Press Releases

WASHINGTON – Congressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas) announced a NASA award for Wichita State University as part of the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) program. The $750,000 award is for the university's Artificial Intelligence Assisted Spacecraft Trajectory Optimization and Planning proposal.

"Wichita is already known for our rich aviation history, but the advancements and research at WSU are proving that our work goes to the outer edges of Earth's atmosphere and beyond," said Rep. Estes. "Shockers are constantly innovating in ways that improve and advance the science of flight, space exploration and artificial intelligence. NASA's award to Wichita State is an acknowledgement of their exceptional work inside and outside the classroom."

Today's award to WSU is part of NASA's approximately $11,249,804 to 15 schools/organizations across the country for research and technology development projects in areas critical to the agency’s mission.

The Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) program supports science and technology research and development at colleges and universities in areas, such as remote sensing, artificial intelligence, astrophysics and aeronautics. All of these are applicable to NASA’s work in Earth science, aeronautics, and human and robotic deep space exploration. The schools will receive as much as $750,000 each for work during a three-year period.

Results from the research will be given back to NASA where it may be used as part of ongoing agency work.
 
EPSCoR is managed by NASA's Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) in Washington, and in each participating jurisdiction by a program director (PI) who oversees the process of submitting proposals and the work performed with the Cooperative Agreement funding.

To learn more about EPSCoR and to view an abstract from each of the 2020 EPSCoR research selectees, visit nasa.gov/stem/epscor/home/index.html.

Ron Estes is a 5th generation Kansan and represents Kansas’ 4th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He serves on the House Committee on Ways and Means.