Three asteroids previously discovered by the Lowell Observatory Near-Earth Object Search team, have now been confirmed and named after three rising stars at SwRI. Asteroid 1998 HT50 is now the Canup asteroid, named after Dr. Robin M. Canup, director of the Space Studies Department and known for her work in researching the moon's origin. Asteroid 2000 EX130 is now Leslieyoung, named after Dr. Leslie A. Young, who uses occultation and near infrared techniques to study outer-planet atmospheres. Asteroid 2000 GM110 is now Eliotyoung, named after Dr. Eliot F. Young who studies volatile transport on outer-solar-system bodies.

Copper-based alloys and composites are candidate materials for high heat-flux structural applications in reusable launch vehicles, such as NASA’s crew exploration vehicles. SwRI is developing new nanostructured copper-chromium coatings to protect materials from oxidation and erosion.