ORU Focusing on Space Research by Partnering with Redwire Space

Tulsa, OK, April 3, 2024 — Oral Roberts University (ORU) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Redwire Space, a company committed to accelerating humanity’s expansion into space by delivering reliable, economical, and sustainable infrastructure for future generations. The signing was part of ORU’s Partners in Economics, Commerce, and Entrepreneurship (PECE) luncheon, which featured former NASA Administrator and former U.S. Congressman Jim Bridenstine.

ORU President Dr. William M. Wilson shared, “We look forward to our students engaging in this new frontier of research and in bringing healing through what happens in space. We dream big at ORU. We have a theme, ‘make no little plans here,’ and what better way to do that than to dream about what can happen in space.”

“When we think about the next generation of what's happening in space,” said Bridenstine, “ORU and research universities in the state of Oklahoma need to be focused on and paying attention to the utilization of microgravity to create things that affect human activity here on Earth. We have created treatments for diseases in space that will, in fact, be transformational over time. I believe there are treatments that will come from communities like ORU, which can be fundamentally transformational for humanity. I am grateful to Dr. Wilson for this partnership which says ORU is willing to lead the way.”

The MOU will provide ORU students with internship and learning opportunities related to space programs. With the growth of this industry, ORU students have previously conducted research recognized by the US space program. In 2020, the NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) recognized ORU students for their submission to the Electrified Aircraft Propulsion Challenge. ORU students designed a cooling system for an electrified propulsion system, enabling a hybrid aircraft to operate with more efficiency while also being cleaner for the environment.

Richard Boling, Vice President of Redwire Space, shared, “Through our collaboration, we can help enable space exploration and develop technologies and medical treatments that can improve human health on Earth. ORU students are equipped to go out into the world to make a positive impact. That is what employers like Redwire need. Together, we can impact the universe and beyond.”

According to Mr. Bridenstine, space and microgravity have the potential to transform life on Earth. This includes the utilization of microgravity for pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, advanced materials, and advanced manufacturing. This line of effort offers the best opportunity to engage ORU researchers and students.

“When universities like ORU partner with the space industry to achieve groundbreaking discoveries,” said Bridenstine, “you have researchers at those universities who are involved, who also get students involved. When those students get involved, they not only know the science and the engineering, but they receive hands-on experience working with NASA, the National Institute of Health, and the National Science Foundation, which is tremendously valuable to the future of research.”

UNIVERSITY BRIEF

ORU is a Christian, Spirit-empowered, interdenominational university in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with 15 years of consecutive enrollment growth. Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, ORU offers over 150 majors, minors, concentrations, and pre-professional programs at the bachelor’s level, ranging from business and engineering to nursing, ministry, and more. Under the leadership of President Dr. William Wilson, ORU is preparing students from all 50 states and 151 nations in the last four years to be whole leaders for the whole world.

The Wall Street Journal ranked ORU as the #8 university in the nation for student experience and one of America's Best Colleges (2024). This new category rates the best colleges in the U.S. to have a great experience while attending. This ranking is powered by one of the largest ever independent surveys of verified college students and recent graduates in the United States. Niche recognizes ORU as one of the top 25 most diverse colleges in America, # 1 best Christian college in Oklahoma, and # 1 in Oklahoma for diversity. Princeton Review ranked ORU as the best regional college, and College Raptor ranked ORU as a Hidden Gem in the Southwest.

ORU has been ranked by U.S. News & World Report as:

• #1 in Undergraduate Teaching
• #2 in Most International Students
• #3 in Best Value
• #6 in Best College for Veterans
• #7 in Best Regional Colleges in the West

For more information, visit www.oru.edu.