About
UMaine Space is the University of Maine’s center for aeronautics and space research, education, and outreach. We help faculty build NASA-related research teams, fund students to work on aerospace and space-science projects, bring hands-on engineering into Maine’s K-12 classrooms, and connect UMaine expertise with industry and agency partners.
Our main programs are the Maine Space Grant Consortium (MSGC) undergraduate research experiences and graduate fellowships, the MSGC Ideas Lab and its seed funding, and the Black Bear Launch3D K-12 program. MSGC supports these programs. UMaine is an MSGC affiliate institution, and UMaine Space works with MSGC and the Center for Undergraduate Research (CUGR) to run these programs on campus.
UMaine’s space research goes back to the early 1990s. Highlights include a wireless leak-detection system installed on the International Space Station in 2016 and MESAT1, Maine’s first satellite, launched in July of 2024.
Vision:
To advance Maine’s economy through aeronautics and space science and technology, their application, and the preparation of the needed workforce for related research, technology development, and commercialization.
Mission:
To support research and development in aeronautics and space (including all areas of interest to NASA) through a multidisciplinary approach, including the direct participation of STEM and non-STEM researchers, to support the new space economy workforce needs.
We strive for excellence in the following areas:
Collaborative interdisciplinary research in aeronautics and space-related areas.
Outreach and education to the K-12 community to build the STEM pipeline in aeronautics and space-related areas.
Systematic training for faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate students in project development and strategic planning.
Enhanced internship programs with NASA and aerospace industry partners.
Experiential learning opportunities for students from all majors and disciplines in an interdisciplinary manner.
Forging partnerships with industry to collaborate on complex problems.
Developing intellectual properties, commercializing products, and assisting Maine-based companies to join the new space ecosystem.