KAUST researchers in collaboration with NASA discovered 26 new bacterial species thriving in NASA cleanrooms. These species possess genetic traits that suggest they can survive the harsh conditions of space travel. The study analyzed the genetic traits of extremophiles to understand the risk of their transfer in space missions. Why it matters: This research supports Saudi Arabia's space vision and KAUST's role in microbial and space biology, aiding NASA in anticipating microorganisms encountered in space missions.
Edward C. Stone, former Director of the Jet Propulsion Laboratories at Caltech, spoke at KAUST's Winter Enrichment Program in 2017. He discussed the exploration of Neptune's moon Triton, enabled by the Voyager 2 mission. The article includes images from NASA's Voyager 1 and 2 missions and a photo of King Abdullah. Why it matters: Such events and collaborations enhance KAUST's reputation as a leading science and technology university.
KAUST alumna Aubrie O'Rourke (Ph.D. '15) received an Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Award Fellowship with NASA to study bacteria aboard the International Space Station (ISS). O'Rourke will analyze samples of Burkholderia cepacia bacteria from the ISS potable water system. She will sequence genomes to understand pathogenicity and virulence, comparing them to terrestrial strains. Why it matters: Understanding how microorganisms evolve in space has implications for astronaut health during long-duration missions, and this award highlights KAUST's role in fostering pioneering research.
KAUST collaborated with NASA's Langley Research Center to launch six weather balloons from KAUST's Coastal & Marine Laboratory, reaching an altitude of 35 kilometers. The balloons were equipped with instruments to measure meteorological properties and characterize the optical properties of aerosols, including a Compact Optical Backscatter Aerosol Detector (COBALD). The research focuses on understanding the impact of dust aerosols on the Arabian Peninsula, including their effects on climate, air quality, and solar energy. Why it matters: This collaboration advances understanding of atmospheric aerosols in the region, with implications for climate modeling, solar energy efficiency, and Red Sea ecosystems.
KAUST AgriTech startups Natufia and Edama won NASA's Deep Space Food Challenge for their joint solution integrating automated hydroponics, macroalgae farming, and composting. Their closed-loop system efficiently recovers and reuses waste resources to maximize productivity and reduce dependence on external inputs. The system can supply a diverse and nutritious menu of fruits, vegetables, and algae-based dietary supplements for astronauts. Why it matters: This award highlights the growing strength of the Saudi entrepreneurial ecosystem in developing innovative AgriTech solutions with global applications, particularly for sustainable food production.
The KAUST Amateur Astronomy Association (AAA), led by Ph.D. student Daniel Corzo, uses telescopes to observe the night sky. The group organizes events to view celestial objects like Saturn and the Milky Way from locations with low light pollution. Corzo's interest in astronomy was sparked by visits to NASA's Johnson Space Center and science fiction literature. Why it matters: Such initiatives promote scientific curiosity and engagement within the KAUST community, potentially inspiring further interest in STEM fields in Saudi Arabia.
Planetary scientist Carolyn Porco, who led the imaging science team for the Cassini mission to Saturn, was a keynote speaker at KAUST's 2018 Winter Enrichment Program. Porco aimed to recreate the Pale Blue Dot photograph of Earth taken by Voyager 1. On July 19, 2013, Cassini's cameras captured another Pale Blue Dot image of Earth when Saturn eclipsed the Sun. Why it matters: The event fostered contemplation on Earth's place in the universe among the KAUST community.
Lockheed Martin's CTO, Dr. Dana Jackson, spoke at KAUST about the company's collaborative R&D goals. He cited the Apollo 11 moon landing as a major inspiration for his career in science and technology. The lecture took place on the KAUST campus on October 22. Why it matters: Such talks can foster collaboration between industry leaders like Lockheed Martin and academic institutions like KAUST, potentially catalyzing innovation in Saudi Arabia.