{"id":406332,"date":"2026-05-01T13:50:32","date_gmt":"2026-05-01T17:50:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.yorku.ca\/yfile\/?p=406332"},"modified":"2026-05-01T14:26:59","modified_gmt":"2026-05-01T18:26:59","slug":"1-3m-award-funds-space-technology-innovation-research-at-york","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.yorku.ca\/yfile\/2026\/05\/01\/1-3m-award-funds-space-technology-innovation-research-at-york\/","title":{"rendered":"$1.3M award funds space technology innovation research at York"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Four York University professors from the Lassonde School of Engineering<\/a> have received funding from the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) to advance research supporting future space missions while giving students hands\u2011on experience in space\u2011focused science and technology development.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The $1.3-million funding was awarded through CSA\u2019s Flights and Fieldwork for the Advancement of Science and Technology (FAST) program, which backs research at Canadian universities that contributes to the advancement of scientific knowledge and space technologies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A key goal of the program is to give students and early\u2011career researchers hands\u2011on experience, helping strengthen Canada\u2019s space sector by training highly qualified personnel and equipping students with practical, job\u2011ready skills. Through applied, interdisciplinary research and exposure, students learn to navigate space career challenges in everything from instrument testing and system design to fieldwork and advanced manufacturion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

That combination of scientific advancement and experiential learning is evident across the FAST\u2011funded work now underway at York. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAs a result, the project will develop, in our students, more specialized scientists who can go on to operational roles not only with our project, but with space exploration missions and space agencies around the world,\u201d says John Moores<\/strong>, associate professor and grant recipient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Those four projects and their associate professors are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

John Moores<\/strong>, associate professor<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Project: Mars Atmosphere Gas Evolution \u2013 Flying Localization Investigation (MAGE\u2011FLI)<\/h5>\n\n\n
\n
\"John
John Moores<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Moores received $436,500 to lead an initiative improving how scientists detect and understand rare gases in the atmosphere of Mars. The work relies on a highly sensitive instrument, called an ICOS spectrometer, that can measure tiny amounts of specific gases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The research focuses on gases such as methane, which may be linked to possible microbial life below the planet\u2019s surface, and chlorine, which can be associated with volcanic activity. The project aims to shed light on what may be happening beneath Mars\u2019 surface and how the planet continues to change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe support of the CSA and the Canadian government is critical to my research. It funds the specialized equipment we need to test our instruments and make more precise measurements,\" says Moores. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before the instrument can be used in space, the team will test it in the lab using gas mixtures and soil materials similar to those found on the planet. In the final year of the project, the instrument will be taken to Iceland and mounted on a drone to see how well it can detect gases released from the ground. \u201cIn doing this work we\u2019re demonstrating what this instrument is capable of,\" says Moores, adding the results will help guide how similar tools could be used in future planetary missions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Nima Tabatabaei<\/strong>, associate professor<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Project: Molecularly Imprinted Opto\u2011Fluidic Platform for Ultra\u2011Sensitive Detection and Quantification of Biomarkers in Space<\/h4>\n\n\n
\n
\"Nima
Nima Tabatabaei <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Tabatabaei received $288,090 to create compact health monitoring technology designed for use during space missions. The goal is to help astronauts monitor their health in real time using simple, non\u2011invasive measurements, even in the challenging environment of microgravity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The research, conducted with co\u2011investigator Professor Pouya Rezai of George Mason University, combines several technologies into one small, modular system. It includes a device that automatically collects and processes saliva samples, materials that selectively capture health\u2011related molecules and a highly sensitive sensor that can detect extremely miniscule changes in those molecules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The platform is designed to track biological markers linked to stress, inflammation and exposure to radiation, which are key concerns for astronauts on long missions. Together, these measurements could help inform earlier health decisions and reduce risks during space travel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis grant gives us the chance to start a new area of space\u2011focused health research,\u201d says Tabatabaei. \u201cIt\u2019s also an opportunity to contribute Canadian technology that could advance future human spaceflight.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beyond exploration, the technology could also be adapted for health testing in northern communities on Earth, where access to traditional medical facilities may be limited.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Gerd Grau<\/strong>, associate professor<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Project: Food Production in Space: 3D\u2011Printed Capillary Hydroponics with Integrated Sensing<\/h4>\n\n\n
\n
\"Gerd
Gerd Grau<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Grau received $291,000 to advance new ways of growing food during long\u2011duration space missions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Growing plants in space presents unique challenges, including how to deliver water and nutrients to roots without gravity, manage limited resources and reduce the amount of equipment that must be launched from Earth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The initiative will advance technology that uses 3D printing to create precise channels that guide water and nutrients to plants. Designed to be manufactured directly in space, the system aids hydroponic food production and can be adjusted for different types of crops. Built\u2011in sensors will help monitor plant health and detect problems early, improving efficiency and yields.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis grant allows us to take a body of work we\u2019ve been developing for years and apply it in a completely new context,\u201d says Grau. \u201cIt opens up research directions that wouldn\u2019t be possible without space\u2011focused funding from the Canadian Space Agency.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the research is aimed at supporting future space travel, the approach could also benefit food production in remote regions on Earth, including northern Canada.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Cuiying Jian<\/strong>, associate professor<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Project: Pixelized, Flexible Sensing Network Using Laser\u2011Induced Graphene for Health Monitoring<\/h4>\n\n\n
\n
\"Ciuying
Ciuying Jian<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Jian received $291,000 to develop a lightweight, flexible sensor technology that can monitor human health in space and in remote environments on Earth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Working with co\u2011applicant Professor Razieh (Neda) Salahandish<\/strong>, Jian\u2019s team is using a form of graphene \u2013 an ultra\u2011thin, conductive material \u2013 to create wearable sensor patches that can measure temperature, movement and moisture across different areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis grant allows us to explore graphene in these new ways,\u201d says Jian. \u201cThere\u2019s real potential here to create tools that are both scientifically innovative and widely accessible.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unlike traditional devices that monitor just one part of the body, the system is designed to collect data from multiple locations at once. This could make it possible to build a more complete picture of someone\u2019s physical condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A key part of Jian\u2019s project is also closely aligned with one of the broader aims of the FAST program: student training and hands\u2011on learning. \u201cThis grant enables the recruitment and training of emerging researchers,\u201d she says. \u201cI aim to create an environment where the next generation not only learns how to conduct research, but also understands the underlying principles. Both the \u2018how\u2019 and the \u2018why\u2019 are essential.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Lassonde\u00a0faculty will advance space technology research on astronaut health, food systems in space and more with new funding from the Canadian Space 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