DC Space Grant Supports the Future of Space Science

American University joined nine other leading research institutions on Capitol Hill for the Science of Space, a November 18 gathering dedicated to the future of innovation. The event highlighted how crucial federal investment in research and development is for driving economic growth, sparking breakthroughs, and sustaining American global competitiveness.

The Science of Space was hosted by the Science Coalition, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization made up of more than 50 public and private research universities.

Thomas Fauchez, a research professor in the Department of Physics and a member of AU’s Integrated Space Science and Technology Institute (ISSTI), represented the university at the event. ISSTI partners with the DC NASA Space Grant Consortium, housed at AU, to facilitate opportunities to advance space science research through federal and private-sector partners and promote student engagement in STEM.

Throughout the event, scientists from each of the universities offered demonstrations and presentations detailing how they are contributing to advancements in the field. Fauchez, an astrophysicist and planetary scientist, presented his research on rocky exoplanet atmospheres—or planets orbiting a star other than the sun—and weather on Mars.

Read the full article on: american.edu

Author Credit: Madison Shomaker Parks

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Original Post Date: 12.2.25