The Universities Space Research Association (USRA) is an independent, nonprofit research corporation that combines in-house talent in research, science, engineering, technology, operations, and facility management with university-based expertise and resources. The result is a unique ability to develop and deliver innovative solutions to Federal agencies and other customers.
USRA was founded in 1969, near the beginning of the Space Age, driven by the vision of two individuals, James Webb (NASA Administrator 1961-1968) and Frederick Seitz (National Academy of Sciences President 1962-1969). They recognized the technical challenges of space would require an established research base to develop novel concepts and innovative technologies. Together, they worked to create USRA to satisfy not only the ongoing need for innovation in space, but also the need to involve society more broadly so the benefits of space activities would be realized.
Today, USRA works across a wide spectrum of disciplines stemming from the range of challenges originally posed by the space program. From astrophysics to space situational awareness, from basic research to facility management and operations, USRA is enabling research from ground, airborne, and orbiting observatories.
Highlighted programs representing USRA’s diverse operations:
- SOFIA (Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy) is the largest airborne observatory in the world, studying the universe at infrared wavelengths, capable of making observations that are impossible for even the largest and highest ground-based telescopes. USRA manages and operates the SOFIA Science Center with the German SOFIA Institute (DSI) for NASA and the German Aerospace Center.
- Arecibo Observatory is the world’s largest single-dish radio telescope and most powerful planetary radar. USRA manages the science operations of Arecibo Observatory for astronomy and planetary studies, including the imaging of near-Earth objects.
- GESTAR (Goddard Earth Sciences Technology and Research) is a collaboration between USRA and the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center where scientists conceive and develop new, space-based missions; provide mission requirements; and conduct research on the behavior of Earth and other planetary systems.
Key to USRA’s capabilities is the role of universities. In 2011, over 300 universities were directly involved in USRA activities. USRA research and operation locations employ more than 400 scientific, technical, and professional staff. More than 60% of USRA employees have advanced technical degrees, and nearly 50% hold PhDs. The USRA business paradigm is to engage the creativity and authoritative expertise of university faculty and their students and deliver to customers sophisticated, forward-looking solutions, on schedule and within budget. USRA’s focus on basic and applied space research, operations technology, and education is demonstrated in the NASA Intern Program and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program.
USRA’s headquarters are located in Columbia, MD and its locations include Alabama, California, Colorado, Idaho, Maryland, New Mexico, Ohio, Puerto Rico, Texas, and Washington, DC. Known for measurable outcomes and award-winning performance, USRA has expertise in astronomy, astrophysics, optics, Earth science, life science, lunar and planetary science, engineering and technology, homeland and national security, and technical workforce development.