Space and hypersonics

At Notre Dame, discovery doesn’t end at the edge of Earth’s atmosphere. Or at the speed of sound. Our researchers are pushing the boundaries of flight to unlock mysteries that impact life here on the ground.

An Ariane rocket launches, with bright orange flames and white smoke billowing from the base. The rocket is white and tall, ascending against a cloudy gray sky. Three tall metal towers surround the launchpad. High-angle view of the James Webb Space Telescope's gold-colored hexagonal mirrors being assembled in a large clean room. Support equipment and personnel in clean suits are visible below. Two researchers in white lab coats and protective eyewear work with a complex optical setup on a metal table. They wear purple gloves and are adjusting components of the experiment.

Space and hypersonics

Fan of the moon

Clive Neal searches for new resources in lunar rocks.

The full moon in a dark sky.
  • A bright orange, yellow, and white glow from a rocket taking off at night.

    Article

    Fighting to reach the next frontier in space

    With the launch of the United States Space Force and NASA’s planned Artemis missions to the Moon, our nation may be reigniting its curiosity with what’s beyond.

  • An interior view of an observatory shows a large red telescope pointing toward a starry night sky.

    Article

    First light

    Discovery brings search for life on other planets into focus

  • Mc 5

    News

    Up, up and away

    Inspired by the unknown, University of Notre Dame Senior Nelson Badillo Perez will pursue a doctorate in materials science and mechanical engineering at Harvard next year as a NASA Space Technology Graduate Research Fellow.

  • A futuristic space station with solar panels orbits in front of a dark, cratered moon and a starry sky.

    Article

    Gate maker

    Alumnus plays critical role in NASA’s effort to return to the Moon

  3. A detailed painting of two angels reaching for stars on a deep blue ceiling with gold accents.

    Podcast

    Heavenly Realms

    We're closer than ever to knowing whether life exists on other planets. A Notre Dame researcher talks about what he and other experts are recommending to find the answer in the next 20 years. And, what can be done at the moment a life passes from this world to the next? A scholar of Medieval…

  4. The words ‘HEAVY METALS’ in a striped, neon font against a dark, starry background.

    Article

    Heavy metals

    Hunting the rarest stars in the galaxy

  5. A close-up view of the rust-colored surface of Mars as it curves into the blackness of space.

    Article

    Mission to Mars

    Notre Dame research helps propel NASA ambition

  6. A man stands inside a large arch, looking at a hexagonal gold mirror, possibly from the James Webb Space Telescope.

    Article

    Seizing the “Apollo moment”

    Notre Dame scientists among the first to experiment with the James Webb Space Telescope

  7. A close-up, black and white photo of several water droplets hanging from a textured surface.

    Article

    Space bubbles

    Experiment on International Space Station aims to improve cancer detection

  8. A contrail from an airplane stretches across a blue sky with white clouds.

    Article

    Super speed

    Notre Dame is building country’s largest quiet hypersonic wind tunnel

  9. A close-up of a large, metallic industrial pipe with a series of bolted flanges and a blue and red light reflecting off the surface.

    Article

    Fighting to go faster and farther than ever thought possible

Discover and engage
  1. A gloved hand holds a petri dish with purple liquid drops, and a pipette is dispensing more liquid into one of the drops.

    Article

    Fighting to cure brain cancer

    To better understand glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer, a Notre Dame researcher thought outside the box—and off planet Earth.

  2. The ruined Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome) featuring exposed brick and a skeletal metal dome against an overcast sky. Several dark crows perch on the dome, one flying past.

    Photo Essay

    Pilgrimage of peace

    In August 2025, Notre Dame students joined university students from the U.S. and Japan on a pilgrimage of peace to Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan on the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of those cities.

  3. A woman with brown curly hair and red lipstick holds a baby wearing a denim jacket and black bow headband.

    Article

    Fighting for maternal health

    The US has the highest maternal mortality rate of developed nations. An innovative postpartum care model from Notre Dame can save mothers around the globe.

  4. Aerial view of Notre Dame Stadium filled with fans during a performance. Four helicopters fly over the green field where the Band of the Fighting Irish forms the ND logo.

    Photo Essay

    Do you remember. . .

    The month in photos, September 2025

  5. A serious man in a dark blue shirt and glasses stands with his arms crossed in front of a colorful hurricane projection.

    Podcast

    Improving hurricane forecasts

    Learn how new drone technology is helping scientists better understand what happens inside a hurricane close to the ocean’s surface.

  6. A chicken looking toward the camera in a farm setting.

    Article

    Fighting for faster virus detection

    An electronic nose developed by Notre Dame researchers is helping sniff out bird flu biomarkers for faster detection and fewer sick birds.

  7. Satellite image of a hurricane with a clearly defined eye over a blue gridded map.

    Article

    Fighting to improve hurricane forecasts

    Researchers at Notre Dame are improving hurricane forecast accuracy, giving officials time to evacuate and protect residents.

  8. Silhouetted statue with outstretched arms against a vibrant pink and orange sunset, with the golden dome of the Main Building and its statue of Mary at the University of Notre Dame.

    Photo Essay

    So long, summer

    The quiet summer days on campus.

  9. Single peanut in the shell on a reflective surface, with a blurred background of more peanuts against a warm, red and orange backdrop.

    Article

    From reaction to resolution: The future of allergy treatment

    How a child’s simple request led to an extraordinary breakthrough in peanut allergy treatment.