JPL And Texas A&M Sign Memorandum Of Understanding
The College of Geosciences is part of the agreement, which calls for research collaboration, to support goals for NASA and the U.S. in space science and exploration.
Feb 25, 2019
Texas A&M University recently signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), a federally funded research and development center managed by the California Institute of Technology, to promote and encourage collaboration between the institutions.
Texas A&M and JPL will cooperate under the laboratory’s Strategic University Research Partnerships program, which reflects JPL’s commitment to work with the academic community to accomplish the nation’s space exploration goals. JPL serves as an important resource for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in support of deep space systems, especially for development of planetary science missions and supporting technology. Texas A&M and JPL will develop specific plans for collaborative activities, with joint reviews held periodically to assess the progress and effectiveness of collaborative efforts.
“This agreement recognizes Texas A&M as a leader in education and research in science, technology and engineering,” said Vice President for Research Dr. Mark A. Barteau. “This collaboration will have a special focus on research collaborations as well as graduate and undergraduate student involvement in science and engineering fields of mutual interest. We look forward to working closely with JPL and its researchers to advance space science and exploration.”
“This agreement provides members of the College of Geosciences opportunities to partner with JPL and other Texas A&M colleges to advance the understanding of our planet as well as our solar system,” said Dr. Jack Baldauf, geosciences executive associate dean and associate dean for research. “These opportunities include calibrating satellite measurements with Earth surface-based observing systems, developing new sensor technology, and collaborating with JPL and others on future satellite programs.”
Under the Memorandum of Understanding, JPL and Texas A&M intend to:
- Exchange personnel for seminars, workshops, research exchanges and advisory or review boards.
- Enable Texas A&M undergraduates, graduate students and post-doctoral scholars to participate in research at JPL and JPL researchers to take part in Texas A&M research.
- Identify research areas of mutual interest, promote joint collaboration and enhance research opportunities in space missions as well as the definition and design of related instruments.
Originally published at Texas A&M Today.
