About PISCES
OUR MISSION
Advancing Aerospace Research & STEM Education in Hawaiʻi
The Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems (PISCES) is an aerospace research and education program at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo’s College of Natural and Health Sciences. Founded in 2007, we develop innovative technology to help humans live and work beyond Earth. Our projects and programs present students with opportunities to get hands-on STEM education, work skills, and research experience.
OUR VISION
Continuing a Legacy of Exploration
A voyage to other worlds is no longer a science fiction dream. At PISCES, we are actively forging new paths to serve as Hawai‘i’s portal to space. We advance space resource utilization technologies for the future settlement of the Moon and Mars while supporting aerospace development in Hawaiʻi. Through STEM education and outreach, we engage youth to inspire and support them in continuing the collective effort of exploring the heavens. This is our vision and we welcome you to join us in our huakaʻi (journey) as we continue Hawaiʻi’s historic legacy of exploration.
PROJECTS & PROGRAMS
What We Do
Applied Research
Researching space utilization technology for Earth & space.
Aerospace Development
Promoting aerospace initiatives in Hawaii.
Outreach & Education
Supporting STEM events & classroom enrichment.
STARS Program
Inspiring young women to pursue STEM-related studies & careers.
BACKGROUND
Our Story
PISCES was originally established in 2007 by the late Frank Schowengerdt, a former director at NASA’s Research Partnership Centers who served as the first executive director. Initially affiliated with the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, PISCES was created to leverage Hawaiʻi’s unique volcanic terrain as a high-fidelity planetary analog site for testing and developing space exploration technologies. Its primary objectives included advancing space exploration research, fostering workforce development, and promoting sustainable technologies for both Earth and space applications.
In 2012, PISCES was transferred to the Hawaiʻi State Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism with a new objective to diversify and boost Hawaiʻi’s economy through aerospace development. During this time, PISCES led a series of research and education projects including planetary surface testing, a lunar sidewalk in Hilo, a robotically built launch and landing pad in Puna, and the MoonRIDERS program at Big Island high schools.
PISCES returned to the University of Hawaiʻi in 2020 as a program of UH Hilo’s College of Natural and Health Sciences. Since then, it has shifted its focus to aerospace research projects and STEM education programs. Today PISCES continues to serve as Hawaiʻi’s portal to space.