What DSpOC Aims to Accomplish

The Delaware Space Observation Center (DSpOC) is a new collaboration between the University of Delaware (UD; Newark, DE) and Delaware State University (DSU; Dover, DE) to enhance space-science research and education in the State.  Funded earlier this year through NASA with Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS), DSpOC will provide much needed physical and human resources that will support our increasingly spacefaring society.  In a world that depends heavily on GPS navigation, global communications, and intercontinental air travel, developing the next generation of space technology and inspiring the next generation of space scientists has never been more important.

The development and management of DSpOC’s physical infrastructure will be split between its two partner institutions and will feature the following new facilities:

  • A research laboratory housing state-of-the art equipment, including a thermal vacuum chamber (space simulator) and radio-frequency testing equipment.
  • A teaching laboratory for hands-on learning opportunities including student projects, college courses, and pre-college outreach activities.
  • The operations center for the Delaware CubeSat Ground Station, which will provide radio communications for research spacecraft in Earth orbit.
  • A data cluster for storing and analyzing data from NASA spacecraft, ground observatories, and scientific simulations.
  • A robotic astronomical observatory supporting both cutting-edge research and hands-on learning for college and pre-college students.
  • An outdoor, scale model solar system that will engage learners of all ages.

DSpOC is actively developing a variety of outreach programs for Delaware students that will utilize DSpOC’s unique facilities and showcase cutting-edge space science research in Delaware.  DSpOC staff will work in close partnership with local science teachers to best meet the educational needs of their students.  Outreach activities will include both ones completed in the students’ own classrooms and programs hosted at UD and DSU.  For the latter, students will be given the opportunity to meet with university faculty, who will encourage the students to consider pursuing careers in STEM fields.