The Future of Space Exploration | University of Central Florida

Skip to main content Reaching New Horizons in Space Exploration Studies

Space exploration impacts our daily life from technology advancement to medical research to scientific discoveries. Two of the astronauts who launched into space are UCF alumni: Nicole Stott 92MS and the late Fernando Frank Caldeiro 95MS. For over 50 years, the university has played a big role in educating future engineers, administrators and space explorers something we will continue over the next 50 years and more.

At the Forefront of Space Exploration

Kennedy Space Center (KSC), the countrys gateway to the universe, is only 35 miles away from UCFs main campus. Here, faculty and students have the opportunity to partake in cutting-edge efforts. In fact, UCF has had more interns than any other university at KSC. The opportunity provides students with on-the-job training, soft-skills development, and involvement in research. Some go on to convert their internships into jobs after graduation. As students look to the stars and see endless possibilities, theyre reminded how the discoveries made today and tomorrow impact future generations to come.

Two space shuttle missions. A three-month stay on the International Space Station. The 10th woman to perform a spacewalk. Nicole Stott 92 broke barriers during her time as an astronaut. From her start as an operations engineer at Kennedy Space Center, she held different positions before achieving what once seemed like a far-fetched idea: becoming an astronaut. After her last mission, Stott led several groups at NASA before stepping aside to try something new: Inspiring students to blend art with science. While sharing her love of both subjects, she spreads a motivational message that this is our planet, and we need to take care of it.

Learn about how she soared to new heights.

UCFs relationship with NASA is really providing a reservoir of scientific talent that enables the goals of our space program. That kind of talent is not found in most universities in the country.

When the U.S. returns humans to the moon in the coming years, theres a good chance that UCF research will have played a role in the return, whether from landing there safely, harvesting its resources, or training the next generation of space scientists.

The university currently has more than a dozen projects aimed at getting people back to the moon safely. The projects range from reducing the harmful effects of lunar dust to protect equipment and astronauts to developing robotics, flying and landing space craft, and mining fuel to run it all.

The work is important because the moon can be a staging ground for future space missions, such as visiting Mars or asteroids, and its ice could be turned to water thats used to hydrate astronauts or converted into hydrogen and oxygen as fuel for rockets.

Explore UCFs lunar projects

From the start of studying space to the items left on the moon and the future of space exploration, our renowned faculty and student researchers share their knowledge and expertise. Learn about the impact that space research has made here on planet Earth and discover whats still to come.

As new space programs continue to take off from the Central Florida region and beyond, students have an opportunity to break into this exciting industry with a number of space degrees offered at UCF.

Best bachelors degrees for a career in space exploration and research

Top masters and doctoral degrees for advancement in the space industry

Leading business degrees that can be applied to the space field

Nationally recognized online space degree programs

Top 20 Most Innovative University in the NationU.S. News & World Report ranks UCF as one of the most innovative in its annual list of best colleges.

Top 15 Best Atomic/Molecular Physics SchoolsU.S. News & World Report ranked UCF as one of the best Atomic/Molecular Physics schools in the nation.

Best Undergraduate Engineering ProgramUniversity of Central Florida is ranked No. 75 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Program in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

ABET AccreditedThe Bachelor of Science programs in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanical Engineering are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.

View all of UCFs Best Colleges rankings.

Innovation. Access. Impact. Our integrated approach to teaching and learning prepares students for the future of work and lifelong careers, making a difference in their communities and around the world.

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The Future of Space Exploration | University of Central Florida