UTSA’s Office of Research today announced the launch of the Center for Space Technology and Operations Research (CSTOR), a new research center dedicated to advancing engineering, technology and operations that will support space missions between the Earth and the Moon, an area referred to as cislunar space, as well as the lunar surface. The center will address the growing demand for research and workforce development by civil, commercial and national security space agencies and companies. David Silva, UTSA distinguished professor of physics and astronomy, will serve as the center’s inaugural director.

CSTOR will provide enhanced support to the more than 35 UTSA researchers and over 200 students working on space technology related research and career development in areas such as uncrewed spacecraft, lunar habitation, hypersonics and propulsion. It will further augment the university’s effort to attract even more of the nation’s brightest minds in space technology through UTSA's clustered and connected faculty hiring plan, supported by the UT System Board of Regents’ Research Excellence Program.

“UTSA has intentionally expanded its capacity, facilities and expertise in space technology to meet the rapidly growing demand for innovation and enable stronger comprehensive partnerships with key organizations like Southwest Research Institute and Department of Energy National Labs,” said UTSA President Taylor Eighmy. “The launch of this new center positions UTSA as a destination for innovation, knowledge creation and talent development for the space economy.”

Researchers have developed a novel mechanochromic strain sensor that operates without a power source, using color changes to indicate mechanical stress. Crafted from magnetic nanoparticles and elastic materials, it detects stretching, bending, or pressure through a reversible color shift, offering versatile applications in health monitoring, infrastructure safety, and displays.

The first eLTER Science conference will take place on June 23-27, 2025 in Tampere, Finland. Scientific sessions will span from Unravelling the mysterious role of groundwater in ecosystem dynamics to Ecosystem restoration, Novel technologies in environmental monitoring, and Integrated observations in the atmosphere-biosphere continuum. Policy-relevant sessions include e.g. Carbon farming and Studying the sustainability of globally embedded socio-ecological systems. Prominent Keynotes will present inspiring talks and the participants will have the opportunity to make either oral or poster presentations. The Conference will also feature a number of interactive workshops on data, arts, co-design of services etc. And last but not least, guided excursions to four interesting sites will be arranged (including Hyytiälä SMEAR II LTER Site, Lammi LTER Site, Seitseminen National Park and Tammela peatland restoration site). Abstract Submission is open by January 17, 2025.