News: space
UK-US-Australia collaboration scales plant growth in preparation for space exploration
![Red romaine lettuce grown in VF Vertical Farm at the University of Adelaide’s Waite Campus](/newsroom/sites/default/files/styles/ua_landscape/public/media/images/2024-04/vertical-future-farm-red-romaine-lettuce-credit-arc-centre-of-excellence-in-plants-for-space.jpg?h=6eb229a4&itok=Z7hbbTLU)
A collaborative project that will prototype controlled-environment-agriculture systems for Low Earth Orbit, involving the ARC Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space (P4S) and led by UK company Vertical Future (VF), is set to receive $3 million in funding.
First commercial-grade optical fibres fabricated in space
![Microgravity glove box at the Flawless Photonics facility prior to being shipped to NASA’s facility. The fibre was drawn in the glove box on the ISS. Image: Flawless Photonics.](/newsroom/sites/default/files/styles/ua_landscape/public/media/images/2024-03/dsc_051377_sm.jpg?h=1c9b88c9&itok=QyDMOrps)
Special glass rods manufactured at the University of Adelaide have been drawn into over 8 km of optical fibre on the International Space Station (ISS).
[Read more about First commercial-grade optical fibres fabricated in space]
Future space leaders made here: How the Australian Rover Challenge is sending next generation space explorers to the Moon
![Adelaide Rover Team](/newsroom/sites/default/files/styles/ua_landscape/public/media/images/2024-03/dsc05773_sm.jpg?h=f7d9296c&itok=szdTIYLy)
University students from around Australia and the world will converge at the University of Adelaide to pit their custom-built lunar rovers against each other in a one-of-a-kind event this 20-24 March, during the University’s 150th anniversary year.
Industries reach for the stars during Space Fortnight
![The class attending the 2023 Space Resources Fundamentals course](/newsroom/sites/default/files/styles/ua_landscape/public/media/images/2023-10/space-resources-fundamentals.jpg?h=99356be3&itok=tJ2hZ-Mb)
Building structures in zero gravity, growing food while in orbit, searching for space resources and selecting solar destinations for humans – business and industry professionals are learning how to prepare for a future in space from global experts during a stellar two-week event at the University of Adelaide.
[Read more about Industries reach for the stars during Space Fortnight]
UK Space Agency backs Plants for Space partner
![Artists impression Plants for Space](/newsroom/sites/default/files/styles/ua_landscape/public/media/images/2022-11/p4s_artists-impression.jpg?h=c22235dd&itok=bnzBog4U)
The University of Adelaide’s Plants for Space program has attracted international investment from the UK Space Agency, through industry partner Vertical Future (VF).
[Read more about UK Space Agency backs Plants for Space partner]
NASA space science internship for stellar PhD student
![Photo of Emily Ahern](/newsroom/sites/default/files/styles/ua_landscape/public/media/images/2023-05/emilyahern-resize.jpg?h=6f3285a6&itok=3n_90KHS)
University of Adelaide Physics PhD student Emily Ahern has been selected to take part in a prestigious ten-week SmartSat-led internship program at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in California, USA.
[Read more about NASA space science internship for stellar PhD student]
NASA delegation visits Plants for Space
![Visit by NASA to University of Adelaide](/newsroom/sites/default/files/styles/ua_landscape/public/media/images/2023-03/dsc_8046_sm.jpg?h=73545cb6&itok=OyL-HoyN)
A delegation from NASA headed by Administrator Senator Bill Nelson and Deputy Administrator Colonel (USAF, ret) Pam Melroy visited the University of Adelaide on Monday 20 March, with representatives from the US Embassy and Australian Space Agency (ASA) in attendance, including ASA Head Enrico Palermo.
Tokyo space enthusiasts remotely control Adelaide rovers
![Rover in the University of Adelaide's Exterres Lab](/newsroom/sites/default/files/styles/ua_landscape/public/media/images/2023-03/dsc_7710_web.jpg?h=de162969&itok=1HwZcqHl)
Young Japanese space enthusiasts will take part in a space rover experience at the University of Adelaide, without ever stepping on a plane.
[Read more about Tokyo space enthusiasts remotely control Adelaide rovers]
Rover teams dock for lunar challenge
![University of Adelaide rover competing in the ARCh 2023](/newsroom/sites/default/files/styles/ua_landscape/public/media/images/2023-03/img_9035-copy_v2_sm.jpg?h=707772c7&itok=E7WgukJ5)
Teams from around Australia and overseas face a four-day challenge when their lunar rovers will be tested to their limits at this year’s Australian Rover Challenge (ARCh) held at the University of Adelaide.
Research centre to grow space food expertise
![Artists impression Plants for Space](/newsroom/sites/default/files/styles/ua_landscape/public/media/images/2022-11/p4s_artists-impression.jpg?h=c22235dd&itok=bnzBog4U)
A new research centre, led by the University of Adelaide, will focus international expertise on finding ways to provide the next generation of space explorers with nutritious foods, and the on-demand supply of materials and medicines.
[Read more about Research centre to grow space food expertise]