AFIT's Spacecraft Systems Engineering class at the NASA Glenn Research Center and Armstrong Test Facility in Sandusky, Ohio. The students experienced the 350-acre main campus, world-class testing facilities and viewed many on-going satellite projects. (U.S. Air Force contributed photos)

By Christy Bui 
AFIT’s Center for Space Research and Assurance (CSRA)

Who says field trips are just for kids? In May, the Air Force Institute of Technology’s Spacecraft Systems Engineering class went on their annual trip to NASA Glenn in Sandusky, Ohio. This all-day event focused on understanding NASA engineering practices and touring the NASA facilities. The students experienced the expansive 350-acre main campus, housing world-class testing facilities and viewed many on-going satellite projects. 

NASA Glenn specializes in space system development, integrating, and testing. It is also home to the largest space environment simulation chamber. Fun fact: the 2012 Marvel movie “The Avengers” was partially filmed in the simulation chamber. 

“This trip to NASA Glenn Research Center and the Armstrong Test Facility is a highlight of our Spacecraft Systems Engineering course. The students get to see how NASA does preliminary space mission design, as well as some of the cutting-edge research happening at NASA, and incredible space testing facilities they may be able to call on in their future jobs in the Space Force or Air Force,” said Dr. Carl Hartsfield, director, AFIT's Center for Space Research and Assurance (CSRA) and Space Systems Engineering instructor.

AFIT’s Graduate School of Engineering and Management’s Department of Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering provides a world-class astronautical engineering and space systems education to its students with a unique hands-on, “real” space connection in its curriculum. Currently, the Department of Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering is hosting three Chilean officers pursuing graduate studies in astronautics, the first-ever for AFIT. 

Students attending AFIT, based on their undergraduate background, can attain graduate degrees in either Astronautical Engineering or Space Systems. Furthermore, AFIT offers graduate certificates in both Space Systems and Space Vehicle Design. For more information, contact the Center for Space Research and Assurance at CSRA@AFIT.edu.

AFIT’s GSEM provides in-residence and distance learning graduate degrees and certificates in engineering, applied science, mathematics and management. GSEM provides its students with several significant advantages, including a more personalized educational experience; academic programs with a defense-related focus, and research on high-priority defense problems. 

AFIT is located at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. AFIT’s mission is to educate defense professionals to innovatively accomplish the deterrence and warfighting missions of the USAF and USSF.  AFIT’s vision is to lead defense-focused education, research and consultation to accelerate military superiority across all domains and is accomplished through operationally relevant advanced academic education, research, and professional continuing education. For more information, please visit the AFIT webpage https://www.afit.edu/.