Dedicated students, distinguished colleagues and dear friends,

Happy Friday!

Did you know that by the start of this year, more than 15,000 satellites were in space, with over 99% of them orbiting the Earth? That is a growth of nearly a third over just two years ago, with the oldest being Vanguard 1, launched in 1958, after the launches of Sputnik 1 & 2 and Explorer 1.

Building on this robust constellation platform, 2026 is promising to be equally transformative in making our digital world more connected. Imagine the proliferation of direct-to-device cellular connectivity, AI in space for efficient constellation management, anomaly detection, and mission planning, resulting in adaptive and capable digital connectivity even in bandwidth-constrained rural America and the developing world.

With the enormous potential in the space, no pun intended, Missouri S&T has launched its Geospatial Engineering program, which offers an in-depth curriculum that covers essential geospatial technologies, including: 1) Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and geodesy: Understanding satellite-based systems for positioning, timing, and navigation, as well as non-satellite-based positioning methods; 2) Remote sensing technology: Learning to interpret and analyze data from various imaging technologies; 3) Geographic Information Systems (GIS): Managing, analyzing, and visualizing spatial data; 4) Geomatics: Developing precision in mapping, surveying, and spatial data applications, and 5) Robotics and autonomous systems: Integrating positioning and localization technology into robotic systems.

In the realm of research and industry partnerships, our new Geoplex initiative will establish Missouri S&T as a state and national leader in geospatial engineering research, education and real-world applications. By leveraging strengths in drone systems, AI and advanced manufacturing, the Geoplex will position Missouri as a national leader in geospatial applications, including next-generation air mobility, hazard response, construction and smart cities, agriculture, mining, rural healthcare, and defense technologies.  

In a similar manner to our Protoplex and Bioplex programs, we strive to become preferred partners for industry and government organizations to cultivate a robust workforce pipeline of geospatial talent equipped to solve the complex challenges shaping the future. Working closely with the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency in St. Louis and Taylor Geospatial, we will implement the latest advances in AI-driven applications to provide critical contributions to pressing global real-time data challenges.

Regardless of the outcomes of our new geospatial developments enabled by S&T’s Missouri Geoplex, we have come a long way in spatial data generation, analysis and the data-to-knowledge cycle. As the proud campus that offers the nation’s first master's degree in geospatial engineering, we look forward to advancing this vibrant field of science and engineering that promises to establish an integrative approach to address some of the future societal technological challenges.

Warmly,

-Mo.
 
Share your thoughts!

Read previous Friday morning messages.

Check out the latest news from S&T:

• Explore the online Master of Science in Geospatial Engineering degree
• First flight: Drone demonstration for transplant materials April 1 in Rolla
• S&T students, faculty and staff to pitch at Invest Midwest

Mohammad Dehghani, PhD
Chancellor
mo@mst.edu | 573-341-4116

206 Parker Hall, 300 West 13th Street, Rolla, MO 65409-0910
chancellor.mst.edu