Neil A. Armstrong’s famous words “That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind,” make a statement about humanity and its development. One way we can study humanity is through the Humanities. Following Armstrong’s formulation, I will discuss how Space Humanities can be a crucial and productive part of Space Study today.

We all consider space an important and all-encompassing topic: we all use space, we explore it, legislate it, love it, fight over it, and are endlessly fascinated by it. This talk will chart and analyze the humanistic dimensions of some of our existing endeavors and practices in Space Studies. I will also project some new, future dimensions of Space Humanities that directly intersect with scientific and engineering aspects of NASA’s Artemis and Mars missions.

Event Date: 11 / 6 / 2024

Human space exploration presents five major hazards that pose significant risks to astronauts: radiation, isolation and confinement, distance from Earth, gravity fields, and hostile/closed environments. Understanding these hazards is crucial for optimizing astronaut health and performance across various space mission classes. To mitigate these risks, space agencies focus on developing comprehensive strategies that address both physiological and psychological challenges. These strategies vary depending on the mission type, duration and destination. By tailoring health and performance protocols to specific mission profiles, astronauts can better prepare for the unique occupational challenges, thereby enhancing the probability of mission success.

NASA addresses its top risks with targeted countermeasures, medical standards, technologies, and training. Key fundamentals include sleep, exercise, diet, and expeditionary behavioral skills which are important elements for enabling high performing diverse astronaut crews. Emphasis is placed on astronaut self-care, the importance of leadership and followership skills, and how to thrive in isolated, small-team environments. Contemporary topics will be introduced regarding the advent of opening spaceflight accessible to a broader population. This overview highlights the multifaceted nature of promoting astronaut health and critical skills central to mission success.

Event Date: 9 / 11 / 2024

The State of Texas has long been proud of its role in space exploration. From the early days of Apollo to the recent upsurge in aerospace commerce, Texas has both a history and future in space. And while Texans are always happy to brag, the State is putting its money where it mouth is in creating the Texas Space Commission (TSC) and the Texas Aerospace Research and Space Economy Consortium (TARSEC). Together, they are helping to draft the state’s strategy for future exploits in space. The state has also endowed a new fund, called the Space Exploration and Aeronautics Research Fund, to invest in this strategy and ensure Texas remains the leader in this vital field.

At the same time as Texas created the Commission and Consortium, the State also funded the development of a new facility in Clearlake called the Texas A&M University Space Institute. A one-of-a- kind place, the Institute will house a 2.5 Acre Moonscape and a 2.5 Acre Marscape. This will be the world’s largest indoor extra-terrestrial surface simulator facility, with adjacent large labs, control rooms, and shops. The facility will become a hub for lunar surface R&D, testing and training for commercial and government missions to the Moon, and then a subsequent push on to Mars. Partnering with Rice, UT Austin, UH Clearlake and other friends, Texas A&M has identified use cases for the new facility that has informed its design. Progress on its design and construction will be presented.

Event Date: 12 / 05 / 2024