The ASTRO Fellowships, hosted by the Armstrong Institute for Space, Technology, and Research (ASTRO), provides undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty with the opportunity to advance new ideas related to space discovery and exploration. Hear more about the experiences of past fellows, then see how you can apply below!
About ASTRO
From Director of the Armstrong Institute for Space, Technology, and Research (and PEWS Faculty Affiliate) Charles Doarn:
The Armstrong Institute for Space, Technology, and Research (ASTRO), an element of UC’s Research|2030, offers two different fellowships for students and pilot study grants for faculty. The Armstrong Fellowship for Discovery in the amount of $6,000 per semester is for undergraduates. The Armstrong Fellowship for Exploration in the amount of $35,000 for a one-year period is for graduate students pursuing their master’s or doctoral degrees. These fellowships are highly competitive and must be related to any aspect of space exploration, which is inclusive of all disciplines here at UC. Two pilot studies, each $25,000 for a two-year period are offered each year to faculty working on research related to space exploration. Announcements from the Office of Research will be available in the first few weeks of the fall and spring semesters. ASTRO is named after Neil Armstrong, Ohio native, UC professor and the first man to walk on the Moon!
Fellow Reflections
Prakash Giri – graduate student in Mechanical and Materials Engineering
I was awarded the ASTRO Fellowship (formerly SRIDE) to develop carbon nanotube-based surface textiles for lunar dust shielding—a project that integrates advanced nanomaterials with the pressing challenges of extraterrestrial exploration. This opportunity has been profoundly impactful, enabling me to focus on innovative strategies to mitigate the abrasive and electrostatically charged nature of lunar dust, a critical concern for the success and longevity of lunar missions. The fellowship has significantly expanded my research capabilities and further deepened my commitment to advancing space materials science. Looking ahead, I aim to contribute meaningfully to the future of lunar exploration and space settlement by enhancing the safety, durability, and efficiency of surface operations.
Kaus Shankar – undergraduate in Computer Engineering
My ASTRO Fellowship project explored how fuzzy AI and interpretable reinforcement learning could enable autonomous surgery in space, a challenge where every decision must be both accurate and explainable. I started this work skeptical of AI in safety-critical fields like medicine, largely because so much of it operates as a ‘black box.’ Through the fellowship, I’ve seen firsthand how interpretable methods has the potenial to bridge that gap, giving humans the clarity they need to trust AI in life-or-death situations. It has shifted my perspective entirely and sparked a deeper passion for creating AI systems that are not only powerful but transparent. My next step is to build on this foundation by developing trustworthy AI tools for high stake environments.
Rachel Wiggins – graduate student in Aerospace and Engineering Mechanics
During my time as an ASTRO fellow, I led the first successful application of radial plane OH Planar-Laser Induced Fluorescence (PLIF) imaging in a flow-through rotating detonation combustor (FT-RDC), enabling high-resolution, time-resolved visualization of detonation–core interactions. These visualizations provided unprecedented insight into the dynamics of rotating detonations, particularly the constructive and destructive coupling between the detonation wave and the core flow. I investigated the effects of key parameters, such as fuel and air flow rates, equivalence ratio, step geometry, and axial location, on flame stabilization and detonation sustainability. By synchronizing pressure transducers with optical diagnostics, I was able to characterize the transient and spatial evolution of the flow field across stable, unstable, and deflagration regimes. Beyond the technical contributions, I developed a robust PLIF methodology, including laser sheet alignment and post-processing protocols, which now serve as a guide for future researchers. This experience was a defining part of my graduate training and has prepared me to make impactful contributions as I transition into the next phase of my career.
Applications for this year
Applications for the Armstrong Fellowship for Discovery are now open! Learn more about the fellowship here.
What it is: The Armstrong Fellowship for Discovery supports undergraduate students who show potential in advancing new ideas related to space discovery and exploration.
Who this is for: This fellowship program is for undergraduate students who have completed the first two years of their academic degree program. All majors are eligible and encouraged to apply.
Amount: Up to four $6,000 awards
Key Dates:
Award Project Period: Spring 2026 Semester
Application Deadline: October 1, 2025 by 5:00 PM ET
