PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (September 11, 2025) — Shield Lin, Ph.D., professor of mechanical engineering at Prairie View A&M University has been awarded a $34,000 grant from CACI Inc. through NASA’s Johnson Space Center to support research that will play a critical role in the Artemis program and the future of space exploration. Liu Lin, Ph.D., also of Prairie View A&M University, will serve as co-principal investigator on the project.
The project focuses on the Lunar Gateway, a planned small space station in orbit around the moon. Designed to be a solar-powered communication hub, science laboratory, and short-term habitation module, the Gateway will also serve as a holding area for rovers and robotic systems. It is expected to serve as a cornerstone for NASA’s efforts to return astronauts to the lunar surface and prepare for future missions to Mars.
Shield Lin, Ph.D.
As part of the grant, Dr. Lin and his team will support the verification and validation of Gateway’s Level 2 flight software, which ensures the systems operate reliably in space. The work emphasizes automation, including developing scripts to streamline test procedures and reduce the time and effort needed to run complex simulations.
The initiative also creates valuable opportunities for students. Through the Simulation and Flight Software Initiative, interns with a background in computer science, computer engineering, or electrical engineering will gain hands-on experience in space technology development. Students who complete the program’s “Boot Camp” will apply their knowledge of Python programming and software testing to real-world NASA challenges.
By bridging groundbreaking research with student training, the project positions Prairie View A&M University as an active partner in shaping the future of human spaceflight.
By Joe McGinty