In the vacuum of space far from Earth, how will astronauts build and repair essential structures? Louisiana Tech University professor Dr. Andrew Peters will discuss his research on this topic on Thursday, Sept. 17, at 5:30 p.m. in the Union Museum of History and Art, 211 N. Main St., Farmerville. His “Welding in Space” talk is part of the museum’s NASA exhibit that runs through Sept. 26.
Dr. Peters is currently working on a research project for NASA to develop a new generation of materials called vitrimers. These plastics are strong, lightweight, self-healing, and reusable. The research team is studying how to use ultrasonic welding to assemble these materials into large space structures that can be repaired or reconfigured on-site. The NASA grant will support a three-year collaboration among research teams from Louisiana State University, Louisiana Tech University, and Southern University.
Dr. Peters is associate professor of chemical engineering at Louisiana Tech University and principal investigator on the NASA research project, titled “Advancing Manufacturing of Sustainable Multi-Material Composite Structures for Space Applications Via Ultrasonic Welding.” The collaborative research began October 1, 2025. “If NASA uses our work, we become part of something much bigger and contribute to the future of space exploration,” says Dr. Peters.
“While focused on space travel, the research offers immediate benefits by fueling collaboration, supporting local innovation, and positioning Louisiana as a space industry leader,” according to a news release from Louisiana Tech University.