4 min read<\/p>\n
Preparations for Next Moonwalk Simulations Underway (and Underwater)<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/2097409090238472611.png?w=962\")
<\/a><\/figure>\nNASA Administrator Jared Isaacman addresses a standing-room-only crowd during an Inspiration Tour stop at Iowa State University. <\/div>\nCredit: NASA <\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nNASA\u2019s Inspiration Tour spread the excitement of space exploration and aeronautical innovation by connecting the public, industry, and academia with the people, technologies, and organizations that drive American leadership in space. At nearly every stop across the country, NASA Space Grant<\/a> has brought students into the heart of the action.<\/p>\nIn Iowa, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman toured the Make to Innovate program lab at Iowa State University. Students from the Iowa Space Grant Consortium\u2019s Mission Moon program, along with consortium-funded student organizations including Cardinal Space Mining, CySat, and CyLaunch, shared research findings and demonstrated the institution\u2019s strong connection to NASA via agency-funded projects. During a well-attended town hall event NASA experts briefed students on the agency\u2019s Moon Base efforts and how their work can contribute to future exploration.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re grateful for the opportunity to welcome NASA leadership to Iowa State,\u201d said Sara Nelson Iowa Space Grant director. \u201cThe excitement among students was incredible, and the visit highlighted how the research and innovation happening in Iowa can help advance Artemis and NASA\u2019s future exploration efforts.\u201d<\/p>\n
At the University of Arizona, the NASA administrator saw firsthand the space research and engineering capabilities that are enabled by the Arizona Space Grant Consortium. From satellite communications testing to complex optics for peering into deep space to student-built high-altitude balloon payloads and even small satellites, students at the University of Arizona have a long history of contributing to NASA missions and making aerospace career connections. This tour stop also included a Q&A session where the NASA administrator answered questions from local high school and college students.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was incredible to present the high-altitude ballooning research we do in SEDS (Students for the Exploration and Development of Space) to Jared Isaacman and those at NASA,\u201d said Ella Miller, a junior studying mechanical engineering at the University of Arizona. \u201cArizona Space Grant has allowed me to get hands-on experience through an entire mission design process every semester, helping me pursue a career in space research and secure internships in this field.\u201d<\/p>\n
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<\/a><\/figure>\nSpace Grant students from the University of Alaska Fairbanks shared their research with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman during a Science Fair event in conjunction with the agency\u2019s Inspiration Tour stop.<\/div>\nCredit: NASA\/Bill Ingalls<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nAt the University of Alaska in Fairbanks, the Administrator toured two Geophysical Institute facilities: Poker Flat Research Range, the university\u2019s scientific rocket launching facility, and the Alaska Satellite Facility. During an Alaska Space Grant science fair, students shared research in hibernation biology and showcased CubeSat technology advancements. Students were also able to learn about the agency\u2019s Moon Base program and ask questions about opportunities available to the next generation of innovators and explorers.<\/p>\n
In North Dakota, the Inspiration Tour focused on future exploration capabilities. Space Grant-funded research at the University of North Dakota is helping to shape the future of exploration across STEM fields. Student fellows and NASA interns shared their projects on supercell mergers using satellite imagery, geomagnetic conditions of aurora borealis, and in-situ resource utilization, to name a few. North Dakota Space Grant STEM ambassador students also shared robotics and drone activities as part of \u201cMission Moon\u201d, which centers Artemis initiatives in statewide collaborations with educators and other North Dakota colleges and universities.<\/p>\n
\u201cGetting to speak with the NASA Administrator was an amazing opportunity!\u201d said research fellow and STEM ambassador Malissa Reinhardt. \u201cHe genuinely cared about what we students had to say and the research we\u2019re working on, which makes all the hard work we put into our research and North Dakota Space Grant Consortium so rewarding.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/2110187651324170655.png?w=1090\")
<\/a><\/figure>\nStudents at the University of North Dakota\u2019s spacesuit lab demonstrated design advancements for lunar surface spacesuits for NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman during a tour of their lab during the agency\u2019s Inspiration Tour stop<\/div>\nCredit: NASA <\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nNASA\u2019s Inspiration Tour will culminate in MAX POWER, a public showcase of air and space innovation on Nov. 7 and 8, highlighting the agency\u2019s commitment to preparing the next generation of innovators and explorers for humanity\u2019s next giant leap. As NASA enters a Golden Age of innovation and exploration, the national network of Space Grant consortia is expanding opportunities for students to lead the way in an aerospace workforce that is evolving and growing. At learning institutions from coast to coast, today\u2019s Space Grant students are launching America\u2019s future in space.<\/p>\n
To find ways to engage with NASA\u2019s exciting missions, broad range of careers, and unique learning opportunities, visit:<\/p>\n
https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/learning-resources<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\nKeep Exploring<\/div>\nDiscover More Topics From NASA<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNational Space Grant College and Fellowship Project<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/edu_celebrate_national_interns_day.png?w=946\")
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Powered by WPeMatico<\/a><\/small><\/p>\nGet The Details…<\/a>
\nSandra May <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"NASA\u2019s Inspiration Tour spread the excitement of space exploration and aeronautical innovation by connecting the public, industry, and academia with the people, technologies, and organizations that drive American leadership in space. At nearly every stop across the country, NASA Space Grant has brought students into the heart of the action. In Iowa, NASA Administrator Jared [\u2026] Continue reading
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/2097409090238472611.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>NASA\u2019s Inspiration Tour spread the excitement of space exploration and aeronautical innovation by connecting the public, industry, and academia with the people, technologies, and organizations that drive American leadership in space. At nearly every stop across the country, NASA Space Grant<\/a> has brought students into the heart of the action.<\/p>\n In Iowa, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman toured the Make to Innovate program lab at Iowa State University. Students from the Iowa Space Grant Consortium\u2019s Mission Moon program, along with consortium-funded student organizations including Cardinal Space Mining, CySat, and CyLaunch, shared research findings and demonstrated the institution\u2019s strong connection to NASA via agency-funded projects. During a well-attended town hall event NASA experts briefed students on the agency\u2019s Moon Base efforts and how their work can contribute to future exploration.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re grateful for the opportunity to welcome NASA leadership to Iowa State,\u201d said Sara Nelson Iowa Space Grant director. \u201cThe excitement among students was incredible, and the visit highlighted how the research and innovation happening in Iowa can help advance Artemis and NASA\u2019s future exploration efforts.\u201d<\/p>\n At the University of Arizona, the NASA administrator saw firsthand the space research and engineering capabilities that are enabled by the Arizona Space Grant Consortium. From satellite communications testing to complex optics for peering into deep space to student-built high-altitude balloon payloads and even small satellites, students at the University of Arizona have a long history of contributing to NASA missions and making aerospace career connections. This tour stop also included a Q&A session where the NASA administrator answered questions from local high school and college students.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was incredible to present the high-altitude ballooning research we do in SEDS (Students for the Exploration and Development of Space) to Jared Isaacman and those at NASA,\u201d said Ella Miller, a junior studying mechanical engineering at the University of Arizona. \u201cArizona Space Grant has allowed me to get hands-on experience through an entire mission design process every semester, helping me pursue a career in space research and secure internships in this field.\u201d<\/p>\n At the University of Alaska in Fairbanks, the Administrator toured two Geophysical Institute facilities: Poker Flat Research Range, the university\u2019s scientific rocket launching facility, and the Alaska Satellite Facility. During an Alaska Space Grant science fair, students shared research in hibernation biology and showcased CubeSat technology advancements. Students were also able to learn about the agency\u2019s Moon Base program and ask questions about opportunities available to the next generation of innovators and explorers.<\/p>\n In North Dakota, the Inspiration Tour focused on future exploration capabilities. Space Grant-funded research at the University of North Dakota is helping to shape the future of exploration across STEM fields. Student fellows and NASA interns shared their projects on supercell mergers using satellite imagery, geomagnetic conditions of aurora borealis, and in-situ resource utilization, to name a few. North Dakota Space Grant STEM ambassador students also shared robotics and drone activities as part of \u201cMission Moon\u201d, which centers Artemis initiatives in statewide collaborations with educators and other North Dakota colleges and universities.<\/p>\n \u201cGetting to speak with the NASA Administrator was an amazing opportunity!\u201d said research fellow and STEM ambassador Malissa Reinhardt. \u201cHe genuinely cared about what we students had to say and the research we\u2019re working on, which makes all the hard work we put into our research and North Dakota Space Grant Consortium so rewarding.\u201d<\/p>\n NASA\u2019s Inspiration Tour will culminate in MAX POWER, a public showcase of air and space innovation on Nov. 7 and 8, highlighting the agency\u2019s commitment to preparing the next generation of innovators and explorers for humanity\u2019s next giant leap. As NASA enters a Golden Age of innovation and exploration, the national network of Space Grant consortia is expanding opportunities for students to lead the way in an aerospace workforce that is evolving and growing. At learning institutions from coast to coast, today\u2019s Space Grant students are launching America\u2019s future in space.<\/p>\n To find ways to engage with NASA\u2019s exciting missions, broad range of careers, and unique learning opportunities, visit:<\/p>\n https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/learning-resources<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNational Space Grant College and Fellowship Project<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \t\t\t<\/a> \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFor Colleges and Universities<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \t\t\t<\/a> \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLearning Resources<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \t\t\t<\/a> \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMAX POWER<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Powered by WPeMatico<\/a><\/small><\/p>\n Get The Details…<\/a> NASA\u2019s Inspiration Tour spread the excitement of space exploration and aeronautical innovation by connecting the public, industry, and academia with the people, technologies, and organizations that drive American leadership in space. At nearly every stop across the country, NASA Space Grant has brought students into the heart of the action. In Iowa, NASA Administrator Jared [\u2026] Continue reading <\/a><\/figure><\/a><\/figure>Discover More Topics From NASA<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\nSandra May <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"