Dr. France’s research focuses on exoplanets and their host stars, protoplanetary disks, and the development of instrumentation for ultraviolet astrophysics. He is a member of the Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) Community Science and Instrumentation Team (CSIT), the Principal Investigator of the ESCAPE Small Explorer mission concept, the CUTE small satellite mission, and numerous NASA-supported sounding rocket missions to study exoplanet atmospheres and flight-test critical path hardware for future UV/optical astrophysics missions. He is a regular guest observer with the Hubble Space Telescope and serves on numerous science and technical advisory groups for NASA. He was a member of the HST-COS instrument and science teams and the study PI for the LUVOIR ultraviolet spectrograph.
keywords
astrophysics of interstellar and circumstellar gases, ultraviolet spectroscopy, astronomical instrumentation, exoplanetary atmospheres
ASEN 5440 - Mission Design and Development for Space Sciences
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2019
Brings science and engineering students together to develop the multidisciplinary skills required to create a successful proposal to develop a NASA-funded small space mission. Goals: 1) develop the proposal science objectives based on scientific community priorities and NASA Announcement of Opportunity. 2) Understand how science requirements lead to the design of instrumentation. 3) Understand practical aspects of mission development. Same as ASTR 5780.
ASTR 1020 - Introductory Astronomy: Stars & Galaxies w/Recitation
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2019
Non-science majors learn the nature and workings of the Sun, stars, neutron stars, black holes, galaxies, quasars, structure and origins of the universe. Some lectures may be held at Fiske Planetarium. Offers opportunities for nighttime observations at Sommers-Bausch Observatory. Includes recitation. Degree credit not granted for this course and ASTR 1040 or ASTR 1200.
ASTR 1200 - Stars and Galaxies
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2020
Non-science majors are introduced to the nature and workings of the Sun, stars, neutron stars, black holes, interstellar gas, galaxies, quasars, plus structure and origins of the universe. Some lectures may be held at Fiske Planetarium. Offers opportunities to attend nighttime observation sessions at Sommers-Bausch Observatory. Degree credit not granted for this course and ASTR 1020 or ASTR 1040.
ASTR 2020 - Space Astronomy and Exploration
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2018
Covers physical principles of performing astronomy from space for science and exploration. The basic design of launch vehicles and spacecraft, orbital dynamics, and instruments will be described in the context of specific space missions (e.g. Hubble Telescope, Mars rovers) as well as prospects for future space observatories in orbit and on the Moon.
ASTR 3520 - Observations and Instrumentation 2
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Spring 2021 / Spring 2023 / Spring 2024
Lab course in observation and instrumentation. Hands-on exercises include obtaining and analyzing multi-wavelength data, optical design and instrumentation, and statistical analysis, with emphasis on spectroscopy. A significant number of night time observation sessions are required. Elective for APS majors. Elective for APS minors on space available basis.
ASTR 3560 - Astronomical Instrumentation Laboratory
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2025 / Spring 2026
Teaches students aspects of astronomical instrument design in a hands-on setting. Students will learn elementary principles of geometrical optics, diffraction, light detection, signal conditioning, data acquisition and motion control, and mechanical design. Students will apply these principles working in groups to design and build optical spectrometers.
ASTR 4800 - Space Science: Practice and Policy
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2024 / Fall 2025
Exposes students to current controversies in science that illustrate the scientific method and the interplay of observation, theory, and science policy. Students research and debate both sides of the issues, which include strategies and spin-offs of space exploration, funding of science, big vs. small science, and scientific heresy and fraud. Recommended prerequisite: one year of college level astronomy or physics.
ASTR 5780 - Mission Design and Development for Space Sciences
Primary Instructor
-
Fall 2019
Brings science and engineering students together to develop the multidisciplinary skills required to create a successful proposal to develop a NASA-funded small space mission. Goals: 1) develop the proposal science objectives based on scientific community priorities and NASA Announcement of Opportunity. 2) Understand how science requirements lead to the design of instrumentation. 3) Understand practical aspects of mission development. Same as ASEN 5440.
