Space Sciences

If life can make it here, it can make it anywhere

By Will Ferguson, College of Arts & Sciences PULLMAN, Wash. – If the origin of life is common on other worlds, the universe should be a cosmic zoo full of complex multicellular organisms.

NASA funds student’s study of fueling space exploration

By Michelle Fredrickson, Voiland College of Engineering & Architecture PULLMAN, Wash. – When mechanical engineering student Carl Bunge was 3 years old, his brother and sister convinced him he was an alien born from an egg his parents found in a field.

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.