The University of Tennessee Space Institute

06/15/2026

The University of Tennessee Space Institute invites the community to join us for a special celebration on Friday, June 26!

This free event is open to the public and features guest speaker Monty Burks, Director of the HHS Center for Faith at the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, at 10:00 a.m., followed by a light lunch and Tech Expo showcasing the exciting work taking place at UTSI.

Whether you're a longtime supporter, an alumnus, a student, or simply curious about the research and innovation happening right here in our community, we hope you'll join us. See the flyer for event details.

06/11/2026

Today in Aerospace History – June 11, 1957. The first Atlas rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral, marking the beginning of a launch vehicle family that would help carry America into the Space Age.

Atlas evolved from an early intercontinental ballistic missile into the rocket that launched Mercury astronauts, including John Glenn, the first American to orbit Earth.

The technologies developed during this era required extensive advances in aerodynamics, propulsion, materials, and flight testing, helping shape the aerospace research and test infrastructure that continues to support innovation today.

06/10/2026

Congratulations to UTSI alumnus Randy Bresnik on being named commander of NASA's Artemis III mission!

Bresnik earned his master's degree through the University of Tennessee Space Institute and will help lead the first crewed mission to the Moon in more than 50 years. It's exciting to see a UTSI graduate playing a key role in the next chapter of human space exploration.

Read more:

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Astronaut and University of Tennessee, Knoxville graduate Randy “Komrade” Bresnik is set to command the next NASA spaceflight mission. NASA on Tuesday announced details of…

06/10/2026

Ready to work smarter, not harder? Learn the fundamentals of Lean Manufacturing and discover practical strategies to improve efficiency and eliminate waste.

06/09/2026

In June 1993, astronauts aboard STS-61 set out to fix something that wasn’t supposed to fail. The Hubble Space Telescope. When Hubble first launched, its images came back blurry due to a tiny flaw in its mirror. Instead of giving up on a billion-dollar mission, NASA sent a crew on Space Shuttle Endeavour to repair it in orbit. Essentially giving the telescope “glasses” through a series of spacewalks.

It worked. Hubble went on to capture some of the most important images in history and completely changed our understanding of the universe. Good reminder: even when things don’t go right the first time, even at the highest level, they can still be fixed. Sometimes the comeback ends up being the best part.

06/08/2026

On June 8, 1959, the legendary X-15 made its first glide flight, launching a program that would redefine the limits of speed and altitude. Piloted by A. Scott Crossfield, who also help design the aircraft.

Flying at speeds above Mach 6 and reaching the edge of space, the X-15 helped researchers understand hypersonic flight, reentry dynamics, and spacecraft control—knowledge that contributed to the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, and Space Shuttle programs.

Advances in high-speed flight research continue today through facilities like AEDC and the aerospace research community that calls Tennessee home. 🚀

06/05/2026

"Through difficulties to the stars."

At UTSI, that idea is more than a motto—it's a reminder that every breakthrough begins with a challenge. From pioneering research to educating the next generation of engineers and scientists, we're reaching higher every day.

06/04/2026

Spotting some new fluffy residents on the lawn today! 🪶🐣 Did you know that the University of Tennessee Space Institute played a direct role in saving the Giant Canada Goose from extinction? Back in the 1960s, our campus peninsula and the shores of Woods Reservoir were chosen as prime locations for a major wildlife reintroduction program. At the time, these birds were dangerously close to disappearing completely. Decades later, our manicured lawns and protected waters are still the perfect sanctuary for these growing families. Next time you see a flock on your way to the lab, remember you're looking at a living piece of North American conservation history right here at UTSI! 🚀🌾

06/02/2026

Today we welcomed our 2026 Summer Interns to the University of Tennessee Space Institute!

After orientation, the group gathered for a photo before beginning a summer of learning, discovery, and hands-on experience. Over the coming weeks, these students will have the opportunity to work alongside our faculty, researchers, and staff while gaining valuable insight into the fields of science, engineering, and research.

We're excited to have them on campus and look forward to seeing what they accomplish this summer.

05/27/2026

Fundamentals and Safety of Lithium-Ion Battery Technology Workshop

For educators, engineering students, and workers interested in energy storage and electric vehicles and aircraft

Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/e3jRrepP