Hampton, In a landmark move to propel aerospace research and education, NASA’s Langley Research Center and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University have signed a formal Space Act Agreement, cementing a collaborative effort to shape the future of space exploration and advanced air mobility.

The agreement was signed during a ceremony at NASA Langley by Dr. Trina Marsh Dyal, Acting Director of the center, and Dr. Jeremy Ernst, Vice President for Research and Doctoral Programs at Embry-Riddle. The partnership aims to combine NASA’s cutting-edge aerospace expertise with Embry-Riddle’s specialized academic programs to foster innovation and develop a highly skilled workforce.

“This collaboration lays the foundation for tomorrow’s breakthroughs in aeronautics, space exploration, and science,” said Dr. Dyal. “It’s a vital step toward building technologies that benefit not just NASA, but industry, academia, and the nation at large.”

One of the key initiatives under the agreement includes the development of an Augmented Reality (AR) tool using NASA’s sensor technology and data. This tool will incorporate lunar landing data from NASA’s Navigation Doppler Lidar system to enhance training and visualization for future Moon and Mars missions.

Embry-Riddle, which educates over 30,000 students across its campuses and global network, sees the partnership as a gateway to hands-on research opportunities. “Our students will gain direct experience with NASA talent and technologies, preparing them to tackle the aerospace challenges of tomorrow,” said Dr. Ernst.

This agreement aligns with NASA’s broader mission to collaborate with academic institutions and industry partners as part of its Artemis campaign, which aims to return astronauts to the Moon and pave the way for human exploration of Mars.