The Duke SPACE Initiative connects a diverse network of researchers, labs, and collaborators whose work intersects with the challenges and opportunities of space exploration. Across fields ranging from astrophysics and engineering to policy, medicine, materials science, and planetary research, these affiliated groups contribute specialized expertise while remaining connected through a shared interest in advancing space-focused discovery and innovation. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration across Duke and beyond, the Initiative helps position Duke as a hub for space research at the intersection of science, technology, policy, and the humanities.
Research
Cosmology and Astrophysics
The Cosmology & Astrophysics group at Duke studies fundamental questions about the universe, such as its origins, the processes that govern it, and the nature of its components. The group uses some of the largest astronomical sky-surveys to make the most precise measurements of the expansion of the universe and its composition.
Extreme Life Lab
The Extreme Life Lab uses molecular systems biology to investigate stress response mechanisms in single-celled microorganisms surviving damage by multiple stressors in the most extreme conditions known on Earth. The Schmid lab aims to use their research results to learn about the origins of life on Earth and the potential for life on other celestial bodies.
Duke Lemur Center
At the Duke Lemur Center, researchers are actively studying how the curious hibernation pattern of the fat-tailed dwarf lemur may have applications for coma patients and could also help humans better prepare for deep space travel. The DLC houses the world’s most diverse population of lemurs outside their native Madagascar.
Space Medicine
Astronauts are chronically exposed to a unique combination of stressors in space, including microgravity and high-energy ionizing radiation. Dr. Dawn Bowles leads a NASA funded research team that studies how environmental challenges in space impact molecular pathways, cardiovascular heath, and disease susceptibility.
Metamaterials
The Meta Group at Duke develops unique, metamaterials-based systems for diverse applications, including passive and active earth observation; satellite-based synthetic aperture radar imaging; space domain situational awareness; satellite-based cloud and precipitation mapping; and intersatellite microwave and optical communications.
Robotics
Duke Robotics is a vibrant, cross-disciplinary community advancing the science, engineering, and societal impact of robotics. Established in 2014, the group brings together research labs and faculty across multiple departments (MEMS, ECE, and CS) and two schools (Pratt School of Engineering and Trinity College of Arts and Sciences).
Duke Center on Risk
The Duke Center on Risk is pursuing research, education, publications, and public engagement on an array of space risks and responses, including: solar radiation modification (SRM) to address global climate change; asteroids defense; biological contamination; space debris; international conflict in space; space weather; and other space risks.
Space Diplomacy Lab
The Space Diplomacy Lab (SDL) provides a forum for a multidisciplinary set of academics, students, policy practitioners, and private companies interested in space science and technology, space economy, security, and international diplomacy to ensure a secure and sustainable future for humanity in space.