USRA and USRA Energy’s capabilities advance our country’s global leadership in science, energy, and STEM workforce development.
Space Nuclear Technology
USRA (Universities Space Research Association) collaborates with Oak Ridge National Laboratory on projects like radioisotope production for space power (Pu-238) and material analysis to support national space and energy goals.
Science Facilities Management & Operations
USRA created the Center for Space Nuclear Research (CSNR) in partnership with the Department of Energy. Conveniently located near Idaho Falls Regional Airport, the facility is a hub for collaboration with researchers, industry partners, and nearby Department of Energy labs, in Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico and California as well as Space Force and US Space Command in Colorado.
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence & Quantum
USRA operates the Research Institute for Advanced Computer Science (RIACS), a pioneer in artificial intelligence research since 1983– decades before AI entered the mainstream. RIACS has partnered with leading organizations including NASA’s Ames Research Center, BCG X, ARPA-E, and USGS, alongside top academic and industry collaborators. In 2012, USRA joined NASA and Google to launch the Quantum Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (QuAIL), advancing the evaluation of near-term quantum technologies for real-world impact.
Workforce Development
Since its founding in 1969, USRA’s mission has included providing innovative learning opportunities for students, at all levels, in space and aeronautics research, and in STEM fields for younger students. USRA’s educational and workforce activities range from supporting paid internships at federal laboratories for students; to providing USRA-funded scholarship awards to outstanding college students who have demonstrated a career interest in a space-related or aeronautical field.