Insider Brief
- Rochester Institute of Technology has been chosen to lead a $9.9 million research initiative for the United States Space Force’s Space Strategic Technology Institute.
- The project, in collaboration with the Air Force Research Laboratory, aims to develop advanced space power and propulsion technologies and deliver next-generation solutions for the U.S. Department of Defense.
- RIT’s work will be complemented by the University of Michigan, which is also playing a leadership role in the research.
Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) announced it has been chosen to lead a major research initiative for the United States Space Force’s Space Strategic Technology Institute (SSTI). The project, in collaboration with the Air Force Research Laboratory, aims to develop advanced space power and propulsion technologies. This research includes $9.9 million in funding and seeks to deliver next-generation solutions for the U.S. Department of Defense.
The initiative will focus on advancements in solar energy systems, thruster technology, and new power generation methods for space applications. RIT’s work will be complemented by the University of Michigan, which is also playing a leadership role in the research.
With the rapid commercialization of space, there is growing demand for durable and cost-effective materials. RIT, as a leading member of the SSTI consortium, will direct efforts to create more affordable and sustainable solar cells for spacecraft power systems. Seth Hubbard, director of the SSTI research center and professor at RIT’s School of Physics and Astronomy, highlighted the need to explore innovative materials. The goal is to identify scalable and manufacturable solutions that can survive the harsh conditions of space.
The research builds on work by Ahmad Kirmani, assistant professor at RIT’s School of Chemistry and Materials Science, whose team has been exploring perovskites as an alternative to traditional silicon-based solar cells. Perovskites have shown remarkable resilience to extreme energy levels and space environments, such as radiation, vacuums, and atomic oxygen. These properties make them a strong candidate for powering future space missions.
Hubbard emphasized the significance of the selection, stating, “To be part of this effort to advance space power research is an exciting opportunity.”
Image credit: RIT
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