Texas A&M initiates construction at NASA Johnson to advance space innovation

Posted on Friday, November 29, 2024 by RICHARD HARRIS, Executive Editor

Coinciding with the Jellybean 4.3 release by Google last week, Texas Instruments has announced the availability of the Bluetooth Smart SensorTag app for Android. Jelly Bean 4.3 introduced native support of Bluetooth Smart Ready, which allows equipment to run for years on a single coin cell battery because of it's low energy consumption.

The CC2541 SensorTag is the first Bluetooth Smart development kit focused on wireless sensor applications and it is the only development kit targeted for smart phone app developers. The SensorTag can be used as reference design and development platform for a variety of smart phone accessories.

Through a simple interface consumers can use a Bluetooth low energy enabled Android or iOS smartphone/tablet to configure and read data from the 6 different sensor on the SensorTag. The software on this page gives access to example source codes for both Android and iOS apps in order to get started to create your own applications using TI’s Bluetooth low energy technology. In addition the Android application package file can be installed and run on an Android device with Bluetooth 4.0 support to communicate with the SensorTag. Additionally, the Windows installer for SensorTag Android app source code will become available soon. 

Mahomes Jr., Sharp, and Wyche Commemorate Texas A&M Space Institute at Exploration Park

Photo credit: NASA/Robert Markowitz

Strategic goals and vision

The Texas A&M University Space Institute will serve as a platform for collaborative research initiatives, bringing together experts from academia, industry, and government. The goal is to create a dynamic environment where ideas can be exchanged, and new technologies can be developed to support NASA's mission objectives.


Johnson Space Center leadership breaks ground on Texas A&M Space Institute

Photo credit: NASA/Robert Markowitz

One of the key objectives of the institute is to support the Artemis program, NASA's initiative to return humans to the Moon and eventually send astronauts to Mars. By contributing to the development of technologies necessary for long-duration space missions, the institute aims to play a crucial role in shaping the future of space exploration.


Director Nancy Currie-Gregg plants Texas A&M Space Institute flag at Johnson Space Center

Photo credit: NASA/Robert Markowitz

Impact on education and workforce development

In addition to its research endeavors, the Texas A&M University Space Institute is committed to enhancing education and workforce development in the field of space science. The institute plans to offer educational programs and training opportunities for students and professionals, equipping them with the skills needed to excel in the space industry.

These educational initiatives are expected to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators, providing them with the knowledge and experience required to tackle the challenges of space exploration. By fostering a skilled workforce, the institute aims to contribute to the growth of the space sector in Texas and beyond.

Looking ahead

As construction of the Texas A&M University Space Institute progresses, the anticipation surrounding its potential impact continues to grow. The institute is poised to become a center of excellence in space research, driving innovation and collaboration in the pursuit of new frontiers in space.

The partnership between Texas A&M and NASA exemplifies the power of collaboration in advancing scientific knowledge and technological progress. By working together, these institutions are paving the way for a future where human space exploration becomes increasingly feasible and sustainable.

The groundbreaking ceremony at NASA's Johnson Space Center marks the beginning of a new chapter in space exploration, with Texas A&M University playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of this exciting field. As the institute takes shape, it promises to be a beacon of innovation and discovery, contributing to the advancement of human knowledge and exploration of the cosmos.

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