LaSPACE is a member of a nationwide organization that partners NASA with colleges / universities and other space related institutions. La NASA EPSCoR fosters the development of an academic research enterprise in the State of Louisiana.
LaSPACE
The Louisiana Space Consortium (LaSPACE) is the Louisiana chapter of the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program. LaSPACE was formed in 1991, based on a proposal put forth by Louisiana with Dr. John Wefel, of Louisiana State University as Principal Investigator, and has offices located in room 371 Nicholson Hall on the LSU campus in Baton Rouge.
LaSPACE partners NASA with colleges / universities and other space related institutions to promote scientific research, workforce development, and public outreach to develop and strengthen long-term research capabilities that will make significant contributions to the research and technology Mission Directorates of NASA. In turn, this contributes to the overall research infrastructure, science and technology capabilities, graduate and undergraduate education and economic development of the state. This program is funded by NASA and the Louisiana Board of Regents.
LaSPACE is a statewide consortium composed of 27 members including 19 affiliate universities and colleges joined by partners from business/industry, state/local government, state education boards, and nonprofit organizations.
La NASA EPSCoR
Louisiana NASA EPSCoR is operated as a Cooperative Agreement between NASA and the Louisiana Board of Regents (BOR) with scientific and technical management support from the Louisiana Space Grant / NASA EPSCoR (LaSPACE) program management office at Louisiana State University.
Staff members from the LaSPACE office and the BOR work together to support NASA EPSCoR objectives, programs, and opportunities. As a team we work to promote information about funding opportunities in the state and we manage the proposal application process and active project awards.
The Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) establishes partnerships with government, higher education, and industry in order to improve a state’s research infrastructure, research and development (R&D) capacity, and ultimately its national R&D competitiveness. Seven federal agencies conduct EPSCoR programs, including NASA. The NASA EPSCoR program is directed at 28 jurisdictions, including Louisiana, that have not in the past participated equably in competitive federally-funded aerospace and aerospace-related research activities.
The core objectives of LA NASA EPSCoR are to:
Expand the overall research infrastructure, science and technology capabilities, higher education, and economic development of the state.
Enhance the research capabilities and infrastructure in the state of Louisiana in areas of strategic importance to NASA.
Improve acquisition of funding support for R&D from beyond the NASA ESPCoR program.
Work in close coordination with LaSPACE to improve the general environment and promote a culture that supports science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education in Louisiana.
To Enhance Space and Aerospace related research, education, and public awareness throughout the State of Louisiana and thereby promote STEM education, training of professionals, and economic development.
