University of Arizona astronomer Erika Hamden will serve as an inaugural member of the Arizona Space Commission, where she will advise Gov. Katie Hobbs in advancing Arizona's role in aerospace and space sciences.

Hobbs announced her appointments to the new commission on Friday.

Image

Hamden, an associate professor in the Department of Astronomy and Steward Observatory in the U of A College of Science, is a renowned expert on ultraviolet telescopes and studies ways to improve how they help scientists see stars, planets and galaxies. She is also director of the U of A Space Institute.

"Dr. Hamden is an admirable scientist, communicator and ambassador for astronomy," said University of Arizona President Suresh Garimella. "We are very proud of the university's role driving Arizona's leadership in the space sciences, from exploration to industry, and I applaud Governor Hobbs' choice to appoint Dr. Hamden to this important commission. We all are proud she will represent us and look forward to her contributions."

With her new role advising state leaders on space-related matters, Hamden said she looks forward to furthering Arizona's reputation in space sciences.

"It's such an honor to be appointed to this commission and serve the state," Hamden said. "Arizona has always been a center for space research and innovation, and it's exciting to join a group of people who are as committed to bringing space-related jobs and development to the state as I am. The University of Arizona has long been a leader in space sciences, and I'm looking forward to contributing that expertise and more to the Space Commission."

Hamden is the principal investigator of Eos, a $170 million ultraviolet space telescope to be proposed to NASA's Astrophysics Division this summer. NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab at the California Institute of Technology and Terran Orbital are partners on the project, which aims to better understand the formation of stars and the evolution of galaxies.

Hamden is also the deputy principal investigator of Aspera, a NASA Pioneers mission, scheduled to launch this year, that will observe nearby edge-on galaxies in the extreme ultraviolet wavelength spectrum. She also helped develop a balloon-mounted telescope called FIREBall-2, which she discussed in a TED Talk in 2019.

Hamden, who holds a private pilot's license, also hosts the show "New Frontiers," a science series about U of A research on Arizona Public Media.

A new law last year revived the Arizona Space Commission, which has been dormant for the last decade, to strengthen Arizona's position in aviation, aerospace and space sciences research, and to bolster the state's workforce in those industries.

Hamden is among seven of the Arizona Space Commission's 13 members to be appointed by the governor. Three of the commission's members are appointed by the Arizona Senate president, and the other three are appointed by the speaker of the House of Representatives. Hamden's fellow commissioners bring expertise in commercial and military aerospace, civil aviation, space economic development and more.

The U of A, Arizona's land-grant university, has long excelled in space research, with roles in NASA missions going back to the 1960s. The university ranks No. 2 in astronomy and astrophysics expenditures, according to the National Science Foundation. U.S. News & World Report ranked the U of A No. 8 overall in space sciences and No. 2 among public universities.

"I am delighted to see Dr. Erika Hamden appointed to the Arizona Space Commission, where her expertise will be invaluable in shaping Arizona's future in space-related research and innovation," said Tomás Díaz de la Rubia, U of A senior vice president for research and innovation. "As the state continues to strengthen its leadership in the space sector, Dr. Hamden's voice will foster collaborative and creative approaches to advancing science, industry partnerships and technological innovation – bringing the benefits of discovery to communities across the state and beyond."