Graduate student researchers work in the Mines Lunar Surface Simulator, one of the on-campus research facilities that supports the Space Resources Program.
The Angel Family Foundation has committed a transformative $5 million investment in the Colorado School of Mines Space Resources Program, further strengthening Mines’ leadership at the forefront of space exploration, resource utilization and planetary science.
Mines is pioneering the future of space resources, an emerging field essential to enabling sustainable exploration and responsible resource utilization beyond Earth. As the home of the first graduate program in space resources in the world, Mines is uniquely positioned to educate scientists, engineers, economists and policy leaders while advancing the technologies and systems that will shape humanity’s next frontier.
This landmark gift establishes The Angel Family Foundation Chair for Space Resources, a leadership position that will guide the program’s strategic growth, expand its impact and ensure the curriculum remains aligned with rapidly evolving industry and global needs. The chair will also mentor students, identify key research directions and elevate the program’s reputation as a premier destination for space resources education.
The gift also supports other programmatic components, reflecting The Angel Family Foundation’s commitment to building a comprehensive world-class space resources program at Mines, including:
- The Angel Family Foundation Space Resources Professor of Practice, supporting teaching, course development and applied research in planetary geology and geophysics
- The Angel Family Foundation Space Resources Research Faculty Fund, enabling new research initiatives, expanded course offerings and increased student capacity
- The Angel Family Foundation Graduate Student Support Fund, providing critical financial aid for master’s and PhD students through tuition support, assistantships and professional development
- The Angel Family Foundation Space Resources Facility Support Fund, ensuring state-of-the-art facilities that simulate lunar and planetary environments and support cutting-edge research
Together, these commitments will fuel interdisciplinary collaboration, attract top students and faculty and prepare future-ready graduates who are solutions providers and trusted sources of knowledge in a rapidly evolving space economy.
“We very much appreciate this significant investment from The Angel Family Foundation and are excited by what it is going to enable – new technical developments, new policies and the future experts the world is going to need for commercial ventures in space to become reality,” said Mines President Paul C. Johnson. “With this investment — and our unique facilities and historical expertise in science, technology, resource economics, and policy, and close connections to the space industry — Mines is the place to be for those who want to work on and learn more about this topic.”
The Angel Family Foundation’s connection to Mines is deeply personal. Mason Angel, currently a graduate student in the Space Resources program, has seen firsthand both the program’s impact and its potential for growth. He also works at Industrious Ventures, supporting innovation across aerospace, national security, energy, computing, manufacturing and agriculture. His experience at Mines and his perspective on the need to grow the program inspired the family’s investment.
Through this investment, The Angel Family Foundation is helping Mines lead the next era of discovery—advancing technologies, talent and insights that will define humanity’s future in space.
About Mines
Colorado School of Mines is a public R1 research university focused on applied science and engineering, producing the talent, knowledge and innovations to serve industry and benefit society – all to create a more prosperous future.
