The STEAHM Bubble

ARCS, in partnership with JPL and industry partners, is proposing to build the STEAHM Bubble, a 45,000+ square foot air-supported dome to research and test next generation, autonomous vehicles (e.g., Mars rover and helicopter) designed for space exploration missions.

The spaces being planned inside
the Bubble include:

Mars and Moon Surfaces

Motion Capture Systems

Space Exploration Rapid Prototyping Lab

Space Data Visualization Wall

Europa Immersive Experience Space

Space systems UX Research & Testing

Observation Deck and Offices

(L-R) CSUN Provost Mary Beth Walker, JPL Deputy Director Lt. Gen. Larry James, CSUN President Dianne Harrison and ARCS Founding Director Nhut Ho cut the ceremonial ribbon at ARCS opening event. Photo by Lee Choo, CSUN University Advancement

The Bubble’s proposed testing environment will bring together faculty and student researchers with NASA scientists and industry partners to engage in use-inspired, high impact research. At scale, ARCS expects to engage more than 500 students and nearly 100 faculty in NASA and industry-related research.

The Bubble’s proposed testing environment will bring together faculty and student researchers with NASA scientists and industry partners to engage in use-inspired, high impact research. At scale, ARCS expects to engage more than 500 students and nearly 100 faculty in NASA and industry-related research.

ARCS imagines the STEAHM Bubble as a community education hub that will lower the barriers for underserved and underrepresented students to engage in advanced research and bring K-12 students into the testing space, inspiring them to not only pursue higher education, but see CSUN as a top research destination.

ARCS imagines the STEAHM Bubble as a community education hub that will lower the barriers for underserved and underrepresented students to engage in advanced research and bring K-12 students into the testing space, inspiring them to not only pursue higher education, but to see CSUN as a top research destination.
space shuttle launch

Aligning with President Beck’s vision for the Equity Innovation Hub (EIH), the STEAHM Bubble will help accelerate the implementation and impact of the EIH by expanding the virtual and digital footprint of the EIH. JPL funded a workshop at JPL in Dec. 2021 with JPL’s robotic community to identify requirements for the STEAHM Bubble, and to work with CSUN Facility and architecture firm, AC Martin, to conduct a Feasibility Study for the STEAHM Bubble in early 2022.

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