CalSpace has initiated a new thrust in space-related research, education, and outreach by creating Centers of Excellence on the UC campuses. In 1999, Centers were established at UC San Diego and UC Santa Barbara. These Centers have the following attributes:

1. Campus Space Research Focus
   • Space Science
   • Earth Science/Remote Sensing
   • Space Engineering
   • Space Technology
   
   
2. Integrated Support & Funding
   • CalSpace Seed Support
   • Local Campus Support
       -Research
       -Outreach & Education
   • UCOP Baseline Support
   • Sponsored Project Support
   • Industry Alliances
   
   
3. Strong Campus Commitment
   • Vice Chancellor for Research
   • Dean of School -- Department Head
   • Designated Key Researcher
   • Outreach & Ed Departments as partners
   
   
4. Student/Mentor Teams
   • Researchers as Mentors
   • Primary Interface to Research
       -Grad Students/Post Docs
       -Interdisciplinary Undergraduates as Research Translators
   • Strong Use of Web-Based Learning
   • Industry & Government Mentors
   
   
5. Education and Outreach
   • Campus Departmental Alliances
   • Project-Oriented Outreach
   • Student/Mentor teams/NASA sponsored California Space Grant
   • The CalSpace Centers of Excellence concept is being expanded to the other UC campuses over the next several years.