Florida Engineers Test Photonic AI Chips in Space (UF News)

The University of Florida, in collaboration with NASA, MIT, Vanguard Automation, AIM Photonics and Germany’s Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute, launched a suite of photonic AI chips to the International Space Station aboard JAXA’s HTV-XI spacecraft this weekend.
From Lab to Orbit: Unlocking Next-Gen Gravitational Detection With Quantum-Squeezed Photonic Integrated Circuit (UF ECE)

UF researchers are collaborating with Relative Dynamics on a NASA-funded project that aims to significantly enhance the sensitivity of gravitational wave observatories, while also advancing technologies in quantum magnetometry, fiber-optic gyroscopes, and biological imaging.
UF Engineering Team Tackles Spaceflight Fuel Challenge in Zero-Gravity Experiment

A UF research team led by Jacob Chung, Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and member of the Astraeus Space Institute, has successfully completed a zero-gravity flight experiment testing a breakthrough method to reduce fuel loss in space.
From Classroom to Cosmos: Students Aim To Build Big Things in Space
UF engineers are exploring how to manufacture precision metal structures in orbit using laser technology, in partnership with DARPA and NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center.
Robotic Hands Are the Next Frontier in Astronaut Safety
UF researcher Eric Du, Ph.D., is developing advanced robotic hands with haptic feedback and AI capabilities to enable astronauts to perform medical procedures remotely, enhancing safety during deep-space missions and offering potential applications in telemedicine on Earth.
UF Geologist To Help Plan Potential NASA Mission
UF researcher Stephen Elardo is playing a vital role in planning a potential mission to the moon’s South Pole-Aitken Basin by helping determine which types and sizes of lunar samples should be collected.
UF Professor Shares His Results on Space Experiment
UF researcher Rob Ferl, the first NASA-funded academic, shares his experience of being launched into zero gravity and conducting research experiments in space.
From Space to Emergency Care, UF Students Push the Boundaries of Robotics
UF civil engineering professor Eric Du guides students who are at the forefront of innovation, using advanced robotics—including ground robots, robotic arms, and drones—to develop cutting-edge solutions with real-world impact.
UF Researchers Study How To Grow Food on the Moon
UF is helping NASA build a permanent moon colony by growing plants in moon soil, a breakthrough that could benefit Florida and beyond as NASA prepares to send astronauts around the moon in 2025.
Space Florida Announces Launch of Florida University Space Consortium
Space Florida’s Board of Directors designated the Florida University Space Research Consortium, as the state’s official space research entity, which will facilitate the awarding of NASA research grants in partnership with Kennedy Space Center.