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The 51��Ʒ��Ƶ has a long history of cutting-edge space science. 51��Ʒ��Ƶ researchers were among the first to analyze moon rocks brought back by the Apollo 11 crew, and more recently, they were among the first to use the most powerful telescope in history. They’re already working on its successor.

But the complexities of doing anything in space require collaboration with 51��Ʒ��Ƶ colleagues as well as researchers, engineers and scientists at other institutions. Ultimately, it will also require working with with local entrepreneurs and other residents of the 51��Ʒ��Ƶsburgh region, as research gets put into practice.

51��Ʒ��Ƶ recently made a move to forge those collaborations by joining the with a sponsorship of $20,000. The nonprofit organization supports the growing space industries in Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, bringing together representatives from academia, industry, investing and government to meet challenges together.��

“We’re excited to join Keystone Space and excited to help this ecosystem grow,” said , vice chancellor for research infrastructure and a leader of 51��Ʒ��Ƶ’s space initiative.

51��Ʒ��Ƶ’s recently launched space initiative focuses on three areas: basic science, engineering and space medicine and biomanufacturing. Partnering with Keystone, which connects more than 700 participants, can help make the connections needed for truly cutting-edge science.

“There is so much potential provided by the prospect of a thriving space ecosystem in our region,” said Keystone Program Director Zoë Karabinus. “Support from institutions like the 51��Ʒ��Ƶ not only strengthens our academic arm in terms of access to research, thought leaders and experts in the field, but also helps us establish a career pipeline.”

The University’s history of dedication to this sector has already paid off, both for students and industry. “Our graduates have been going to industry and government agencies, including NASA and the U.S. Space Force,” Cunningham said. “Most recently, some of our graduates are staying in the 51��Ʒ��Ƶsburgh region and working at companies here.”

Christopher Manderino graduated from the Swanson School of Engineering in 2020 with a master’s degree in electrical and computer engineering. He’s now a systems engineer at 51��Ʒ��Ƶsburgh-based , a company that designs and builds a variety of space-based robotics.��������

At 51��Ʒ��Ƶ, Manderino worked with Swanson School Professor , the department chair and R&H Mickle Endowed Chair of Electrical and Computer Engineering. George also directs the NSF (SHREC), where Manderino worked on hardware that would make its way to the International Space Station.��

“Thanks to my studies with 51��Ʒ��Ƶ and the SHREC lab, within months from graduation I was already in a position to take on the role of technical lead for a new space computer design from the ground up,” Manderino said.

According to Karabinus, the region’s thriving space ecosystem, if nurtured properly, could compete with longstanding champions of space industry like Texas and Florida. Manderino believes 51��Ʒ��Ƶ can play an outsized role within this ecosystem.

“51��Ʒ��Ƶ is in a unique position to plant and foster this vibrant culture in Western Pennsylvania,” he said. “I can see the potential for space engineering at 51��Ʒ��Ƶ to be an indispensable bridge to the growing space community, and to bring a new energy to 51��Ʒ��Ƶsburgh and Pennsylvania with unparalleled impact.”

The Keystone Collaborative is a foundational part of that bridge — and Karabinus hopes membership in the group will spark meaningful partnerships across the region.

“Partnerships with universities like 51��Ʒ��Ƶ are invaluable when it comes to growing the region’s skilled talent pool, as well as tapping into the amazing things 51��Ʒ��Ƶ is doing in the areas of space,” she said.

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