The University of Arizona Center for Human Space Exploration, also known as CHaSE, is paving the way for the next generation of space exploration. It focuses not just on the stars above but on preparing humans to thrive in the harsh environments of space. Since CHaSE launched in 2022, it has become a hub for innovative research that directly supports NASA's ambitious goals, including the Artemis program's mission to establish a commercial presence on the moon. 

Trent Tresch, founding director of CHaSE, shared insights into the center's projects, which range from testing spacesuit mobility with dance students to pioneering the use of advanced technology such Apple Vision Pro in space. Tresch has been involved in commercial astronautics and has helped build the next generation of accessible pressure suits and life support systems. Tresch discussed how CHaSE is closing critical knowledge gaps, fostering student involvement and positioning the U of A at the forefront of human space exploration.

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Q: What is the focus of CHaSE?

A: CHaSE is a research facility located at the U of A's Biosphere 2 and holds an office at the Applied Research Building. They are focused on human spaceflight and exploration. It was established about two years ago to complement the university's existing space research, which has traditionally focused on observing the universe and Earth from space. CHaSE aims to conduct research and development that complements NASA's and other commercial organizations' advancement of humanity's presence in space.

Q: What are some of the CHaSE projects?

A: We've been involved in several interesting projects. We opened a spacesuit lab on campus and brought in 14 dance students to try movements in the spacesuits, exploring the intersection of art and space science. We've worked with the U.S. Air Force to further develop our pressure suit training program. We're collaborating with NASA under the U of A's Space Act Agreement, exploring how our technologies can be applicable to Artemis and beyond. We're working on a similar collaboration with the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (Space Vehicles Directorate) under an established Educational Program Agreement. Under the Arizona Space Grant program funded by NASA, we have brought a U of A aerospace engineering student, Sean Young, onto our team. He is helping us look at designing and building a pressurized space capsule that will be used for training medical and rescue personnel under the U of A School of Medicine APEX division. 

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Q: How does CHaSE's work relate to NASA's current goals?

A: NASA's current goal is to establish commercial operations on the moon this decade through the Artemis program. They want to transition from leading all space research and development to being more of a customer, providing grants and contracts to industry and academic partners to drive more space commercialization.

CHaSE's role is to help address what NASA calls "gaps" – areas where more research and development are needed to achieve their mission goals. NASA maintains a list of known challenges that need to be solved to achieve their mission objectives successfully, like returning humans to the moon. These so-called knowledge gaps provide us a framework to research and engineer solutions. We then take our developed technologies and work with U of A's Tech Launch Arizona to pursue patents and look for licensing opportunities. NASA is also currently looking at changing atmospheric composition of both habitats and spacesuits for spacewalk activities. Later this year, we anticipate an ability to start testing pressure suits at the Applied Research Building. 

Q: What's an example of a current project addressing these gaps?

A: Every year, NASA puts on the SUITS program, which stands for Spacesuit User Interface Technologies for Students. This program is focused on designing solutions for future spaceflight needs. We collaborated with Arizona State University to integrate the Apple Vision Pro, a mixed reality headset that offers virtual reality and augmented reality experiences, into one of our U of A spacesuits. We're testing if the Vision Pro can work with a spacesuit helmet and looking at different tools and displays that could potentially be used in space. This ties into NASA's interest in developing heads-up display technologies for use in space. Through a simple few days' exercise, we were able to identify difficulties, like the sensors' limited ability to detect users' hand movements in gloves. This issue would now need to be solved before the technology is deployed with astronauts. This is where CHaSE and the U of A can step in.

Q: How can students get involved with CHaSE's work?

A: We're always looking for students interested in human space exploration. We'll be opening a grant-funded program later this year for students to apply and go through our spacesuit training program. We also encourage students to reach out if they're interested in volunteering with our team. As we continue to grow and establish our presence on campus, we hope to offer more opportunities for student involvement and collaboration.