8/13/01

AU'S SPACE POWER INSTITUTE NOW SPACE RESEARCH INSTITUTE

AUBURN -- Auburn University's Space Power Institute, established in 1985 to serve as a catalyst for much of the university's advanced electrical, physics and other research in support of the nation's defense, space and various commercial development programs, is now the Space Research Institute.

The name change was announced this week by the AU Office of the Vice President for Research.

"The new name better reflects the broad scope of multi-disciplinary research activities underway through the institute," said its director, Lee Little. "The new name also better aligns the institute with the objectives of the university's Peaks of Excellence research activities and helps to focus our strengths in a manner that will enhance our competitive position with potential sponsors."

Little says that the Space Research Institute is ready for growth and that advanced space-related research and technology development is an open window of opportunity for Auburn.

"The Space Research Institute, now broader in scope, will direct multi-disciplinary teams to solve R&D problems in additional aerospace and defense technology areas for space and terrestrial applications," Little said. "Our strategic plan identifies areas of opportunity in aerospace transportation systems, flight and ground systems, information systems, propulsion, remote sensing, communications, human factors, biotechnology and life sciences, guidance and control systems and many other areas.

"I am excited about working across the research disciplines with Auburn's faculty and students from the different colleges and centers to capture research contracts and to develop these additional space technology areas."

AU's Space Research Institute presently conducts some $3 million in extramurally funded research annually.

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CONTACT: Little, 334/844-5894.