Astraeus Space Days
A three-day celebration of space research
The University of Florida’s Astraeus Space Institute is proud to present Astraeus Space Days, September 30 to October 2.
This three-day event offers a unique opportunity to connect, inspire, and build lasting partnerships across academia, industry, and the public.
Join us at the University of Florida as we shape the next chapter of space innovation—together.
Astraeus TABLING
DAY ONE | Tuesday, September 30
Marston Science Library Plaza
Stop by the Marston Science Library Plaza between 11am and 3pm and learn about Astraeus!
Meet the people shaping the future of space — right here at UF:
- Leading Space Companies
- Student-Led Innovation
- Opportunities to Get Involved — Learn how you can contribute to space research and innovation on campus.
- Networking & Inspiration — Meet professionals, researchers, and fellow students passionate about space.
Don’t miss your chance to launch your future in space!
Space Research Day
Day Two | Wednesday, October 1
Prepare for a day of discovery and innovation at Space Research Day! On Wednesday, October 1st, from 8am to 1pm [Agenda], the Reitz Union Rion Ballroom will be transformed into a hub of groundbreaking space research.
This is your chance to explore the cutting-edge work being done by UF faculty and students, showcasing projects that are pushing the boundaries of space exploration.
At Astraeus Space Research Day, you’ll also have the chance to connect with leading companies driving innovation in the space sector. These organizations will be on campus to share insights, showcase opportunities, and talk about how students can get involved in shaping the future of space exploration and technology.
SPACE RESEARCH DAY AGENDA
8:00 – 8:30 Check-in, networking, coffee, hang up posters
8:30 – 8:45 Welcome & overview
8:45 – 9:05 From Seed Funding to Launch: Leveraging UF Resources to Secure External Funding for Space Research
9:05 – 9:40 Panel on Submitting Mission Proposals
9:40 – 10:05 Embedded communicators and research: A case study for teamwork
10:05 – 10:15 Impactful Paper Presentation: Astrobiological Potential of Rocks Acquired by the Perseverance Rover at a Sedimentary Fan Front in Jezero Crater, Mars
10:15 – 10:25 How to “Sell” Your Basic Science to Industry Partners
10:30 – 11:30 Poster Session
11:30 – 11:45 Janet Petro Updates from KSC
11:45 – 12:30 Keynote Speaker, “The Many Medical Facets of Moon to Mars”
12:30 – 1:00 Announcements, drawing for prizes, and networking
Special Screening: The Martian
DAY THREE | Thursday, October 2
Squitieri Theatre at the UF Phillips Center for Performing Arts
UF Space Days will conclude on Thursday, October 2, with a 10th anniversary screening of Ridley Scott’s landmark 2015 science fiction film The Martian, starring Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Kristen Wiig, Jeff Daniels, and Chiwetel Ejiofor.
The screening will be preceded by a short roundtable discussion on the film’s historical significance and its depiction of real-world space research and travel. The panel will feature Terry Harpold, a scholar of science fiction and visual media; Amy Williams, a planetary scientist and Mars geology expert; and Ray Wheeler, a recently retired NASA plant physiologist whose pioneering work in space crop cultivation directly informed the portrayal of plant growth in The Martian.
The event is free and open to the public and will begin at 5 PM in the Squitieri Theatre in UF’s Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Ample free parking is available in the garage adjacent to the Center.
This is a unique opportunity to gain behind-the-scenes insights into the scientific accuracy of the story and learn how real-world space research influenced the fictional world of The Martian.
Panelists include:
Terry Harpold, Associate Professor of English, University of Florida
Amy Williams, Associate Professor in Geological Sciences, University of Florida
Ray Wheeler, Emeritus Senior Scientist, NASA Kennedy Space Center
[Right: Image copyright ® 2015 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation.Image copyright ® 2015 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation]
Note: This film includes adult language and brief scenes of nudity. Some scenes may be too intense for younger viewers. Parental discretion is advised.
Sponsors and Support
Partner with Astraeus Space Institute for this year’s Space Days to improve visibility and awareness for not only space research, but for your brand. Interested in sponsoring or corporate tabling options, please contact Jamie Foster at jfoster@ufl.edu
