Space Sciences

NASA grant to improve fluid flow in outer space

By Michelle Fredrickson, Voiland College of Engineering & Architecture intern PULLMAN, Wash. – Future astronauts may boldly go farther than ever before, thanks to research at Washington State University recently funded by NASA to study fluids in space.

WSU physicists contribute to gravitational waves finding

PULLMAN, Wash. – For the first time, scientists have observed ripples in the fabric of space-time called gravitational waves, arriving at the earth from a cataclysmic event in the distant universe. This confirms a major prediction of Albert Einstein’s 1915 general theory of relativity and opens an unprecedented new window onto the cosmos.

Scientists publish case study for growing food on Mars

By Eric Sorensen, WSU science writer PULLMAN, Wash. – Scientists at Washington State University and the University of Idaho are helping students figure out how to farm on Mars, much like astronaut Mark Watney, played by Matt Damon, attempts in the critically acclaimed movie “The Martian.”

WSU a finalist in NASA mission to Mars competition

PULLMAN, Wash. – A student team from Washington State University is in New York this week as one of 30 national finalists in NASA’s $2.5 million 3D-Printed Habitat Challenge to design an environment for Mars exploration using robotics and 3D printers.

Sandia physicist accepts first joint appointment with WSU

By Will Ferguson, College of Arts & Sciences PULLMAN, Wash. – Sandia National Laboratories physicist Marcus Knudson is the first joint faculty appointee to serve both Sandia and Washington State University. Using Sandia’s unique Z machine, he will enhance fundamental research into the compression of materials under extreme conditions.

Exploring the limits of life in the universe

By Will Ferguson, College of Arts & Sciences PULLMAN, Wash. – Bizarre creatures that go years without water. Others that can survive the vacuum of open space. Some of the most unusual organisms found on Earth provide insights for Washington State University planetary scientist Dirk Schulze-Makuch to predict what life could be like elsewhere in […]

WSU physicist beams down to 73rd sci-fi convention this week

By Linda Weiford, WSU News PULLMAN, Wash. – Washington State University physicist Marc Weber will boldly go where he has not gone before – to address an audience at the Super Bowl of science fiction conventions.

Through June 12: Exhibit on government management of trash

By Nella Letizia, WSU Libraries PULLMAN, Wash. – An exhibit opening this week in Washington State University’s Terrell Library continues the yearlong exploration of America’s garbage problems through the entity in charge of monitoring and fixing them: the government.