SwRI's automated survey uses machine vision software to identify unrestrained dogs in San Antonio, helping the city better characterize their population. The project aims to promote responsible pet care and strengthen community connection.
Researchers found Neptune's deep atmosphere richer in oxygen than Uranus's, hinting at different chemical origins. This difference in oxygen levels resulted in distinct carbon-to-oxygen ratios between the two planets.
Dr. Steve Dellenback, VP of SwRI's Intelligent Systems Division, receives Lifetime Achievement Award for his work on intelligent transportation systems. He has developed and managed ITS software for the US public, deploying the ActiveITS platform across 15 state agencies.
A Southwest Research Institute (SwRI)-led team has developed an improved model for predicting solar events by incorporating activity on the far side of the Sun. The new model provides a more accurate map of the entire surface of the Sun, helping scientists to better understand and forecast solar activity.
Researchers are exploring quantum RF sensing, sensemaking, and related technologies through a three-year MOU. The collaboration combines superconducting quantum technology and advanced signals expertise to address congested electromagnetic environments and complex operational scenarios.
The ASPECT program will provide up to $58 million for bench-scale and pre-pilot scale projects to advance alternative or waste feedstock projects. SwRI will focus on scaling technologies beyond proof of concept and systems integration.
SwRI's Strofio, a neutral mass spectrometer, will sample Mercury's sparse exosphere to measure surface particles. This will provide a global understanding of Mercury's surface composition and space environment, answering scientific questions about its origin story.
The consortium aims to improve inspection and maintenance tasks using robotics, focusing on corrosion detection and surface maintenance in extreme environments. SwRI will manage the project, leveraging its expertise in manufacturing robotics, mechanical engineering and oil and gas services to deliver pioneering robotic solutions.
SwRI simulations indicate that large impacts on icy moons with subsurface oceans may not create new oceans, but rather affect their longevity. Smaller moons are more likely to lose their oceans after a large impact.
Researchers have discovered that material strength and temperature can significantly impact the formation of the Moon. The study suggests that a Mars-sized object collided with Earth, but the simulations previously ignored material strength, which is now found to matter. The results imply a potential connection between the Moon's compo...
A Southwest Research Institute study of Solar Orbiter data provides the most detailed view of the heliospheric current sheet, revealing a clear change in ion composition tied to magnetic polarity flips. The findings offer new insights into the origin and composition of the solar wind.
SwRI has developed advanced computer models to realistically simulate supercritical CO₂ environments for CCUS, allowing for the testing of downhole equipment with CO₂. The test rig and computational models enable the observation of tool performance and reliability in realistic conditions.
Researchers at SwRI will use a plasma reactor to convert waste CO2 into solid carbon for a domestic graphite supply, reducing reliance on foreign imports. The team aims to produce graphite through a process that involves tuning the CO2 molecule to remove oxygen atoms and solidify into carbon allotropes.
Southwest Research Institute's PaSTA technology stabilizes solar arrays for spacecraft docking, while ALTRIOS simulates locomotive energy technologies for efficient rail systems. Both innovations were recognized as two of the most important of 2026.
Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has developed a new framework for early detection of wildfires with real-time modeling, synthesizing various datasets and remote sensing capabilities. This tool helps emergency officials make life-saving decisions about wildfire prevention and mitigation.
A Southwest Research Institute-led team observed a total solar eclipse from above the cloud cover using NASA's WB-57 aircraft. The mission revealed high-resolution images of the solar corona and a massive prominence erupting from the Sun, providing valuable insights into the Sun's outer atmosphere.
A multidisciplinary project combines computer modeling, particle science, and pharmaceutical science to create more effective inhalers for people who can't inhale deeply. Researchers found that improved designs can reduce deposition in the mouth and throat, increase penetration of particles into the lungs.
Dr. Olivier Mousis has been elected an Academician of the International Academy of Astronautics, a full member recognizing his distinguished contributions to space science and exploration. He leads research on the origin and evolution of the solar system at SwRI.
SwRI successfully developed an optimized spark-ignited hydrogen engine for medium-duty commercial vehicles, demonstrating diesel-like torque characteristics while producing near-zero tailpipe CO2 emissions. The engine was designed, constructed, and rigorously tested to ensure efficiency and performance.
A new SwRI study provides the first evidence of recent liquid flows to Pluto's surface, suggesting that liquid nitrogen is rising from beneath the Sputnik Planitia glacier. This finding, based on data from NASA's New Horizons spacecraft, indicates a new kind of time-variable feature on Pluto.
A Southwest Research Institute-led study demonstrates PUNCH's potential to improve space weather forecasts by tracking fast coronal mass ejections and predicting their arrival times. The mission's high-fidelity data enables accurate forecasting, with retro-forecasts predicting arrival times within a 30-minute window.
Juno's Microwave Radiometer reveals Io's heat output by looking below the surface, breaking new observational ground for volcanic and icy worlds. The findings suggest a steep gradient of rising temperatures just several feet into Io's surface, with possible explanations including conductive crust heating or cooling lava flows.
The SWRI and UT San Antonio experiment will test the Mars Atmospheric Reactor for Synthesis of Consumables (MARS-C) in partial gravity environments. The MARS-C is designed to produce fuel, oxygen, and life-support compounds using local resources on Mars.
Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has upgraded its High Energy Annex Test (HEAT) facility to simulate extreme conditions for hypersonic and supersonic technologies. The updated facility enables researchers to test scramjets, ramjets, small gas turbines, and rocket thrusters in a controlled environment.
A Southwest Research Institute-led study proposes a connection between an asteroid collision and an inner-solar-system-wide bombardment episode 800 million years ago. The research suggests that the catastrophic breakup of the Eulalia parent body may have led to widespread impacts on Earth, coinciding with biological and geological chan...
Researchers are developing an AI-driven controller for hybrid microgrid systems that integrates multiple energy sources and storage systems. The system aims to increase efficiency of electrical grids used for data centers and other mission-critical loads.
Researchers will address the unstable interface between lithium metal anode and solid electrolyte by engineering ultra-thin films to reduce degradation and resistance. The goal is to improve reliability and stability of solid-state batteries for electric vehicles, enabling faster charging and greater energy storage potential.
A new study proposes that chondritic asteroids are escaped satellites from chaotic final stages of planet formation. These mini-moons concentrate and confine molten mineral droplets, forming asteroid-sized bodies that become the parent bodies of chondrite meteorites.
A new study found that AI-generated lunar crater catalogs often perform poorly when evaluated using human-defined scientific standards. The research highlights the need for standardizing benchmarks and transparent reporting to ensure the accuracy of AI-generated data.
Researchers discovered that the solar wind slows down by 13-15% as it approaches the outer boundary of the heliosphere, aligning with previous models. This slowdown is crucial for understanding the impact of interstellar material on long-term space travel.
Researchers aim to create a physics-based forecasting tool that predicts degradation and durability of TiFe-based metal hydride vessels through a chemical and thermo-mechanical framework. The tool will enable accurate lifecycle assessments of solid-state hydrogen storage systems.
Researchers use ENABLE, a markerless motion capture technology, to estimate metabolic cost for movement efficiency improvement in healthcare and rehabilitation. The team validates the system by comparing model outputs with experimental measurements.
Scientists predict that New Horizons will encounter the termination shock as early as 2029 or as late as 2040, helping improve understanding of heliosphere interactions with interstellar space. The research aims to prepare for future missions exploring solar system boundaries.
The SwRI-led Lucy mission has found that asteroid Donaldjohanson rotates on two axes, with a wobbling pattern observed every 10.5 and 26.5 Earth days.
Landsat 10 will process up to 1.8 gigabits of compressed data per second, capturing detailed images of the Earth's surface with unmatched radiometric precision. SwRI is developing control technology and operational simulators to regulate instrument temperature and position camera mirrors.
The Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has completed a three-year renovation of its High Energy Annex Test (HEAT) facility to expand gas turbine combustor testing. The upgrades reduce testing costs by 80% through the use of additive manufacturing, allowing for flexible switching between fuel types.
Researchers studied the South Pole-Aitken (SPA) basin on the Moon's far side, a massive impact structure that may have excavated material from deep inside the lunar mantle. Advanced models and simulations recreated the SPA-forming impact, identifying new evidence about the direction and composition of the object that struck the Moon.
Southwest Research Institute has patented EZ Flow technology, which reduces the viscosity of heavy crude oil by 40-60%, making it easier and less expensive to transport. The two-part process uses a proprietary chemical additive and controlled hydrodynamic cavitation to reduce viscosity without changing the oil's composition.
The proposed National Lunar Research Center (NLRC) will simulate the Moon's surface and test lunar base infrastructure on SwRI grounds. The initiative aims to accelerate research and development for NASA's Artemis Moon Base and prepare a specialized workforce.
James Dante, a leading expert in corrosion science, has been named Fellow of the Association for Materials Protection and Performance. He is renowned for developing laboratory test methods to predict corrosion and coating system degradation, and his work has been instrumental in standards development.
Researchers at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) have successfully demonstrated a diesel engine system designed to reduce NOx and particulate matter emissions in off-highway diesel vehicles. The system uses exhaust gas recirculation and optimized calibration strategies to achieve significant reductions in emissions.
Southwest Research Institute scientists modeled the early impact history of Earth, finding that asteroid impacts fractured the crust and generated hydrothermal systems. These environments could have provided a suitable setting for the origin and evolution of early life on Earth.
SwRI's Intelligent Systems Division has achieved CMMI, ISO 9001, and CMMC certifications to demonstrate its commitment to delivering secure and reliable transportation solutions. The certifications validate SwRI's robust cybersecurity protections and quality management framework.
Researchers at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) have developed methods for analyzing light emitted during hypervelocity impacts using high-speed spectroscopy. The study aims to identify materials involved in collisions, benefiting missile defense and planetary science fields.
Dustin T. Osborne, a SwRI staff engineer, was elected ASME Fellow for his significant contributions to locomotive emissions measurement and large-bore engine performance evaluations. He has led various testing campaigns and published numerous papers on alternative fuels and emissions control technologies.
Research found that active pharmaceutical ingredients degrade at a higher rate when stored in resealable plastic bags compared to original packaging, posing risks for astronauts during space missions.
SwRI has introduced a new 30-inch diameter pressure vessel, enabling faster testing of larger equipment at extreme ocean depths. The vessel can test equipment up to 16,500 psig, simulating the pressures in the deepest parts of the ocean, and features a novel quick-acting closure system.
Researchers at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) and Texas Biomedical have identified nearly two dozen antiviral compounds that could potentially treat Bundibugyo Ebolavirus. The project utilizes AI and machine learning tools to quickly identify drug candidates, with Texas Biomed set to screen the compounds in the coming weeks.
Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has expanded its ISO 14001:2015 environmental management certification to include multiple research areas. The internationally recognized standard supports proactive systems to reduce emissions and protect the environment, giving clients peace of mind about SwRI's commitment to stewardship.
A reanalysis of 14 years of Hubble data suggests that Europa's water vapor plumes may not exist as previously thought. The study, led by SwRI scientists, found reduced confidence in the original findings, and improved information on neutral hydrogen atom emissions from Europa's surface.