Earth’s orbit is rapidly becoming more congested with many new satellites and satellite constellations. Satellite operators regularly run careful maneuvers to prevent their systems from crashing into other satellites or floating space junk.

These maneuvers use up the limited fuel on board, reducing a satellite’s usable life and limiting its flexibility. Cutting down congestion and clutter in space is critical to keeping Earth’s orbit usable for more future missions.

To address these issues, Purdue University and partner institutions Penn State and Texas A&M have received major funding from the National Science Foundation to establish the Center for Research in Emerging Sustainable Space Technologies (CRES²T).

CRES²T will operate as a multidisciplinary research incubator, developing advanced algorithms, mission software, sensors, and propulsion technologies. These are expected to improve in-space servicing and repair, aimed at extending service life and making missions sustainable.

Kathleen Howell, the Hsu Lo Distinguished Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics at Purdue, is co-principal investigator on CRES²T. She is working alongside professors Puneet Singla at Penn State and Manoranjan Majji at Texas A&M.

The one-year NSF planning grant, provided through the Industry–University Cooperative Research Center (IUCRC), helps CRES2T set up its governance structure, and identify research thrusts and industry partnerships before it's considered for full IUCRC funding.