Tucson Standard

University of Arizona astronomer Erika Hamden has been appointed as an inaugural member of the Arizona Space Commission. In this role, she will advise Governor Katie Hobbs on advancing Arizona's position in aerospace and space sciences.

Governor Hobbs announced her appointments to the new commission on Friday.

Hamden is an associate professor in the Department of Astronomy and Steward Observatory at the University of Arizona College of Science. She is known for her expertise in ultraviolet telescopes and improving their capabilities for observing stars, planets, and galaxies. Additionally, she serves as director of the University of Arizona Space Institute.

"Dr. Hamden is an admirable scientist, communicator and ambassador for astronomy," said University of Arizona President Suresh Garimella. "We are very proud of the university's role driving Arizona's leadership in the space sciences, from exploration to industry, and I applaud Governor Hobbs' choice to appoint Dr. Hamden to this important commission. We all are proud she will represent us and look forward to her contributions."

Hamden expressed enthusiasm about her new role advising state leaders on space-related matters. "It's such an honor to be appointed to this commission and serve the state," Hamden said. "Arizona has always been a center for space research and innovation, and it's exciting to join a group of people who are as committed to bringing space-related jobs and development to the state as I am. The University of Arizona has long been a leader in space sciences, and I'm looking forward to contributing that expertise and more to the Space Commission."

Hamden is also leading Eos, a $170 million ultraviolet space telescope project proposed for NASA's Astrophysics Division this summer. Partners include NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab at Caltech and Terran Orbital. The project aims to enhance understanding of star formation and galaxy evolution.

Additionally, Hamden serves as deputy principal investigator for Aspera, a NASA Pioneers mission launching this year that will observe nearby edge-on galaxies in extreme ultraviolet wavelengths. She contributed to developing FIREBall-2, a balloon-mounted telescope discussed in her 2019 TED Talk.

Beyond academia, Hamden holds a private pilot's license and hosts "New Frontiers," a science series about University of Arizona research on Arizona Public Media.

The revival of the Arizona Space Commission last year aims to strengthen the state's position in aviation, aerospace, space sciences research, and workforce development within these industries.

Hamden is one of seven members appointed by Governor Hobbs out of 13 total commissioners. Other members are appointed by the president of the Arizona Senate or speaker of the House Representatives. Her fellow commissioners bring diverse expertise across commercial aerospace, military aerospace, civil aviation, space economic development, among other fields.

The University of Arizona has historically excelled in space research with significant roles in NASA missions since the 1960s. It ranks second nationally in astronomy expenditures according to NSF data while U.S News & World Report places it eighth overall for its excellence within public universities’ realm regarding scientific advancements related specifically towards outer-space endeavors like those involving celestial bodies beyond Earth’s atmosphere itself.

"I am delighted to see Dr. Erika Hamden appointed to the Arizona Space Commission where her expertise will be invaluable in shaping Arizona's future in space-related research innovation," said Tomás Díaz de la Rubia senior vice president responsible overseeing various initiatives aimed fostering creativity amongst scientists engineers alike ensuring continued progress made possible through collaboration between different sectors involved within broader field encompassing everything from basic theoretical studies practical applications thereof."