{"id":149472,"date":"2025-11-03T09:11:18","date_gmt":"2025-11-03T14:11:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/news\/?p=149472"},"modified":"2025-11-05T14:49:46","modified_gmt":"2025-11-05T19:49:46","slug":"why-does-ucf-celebrate-space-week","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/news\/why-does-ucf-celebrate-space-week\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Do We Celebrate UCF Space Week? Because Discovery Starts Here"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><em>Born from the challenge of the Space Race, UCF was created to transform imagination into innovation and prepare people to launch humanity beyond its limits. Today, we are still are a place where our people\u2019s curiosity drives discovery, bold questions shape the future and exploration advances life on Earth.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong><em>Founded to reach the moon, we\u2019re already on our way to the next frontier. Built for liftoff, America\u2019s Space University celebrates UCF Space Week Nov. 3-7.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\t\t<section class=\"ucf-section ucf-section-space-week \" style>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"bg-inverse text-inverse\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"row no-gutters\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\" col-md-5 col-lg-6\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"media-background-container h-100\">\n\t\t\t\t\n<noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/telescope-575x296-1.jpg\" alt=\"Two UCF researchers working on a telescope \" class=\"w-100\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" alt=\"Two UCF researchers working on a telescope \" class=\"w-100 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/telescope-575x296-1.jpg\"><br>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\" col-md-7 col-lg-6\">\n\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"w-75 mx-auto pt-3\">\n<noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/UCF-SpaceWeek-2025-WCB-WEB-72dpi.png\" alt=\"UCF Space Week | Nov 3-7, 2025\" class=\"w-100\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" alt=\"UCF Space Week | Nov 3-7, 2025\" class=\"w-100 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/UCF-SpaceWeek-2025-WCB-WEB-72dpi.png\">\n<p class=\"text-center pt-4 line-height-1 font-size-sm\">Where Global Leaders Unite to Boldly Forge the Future of Space\n<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\n<hr>\n<p>With <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/faculty\/\">world-renowned faculty<\/a>, hands-on learning experiences and a location less than an hour from Florida\u2019s Space Coast, UCF continues to prove why it\u2019s known as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/space\/\">America\u2019s Space University<\/a> \u2014 where education, industry and exploration unite to shape the future of space.<\/p>\n<p>Today marks the start of the inaugural UCF Space Week, a university-wide celebration of all the ways Knight Nation boldly pushes space forward. The observance highlights UCF\u2019s vital role in advancing space research, supporting Florida\u2019s fast-growing space economy, and preparing the next generation of explorers, engineers, and entrepreneurs.<\/p>\n<p>Here are a few key reasons why we celebrate UCF Space Week and how SpaceU is launching the next era of space innovation.<\/p>\n<p><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-149507 img-fluid\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/Copy-of-HERD-data.jpg\" alt=\"A rocket launches into the night sky, creating a bright arc above the UCF Library, with the Reflecting Pond in the foreground. Text reads: Founded to fuel the space industry, UCF remains a launchpad for those who dare to dream beyond Earth.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/Copy-of-HERD-data.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/Copy-of-HERD-data-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/Copy-of-HERD-data-800x800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/Copy-of-HERD-data-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/Copy-of-HERD-data-512x512.jpg 512w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/Copy-of-HERD-data-400x400.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/Copy-of-HERD-data-360x360.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/Copy-of-HERD-data-767x767.jpg 767w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-149507 img-fluid lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%201080%201080%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"A rocket launches into the night sky, creating a bright arc above the UCF Library, with the Reflecting Pond in the foreground. Text reads: Founded to fuel the space industry, UCF remains a launchpad for those who dare to dream beyond Earth.\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%201080%201080%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/Copy-of-HERD-data.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/Copy-of-HERD-data-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/Copy-of-HERD-data-800x800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/Copy-of-HERD-data-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/Copy-of-HERD-data-512x512.jpg 512w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/Copy-of-HERD-data-400x400.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/Copy-of-HERD-data-360x360.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/Copy-of-HERD-data-767x767.jpg 767w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/Copy-of-HERD-data.jpg\"><\/p>\n<h2>A Legacy in Fueling the Space Industry&#8217;s Talent Pipeline<\/h2>\n<p>When the university first opened in 1963, landing humans on the moon was a dream that seemed out of reach. Yet UCF dared to believe \u2014 and take action \u2014 by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/research\/\">supplying talent and research<\/a> to the nearby space industry based on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/orlando\/\">Space Coast<\/a> just 35 miles east. UCF\u2019s purpose has only grown stronger more than six decades later as space exploration fuels transformative innovation here on Earth.<\/p>\n<p><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"810\" height=\"810\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-149501 img-fluid\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/2-1.jpg\" alt=\"A smiling UCF student wearing glasses and a lab coat works on a metal and wire structure. The text reads: UCF students can study 35+ space-related degrees, including engineering, science, medicine and more.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/2-1.jpg 810w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/2-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/2-1-800x800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/2-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/2-1-512x512.jpg 512w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/2-1-400x400.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/2-1-360x360.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/2-1-767x767.jpg 767w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 810px) 100vw, 810px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"810\" height=\"810\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-149501 img-fluid lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20810%20810%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"A smiling UCF student wearing glasses and a lab coat works on a metal and wire structure. The text reads: UCF students can study 35+ space-related degrees, including engineering, science, medicine and more.\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20810%20810%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 810w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 810px) 100vw, 810px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/2-1.jpg 810w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/2-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/2-1-800x800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/2-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/2-1-512x512.jpg 512w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/2-1-400x400.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/2-1-360x360.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/2-1-767x767.jpg 767w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/2-1.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p>Every year, thousands of students gain real-world experience, conduct interdisciplinary research and participate in programs \u2014 including a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/news\/ucf-space-medicine-initiatives-are-taking-off\/\">new aerospace medicine program<\/a> \u2014 directly connected to industry, preparing them for in-demand roles across the space sector.<\/p>\n<p>The university\u2019s excellence in providing talent is supported by data, as the American Society of Engineering Education consistently ranks UCF in the top five nationally for awarding bachelor\u2019s degrees in:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/degree\/aerospace-engineering-bsae\/\">Aerospace engineering<\/a> (No. 4)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/degree\/mechanical-engineering-bsme\/\">Mechanical engineering<\/a> (No. 5)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/degree\/computer-science-bs\/\">Computer science<\/a> (No. 5)<\/li>\n<li>And No. 10 for awarding engineering bachelor\u2019s degrees overall \u2014<strong> the highest in Florida<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Advancing Research That Reaches New Frontiers<\/h2>\n<p>When visionaries look to the future, they also look to UCF \u2014 a leader in space research, innovation and education with 14 experiments sent to space aboard commercial rockets since 2016. UCF Space Week shines a spotlight on these breakthroughs, connecting the community with the pioneering work happening right on campus.<\/p>\n<p><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"810\" height=\"810\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-149502 img-fluid\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/3-1.jpg\" alt=\"Two people in protective suits use rakes to spread simulated lunar soil in the Exolith lab. Text explains the facility helps scientists study ways to sustain human life in space using a replica of the moon\u2019s South Pole surface.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/3-1.jpg 810w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/3-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/3-1-800x800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/3-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/3-1-512x512.jpg 512w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/3-1-400x400.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/3-1-360x360.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/3-1-767x767.jpg 767w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 810px) 100vw, 810px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"810\" height=\"810\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-149502 img-fluid lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20810%20810%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"Two people in protective suits use rakes to spread simulated lunar soil in the Exolith lab. Text explains the facility helps scientists study ways to sustain human life in space using a replica of the moon\u2019s South Pole surface.\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20810%20810%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 810w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 810px) 100vw, 810px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/3-1.jpg 810w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/3-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/3-1-800x800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/3-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/3-1-512x512.jpg 512w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/3-1-400x400.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/3-1-360x360.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/3-1-767x767.jpg 767w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/3-1.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p><strong>Replicating Regolith<br>\n<\/strong><strong>Researcher: <\/strong>Pegasus Professor of Astronomy and Planetary Sciences Daniel Britt<br>\n<strong>Project:<\/strong> Britt, a renowned planetary scientist, founded the <a href=\"https:\/\/fsi.ucf.edu\/exolith-lab\/\">Exolith Lab at UCF<\/a> in 2018 \u2014 a leading facility for space hardware testing and regolith (space dirt) research. Partnering with NASA, Britt and his team study lunar, Martian and asteroid materials to advance in-situ resource utilization and other exploration technologies.<\/p>\n<p><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"810\" height=\"810\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-149513 img-fluid\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/Copy-of-HERD-data-2.png\" alt=\"Kerri Donaldson Hanna holds a model of the moon. Text describes UCF researchers leading NASA\u2019s Lunar-VISE mission to explore the moon\u2019s Gruithuisen Domes for the first time.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/Copy-of-HERD-data-2.png 810w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/Copy-of-HERD-data-2-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/Copy-of-HERD-data-2-800x800.png 800w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/Copy-of-HERD-data-2-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/Copy-of-HERD-data-2-512x512.png 512w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/Copy-of-HERD-data-2-400x400.png 400w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/Copy-of-HERD-data-2-360x360.png 360w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/Copy-of-HERD-data-2-767x767.png 767w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 810px) 100vw, 810px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"810\" height=\"810\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-149513 img-fluid lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20810%20810%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"Kerri Donaldson Hanna holds a model of the moon. Text describes UCF researchers leading NASA\u2019s Lunar-VISE mission to explore the moon\u2019s Gruithuisen Domes for the first time.\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20810%20810%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 810w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 810px) 100vw, 810px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/Copy-of-HERD-data-2.png 810w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/Copy-of-HERD-data-2-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/Copy-of-HERD-data-2-800x800.png 800w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/Copy-of-HERD-data-2-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/Copy-of-HERD-data-2-512x512.png 512w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/Copy-of-HERD-data-2-400x400.png 400w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/Copy-of-HERD-data-2-360x360.png 360w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/Copy-of-HERD-data-2-767x767.png 767w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/Copy-of-HERD-data-2.png\"><\/p>\n<p><strong>Unlocking Lunar Resources<br>\n<\/strong><strong>Researchers: <\/strong>Planetary Geologist and Associate Professor Kerri Donaldson Hanna and Interim Department Chair of Physics and Associate Professor Adrienne Dove<br>\n<strong>Project:<\/strong> Donaldson Hanna and Dove are leading <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/research\/lunarvise\/\">NASA\u2019s Lunar-VISE (Lunar Vulkan Imaging Spectroscopy Explorer) mission<\/a>, which aims to uncover clues about an unexplored part of the moon and potential insight for deeper space exploration.<\/p>\n<div class=\"embed oembed oembed-video d-flex flex-column align-items-center\">\n<div class=\"embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9\"><noscript><iframe title=\"A Tiny Technology to Neutralize Radiation | UCF Research in 60 Seconds\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/bhDp_nNYTMk?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/noscript><iframe title=\"A Tiny Technology to Neutralize Radiation | UCF Research in 60 Seconds\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/bhDp_nNYTMk?feature=oembed\" class=\" lazyload\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>Bolstering Bone Density<br>\n<\/strong><strong>Researcher: <\/strong>Melanie Coathup, lead of the Biionix Cluster and professor of medicine<br>\n<strong>Project:<\/strong> Astronauts can lose up to 2% of their bone density each month \u2014 a serious risk that can lead to fractures and spaceflight-induced osteoporosis. As part of a UCF-led team on Blue Origin\u2019s NS-24 mission, Coathup studied <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/news\/ucf-research-blasts-into-space-aboard-blue-origins-new-shepard-rocket\/\">how fluid shifts in microgravity contribute to bone loss<\/a> \u2014 research that could improve health both in space and on Earth.<\/p>\n<p><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"810\" height=\"810\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-149592 img-fluid\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/Copy-of-HERD-data-2.jpg\" alt=\"Kelvin Manning, deputy director of NASA's John F. Kennedy Space Center, stands in front of a large NASA logo. Text on the image reads: 29% of Kennedy Space Center employees are UCF alums. The UCF logo is in the top left corner.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/Copy-of-HERD-data-2.jpg 810w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/Copy-of-HERD-data-2-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/Copy-of-HERD-data-2-800x800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/Copy-of-HERD-data-2-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/Copy-of-HERD-data-2-512x512.jpg 512w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/Copy-of-HERD-data-2-400x400.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/Copy-of-HERD-data-2-360x360.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/Copy-of-HERD-data-2-767x767.jpg 767w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 810px) 100vw, 810px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"810\" height=\"810\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-149592 img-fluid lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20810%20810%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"Kelvin Manning, deputy director of NASA's John F. Kennedy Space Center, stands in front of a large NASA logo. Text on the image reads: 29% of Kennedy Space Center employees are UCF alums. The UCF logo is in the top left corner.\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20810%20810%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 810w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 810px) 100vw, 810px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/Copy-of-HERD-data-2.jpg 810w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/Copy-of-HERD-data-2-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/Copy-of-HERD-data-2-800x800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/Copy-of-HERD-data-2-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/Copy-of-HERD-data-2-512x512.jpg 512w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/Copy-of-HERD-data-2-400x400.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/Copy-of-HERD-data-2-360x360.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/Copy-of-HERD-data-2-767x767.jpg 767w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/Copy-of-HERD-data-2.jpg\"><\/p>\n<h2>Building Partnerships That Propel Discovery<\/h2>\n<blockquote><p>UCF Space Week highlights these crucial collaborations with support from Blue Origin, KPMG, Lockheed Martin, Verizon, Space Florida and SpaceX.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>At the heart of UCF\u2019s success is collaboration. The university works closely with NASA, private companies and research institutions to create opportunities that bridge education, research and real-world application. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/partnerships\/\">These partnerships<\/a> help students gain experience and industry insight while advancing technologies that will define the next phase of space exploration.<\/p>\n<p>Recent collaborations include <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/news\/ucf-developed-testing-tech-to-launch-on-blue-origin-mission\/\">UCF-developed testing technology launching on Blue Origin missions<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/news\/ucf-expert-on-fram2-mission-bringing-historic-opportunities-for-space-medicine-discoveries\/\">joint research with NASA\u2019s Fram2 mission<\/a> to advance space medicine and partnerships with companies like Operator Solutions to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/news\/operator-solutions-ucf-partner-to-advance-aerospace-medical-training-and-emergency-response\/\">improve emergency response training for astronauts<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Now one of just three universities in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/news\/nasas-kennedy-space-center-marks-new-chapter-for-florida-space-industry\/\">Florida University Space Research Consortium at NASA\u2019s Kennedy Space Center<\/a>, UCF is helping drive research, technology development and education across the state. This landmark partnership \u2014 the only one of its kind in the nation \u2014 cements Florida\u2019s role at the forefront of America\u2019s space future.<\/p>\n<p><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"810\" height=\"810\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-149504 img-fluid\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/6-1.jpg\" alt=\"Greg Autry sits at a desk with computer monitors and smiles at another person wearing a Space Force uniform. Text promotes UCF\u2019s new online space MBA launching in Spring 2026.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/6-1.jpg 810w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/6-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/6-1-800x800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/6-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/6-1-512x512.jpg 512w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/6-1-400x400.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/6-1-360x360.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/6-1-767x767.jpg 767w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 810px) 100vw, 810px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"810\" height=\"810\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-149504 img-fluid lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20810%20810%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"Greg Autry sits at a desk with computer monitors and smiles at another person wearing a Space Force uniform. Text promotes UCF\u2019s new online space MBA launching in Spring 2026.\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20810%20810%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 810w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 810px) 100vw, 810px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/6-1.jpg 810w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/6-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/6-1-800x800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/6-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/6-1-512x512.jpg 512w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/6-1-400x400.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/6-1-360x360.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/6-1-767x767.jpg 767w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/10\/6-1.jpg\"><\/p>\n<h2>Powering Florida\u2019s Space Economy<\/h2>\n<p>Space is no longer just a frontier \u2014 it\u2019s the future. With the global space economy projected to reach $1.8 trillion by 2035, UCF is preparing the visionaries who will fuel discovery and shape that growth.<\/p>\n<p>Now expanding its impact into <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/news\/americas-space-university-to-launch-new-space-mba-in-spring-2026\/\">space commercialization<\/a>, UCF is helping lead the business of space under the direction of Greg Autry, associate provost for space commercialization and strategy. His work is building a pipeline of leaders ready to drive innovation, strengthen national security and unlock opportunities that will advance humanity\u2019s future beyond Earth.<\/p>\n<h2>Reaching for What\u2019s Next<\/h2>\n<p>UCF Space Week isn\u2019t just about looking back at past achievements \u2014 it\u2019s about imagining what comes next. With a legacy built on exploration and a community fueled by curiosity, UCF continues to inspire students and researchers to reach higher, think bolder and push the boundaries of what\u2019s possible.<\/p>\n<p>Because at UCF, space isn\u2019t the final frontier \u2014 it\u2019s just the beginning.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Space has always inspired what Knights do. The same unstoppable spirit that launched UCF still drives us \u2014 to challenge, lead and dare to explore the unknown.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":57,"featured_media":149508,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"lazy_load_responsive_images_disabled":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":"","_wp_rev_ctl_limit":""},"categories":[54523,5,23,24],"tags":[54842,7309,979,54606,14916],"tu_author":[],"class_list":["post-149472","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-academics","category-colleges","category-research","category-science-technology","tag-biionix-cluster","tag-college-of-business","tag-college-of-medicine","tag-greg-autry","tag-research"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v22.3 (Yoast SEO v27.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Why Do We Celebrate UCF Space Week?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Space has always inspired what Knights do. 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