Abstract

The Space Systems Research Center at the United States Air Force Academy is building a cadre of space professionals “one cadet at a time”. Cadets majoring in astronautical engineering and space operations participate in a two-semester capstone program in the design, fabrication, testing and launching of a sounding rocket (the FalconLAUNCH program), or in the design, fabrication, testing, launching and operation of a satellite in space (the FalconSAT and FalconOPS programs). This paper details the development, challenges, and advantages or conducting an undergraduate space program performing world class research.

Date

August 11, 2025

Authors

Brian Bush, Dave Barnhart, Dan Miller, Dave Swanson, Tim Lawrence

Book

Space 2004 Conference and Exhibit

Pages

6019