The University of Colorado (CU) and STAR HARBOR are collaborating on an initiative aimed at advancing a new field of space medicine while meeting the needs of the space workforce, leaders of both organizations recently announced.
This effort will leverage the expertise of CU’s two campuses. CU Boulder has long been a leader in aerospace engineering and space science.of CU Anschutz Medical Campusis one of the nation’s top academic medical centers and develops cutting-edge space medicine programs focused on extreme-environment medicine and biology. CU program faculty and students work with scientists and researchers at the Lone Tree campus in Star Harbor. Star Harbor develops spaceflight training in line with its research and development initiatives.
STAR HARBOR and CU Systems have partnered to advance interest in learning, discovery and innovation, and provide critical infrastructure to enhance what researchers at the university use. STAR HARBOR and CU engage the next generation of space innovators with joint space medicine programs, student internship and residency opportunities, and commercial space R&D programs. This collaboration will advance the next generation of space capabilities, workforce development and education.
“This collaboration builds on decades of strengths that CU has developed since the early days of the U.S. space program.” – CU President Todd Suliman
Mariah Tanner, Founder and CEO of STAR HARBOR, said: “Our campus provides opportunities for students and residents to learn about space in a dynamic and exciting new environment. Star Harbor has a workforce development program that fosters research opportunities, diversity, inclusion and accessibility , and through a space medicine program unique to Star Harbor’s training campus, working with local students.”
CU President Todd Saliman said the partnership leverages the university’s historic commitment to space and strength in the field. CU Boulder has one of the nation’s leading aerospace engineering programs and is the largest public university funder of NASA research funding. CU has 20 alumni astronauts on all campuses, from the early Mercury missions to recent operations on the International Space Station.
“This collaboration builds on decades of strengths that CU has developed since the early days of the U.S. space program,” said Suliman. “Between the workforce development aspect and the space medicine program, the university and Star Harbor will be able to make significant forays and advances in these areas critical to future space exploration and discovery.”
Above: CU Anschutz students practice space medicine during a 2019 training session with CU Boulder members at the Mars Desert Research Station in Utah.
