SpaRTAN Physics Group

The Space Physiology, Radiobiology, Transport and Applied Nuclear Physics Laboratory (SpaRTAN Physics) is an integral part of the Aerospace Medicine Program at the Texas A&M College of Medicine. Our research spans physics, biology, and medicine to understand how space radiation affects both the health of astronauts and the durability of spacecraft systems.

We approach this challenge from two complementary angles: computational modeling and experimental radiobiology. On the modeling side, we use high-performance, multicore computing to simulate how high-energy, heavy-charged particles from the galactic cosmic ray (GCR) spectrum interact with biological tissues and engineering materials. These models are validated against beamline accelerator data and published studies, leading to more realistic simulations of the deep-space radiation environment and improved ground-based analogs.

On the experimental side, we conduct wet lab studies, ranging from in vitro cellular assays to molecular pathway analysis and in vivo animal modelsto uncover the mechanisms by which space radiation drives tissue damage, inflammation, coagulopathy, and long-term dysfunction. This radiobiological work informs both our risk assessment models and the development of targeted medical countermeasures designed to protect crew health on long-duration missions.

Together, these efforts help close the translational gap between physics-based predictions and biomedical outcomes, advancing precision space medicine and system resilience for the next generation of explorers.

Mission for Aerospace Radiation Observation and Operational Network

Optimization • Understanding • Translation

MAROON OUT marks a historic first: a student-driven lunar orbit radiation mission, led by Texas A&M University’s Aerospace Medicine Program, where students take the lead in mission design, operations, and scientific analysis, guided by faculty at the forefront of space health research. Flying aboard the Intuitive Machines IM-3 mission, this pioneering effort will place the charged particle detector in orbit around the Moon to collect high-resolution measurements of the deep space radiation environment.

Developed as part of the Aerospace Medicine Program at Texas A&M College of Medicine, MAROON OUT integrates real-time mission operations, radiation physics, and biomedical research into a single, student-driven platform. Its dual-detector system will characterize the energy and composition of galactic cosmic rays (GCR) in lunar orbit and evaluate novel shielding materials under true spaceflight conditions.

Unlike traditional NASA or industry-led missions, MAROON OUT puts university students at the center of the mission lifecycle, from hardware development to flight ops and data analysis. The mission supports three core objectives:

Optimization of space radiation shielding and mitigation strategies
Understanding of how GCR exposure affects both spacecraft systems and human health
Translation of raw radiation data into biomedical risk models and engineering design tools

With its launch on IM-3 in 2026, MAROON OUT establishes a new standard for academic engagement in lunar science, uniting education, national research priorities, and space operations under a single maroon banner.

The data gathered will also support the needs of commercial aerospace firms, national security stakeholders, and DoD agencies by improving forecasting of space weather hazards, radiation belt dynamics, and GCR exposure risks in high-altitude and cislunar environments. With MAROON OUT, Texas A&M is helping chart a safer, smarter path for the next generation of lunar and deep space operations—powered by students, grounded in science, and maroon through and through.