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AFIT's Center for Space Research and Assurance to host open house

By Jaclyn Knapp, Air Force Institute of Technology / Published June 27, 2019

The Air Force Institute of Technology has environmental testing facilities capable of fully space-qualifying flight hardware. A thermal vacuum chamber with a simulator capable of A0 light is shown in the image. The Center for Space Research and Assurance has used the chamber to space-qualify a 6U CubeSat bus, or a space vehicle designed to carry a variety of different mission payloads to support hands-on student education and research. DoD collaborators have also used the technology to qualify space hardware. CSRA’s open house, July 17-18, 2019, will give attendees the opportunity to tour the CSRA labs and learn about the Center’s graduate and post graduate degree programs. (Contributed photo)
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The Air Force Institute of Technology has environmental testing facilities capable of fully space-qualifying flight hardware. A thermal vacuum chamber with a simulator capable of A0 light is shown in the image. The Center for Space Research and Assurance has used the chamber to space-qualify a 6U CubeSat bus, or a space vehicle designed to carry a variety of different mission payloads to support hands-on student education and research. DoD collaborators have also used the technology to qualify space hardware. CSRA’s open house, July 17-18, 2019, will give attendees the opportunity to tour the CSRA labs and learn about the Center’s graduate and post graduate degree programs. (Courtesy photo)

The Concept Laser M2 cusing 3D metal printer is used by students from the Air Force Institute of Technology’s Center for Space Research and Assurance for studying 3D printed structures, including satellite chasses and rocket nozzles, to determine their suitability for space-based applications. The printer is able to produce parts that have the same structural integrity of traditionally manufactured parts while reducing their weight. Further mechanical, material, and vibrational testing can also be completed. CSRA’s open house, July17-18, 2019, will give attendees the opportunity to tour the CSRA labs and learn about the Center’s graduate and post graduate degree programs. (Courtesy photo)
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The Concept Laser M2 cusing 3D metal printer is used by students from the Air Force Institute of Technology’s Center for Space Research and Assurance for studying 3D printed structures, including satellite chasses and rocket nozzles, to determine their suitability for space-based applications. The printer is able to produce parts that have the same structural integrity of traditionally manufactured parts while reducing their weight. Further mechanical, material, and vibrational testing can also be completed. CSRA’s open house, July17-18, 2019, will give attendees the opportunity to tour the CSRA labs and learn about the Center’s graduate and post graduate degree programs. (Courtesy photo)

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WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio – The Air Force Institute of Technology’s Center for Space Research and Assurance will host an open house for students interested in astronautical engineering, space systems, hypersonics, software engineering or satellites.

The event will be hosted July 17-18, at AFIT’s Squier Hall Atrium in building 646 at 10 a.m. to noon, Wednesday, July 17, and noon to 2 p.m., Thursday, July 18. Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the CSRA labs, meet faculty, staff and current students from the Center.  Additional information regarding graduate and post graduate degree programs and applying to AFIT will also be available. 

“Attending AFIT really gave me a good depth of practical knowledge of satellites.  I do not think I would have had as much exposure to the air and space community if it were not for the professors and the class structure that AFIT provides as compared to a civilian institution,” said Astronautical Engineering Masters of Science graduate, Capt. David Spendel, Operations Engineer, 3rd Space Experimental Squadron.

“As an active-duty military officer, I chose AFIT because it’s an amazing and unique opportunity. As a full-time professional student, I focused solely on class work and my research, as opposed to attempting to balance the two with a fulltime job,” said Spendel. 

The vision of the CSRA is to “build experienced space practitioners through rapid, innovative and cost-effective space solutions for the defense and security community.”  A recent Department of Defense space launch in late June 2019 included space hardware and research solutions from the Center.  A major benefit of this opportunity was the ability for staff and students to collaborate with other Air Force and commercial space partners.    

“AFIT and CSRA are excited to offer students the expert faculty and staff, state of the art labs and equipment, and research partnerships that turn ideas into space-qualified satellites through hands-on learning… all under one roof,” said Col. Timothy Albrecht, CSRA director.

For registration, directions or other inquiries, please contact Jaclyn Knapp at 937-255-6565, ext 4753 or email Jaclyn.knapp.ctr@afit.edu.

The Air Force Institute of Technology, or AFIT, located at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, is the Air Force’s graduate school of engineering and management as well as its institution for technical professional continuing education.  AFIT is committed to providing defense-focused graduate and professional continuing education and research to sustain the technological supremacy of America’s air, space, and cyber forces.