National Space Day Spectroscopy with StellarNet

Our BLUE-Wave spectrometers were launched into space and mounted on the ISS as part of the MISSE-7 experiment, designed to take real-time spectra to provide insight on how the environment of space affects different optical properties of materials. Many of the materials were designed for space exposure and are considered next generation materials for space travel…

The Harding University Atmospheric and Space Research Team operates under the leadership of Dr. Ed Wilson, Professor of Chemistry in Harding University’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and longtime StellarNet customer. The team’s research has been funded by several sources over the years, including NASA Astrobiology Science and Technology Instrument Development (ASTID), NASA Experimental Program to Stimulate Cooperative Research (EPSCoR), and the Arkansas Space Grant Consortium…

The effects of radiation on the survivability of key biosignatures are a driving factor in exploration strategies throughout the solar system. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation, especially shorter wavelength UVC radiation, is known to be damaging to organisms and to potential organic biosignatures; however, the interaction of UV radiation with minerals and rocks is not well understood…

Astronaut diets on the International Space Station (ISS) depend on resupplied packaged food. However, missions to Mars of 3 – 5 years will not accommodate re – supply. In addition, many human macro and micronutrients degrade during long – term storage. Thus, growing nutritional plants aboard ISS is essential for providing astronauts with fresh, healthy produce…

Spectroscopy is one of the most valuable tools that an astronomer has for studying the Universe. Spectrometers help us determine the chemical compositions, physical properties, and velocities of astronomical bodies light-years away…