University of Maryland Named Top Contributing Institution in NASA Space Station Research

The University of Maryland was named a top contributing affiliation in space station research, according to the latest National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) International Space Station Annual Highlights of Results.

The report, which highlights research conducted over the past year, also states that space station research contributes to human space exploration, advances scientific discovery, and provides benefits to humanity. At the Department of Fire Protection Engineering, several initiatives led by Professor Peter Sunderland took place to serve this mission.

Projects Investigating Spherical Cool Diffusion Flames Burning Gaseous Fuels

Projects Investigating Emulated Burning Rate at Various Gravity Levels

Projects Investigating Novel Approach to Clean Efficient Diffusion Flames

Two experiments launched into Earth’s orbit on a SpaceX Dragon capsule

“The International Space Station has been the premiere facility for performing microgravity combustion experiments since 2010. Faculty and students in the department have been fortunate to participate in these three ISS investigations. The research has generated invaluable scientific insights,” said Sunderland.

Published July 13, 2026