the university conducted with L3 Harris in 2021, in which 3D-printed electronics made by Eagle students were launched into space. That, however, is just one of many projects that illustrate Embry-Riddle’s ongoing space efforts.

Earlier this year, a student team made history by launching EagleCam — a miniature satellite camera system — to the moon aboard a SpaceX rocket. The device became the first university student-build project ever to touch the lunar surface.

A second camera system, called LLAMAS (Literally Looking at More Astronauts in Space), is currently scheduled for launch into space, where it will record the world’s first spacewalk by a non-government-employed astronaut. LLAMAS was developed in collaboration with Embry-Riddle alumnus Jared Isaacman, who helmed SpaceX’s Inspiration4 mission and will command SpaceX’s Polaris Dawn mission. Both the EagleCam and LLAMAS teams were mentored by Dr. Troy Henderson, director of Embry-Riddle’s Space Technologies Laboratory.

Additionally, faculty researchers, such as Dr. Amber Paul, who chairs the Aerospace Physiology Department, is contributing to the NASA Human Research Program by studying how the space environment affects the human body. And Dr. Aroh Barjatya, professor of Engineering Physics and director of the university’s Space and Atmospheric Instrumentation Lab (SAIL), recently launched rockets into a recent solar eclipse to learn more about space weather and how it affects radio signals here on Earth.

University faculty continue to earn major NASA funding, as well, including $1.3 million to study space weather and other topics, and $2.25 million to develop new instruments for satellite/rocket missions.

Star Power

More than 50 aerospace, government and industry partners have expressed interest in collaborating with C-STARS to address space manufacturing challenges and develop solutions. Currently in its planning phase, the group will work with these partners to outline their goals and scope of work.

“C-STARS will enable companies to capitalize on this emerging market, helping them create or expand their space portfolios and grow their industry,” said Dr. Jamie Foster, UF professor and the principal investigator for UF’s C-STARS site. “New commercial space stations are in development that will enable new platforms and transportation mechanisms for those companies looking to expand their space portfolios. It’s exciting that C-STARS will serve as the nucleus for growing this part of the space economy.”

The four universities comprising C-STARS have identified six key research areas to address in their work. Embry-Riddle is expected to lead advanced manufacturing of wireless and bio-sensing electronics in space. UF will lead the way in health science research, including bioprinting, tissue engineering and disease modeling, and provide expertise in bioenergy systems and artificial intelligence.

The universities will also develop new corporate mentoring programs, curricula, certifications and internship programs for students aspiring to entire the space careers.

If an additional round of funding is awarded by the NSF, C-STARS will begin its research projects in earnest in late 2025.

Posted In: Engineering | Research | Space