DECEMBER 10, 2024 — 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.”