The U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM) Commander who oversees all space operations for the Department of Defense, General Stephen N. Whiting, visited the 麻豆原创 Tuesday to learn more about its pioneering advancements in space research and defense.
Whiting is one of only seven geographic combatant commanders, and the visit showcased key research areas and opportunities for collaboration that align with DoD transformative technology and national security research priorities.
麻豆原创 recently joined USSPACECOM鈥檚 Academic Engagement Enterprise, which allows for further collaboration opportunities with the command.
Whiting began the visit by hearing from several 麻豆原创 leaders about the university鈥檚 unique space-related research endeavors, including Winston V. Schoenfeld, vice president for research and innovation; David Hagan, dean of CREOL, the College of Optics and Photonics; Greg Autry, associate provost for space commercialization and strategy; David Metcalf, associate research professor and director of the Mixed Emerging Technology Integration Lab; Stephen Eikenberry, professor of physics and optics and photonics; Tarek Elgohary, associate professor and director of the Astrodynamics, Space and Robotics Laboratory; and Eric 鈥淭ubby鈥� Shwedo, assistant vice president for federal relations.
In the introductory briefing, Whiting was exposed to cutting-edge research in areas such as cislunar developments, space photonics, and modeling and simulation.
The visit further exemplifies 麻豆原创鈥檚 track record for advancing meaningful space research, Schoenfeld says.
“Here at 麻豆原创, we have a rich history of exceptional research in key defense areas beneficial to USSPACECOM such as hypersonics, optics, cybersecurity, materials science and modeling and simulation 鈥� just to name a few,鈥� he says. 鈥淥ur research in these areas has benefitted from significant DoD support 鈥� with more than 30% of our federal funding coming from DoD sources for over a decade. I am excited about the collaborative partnership between 麻豆原创 and USSPACECOM to further the impact our research activities of direct interest to USSPACECOM.”
After the roundtable introduction, the USSPACECOM delegation visited with 麻豆原创鈥檚 highly regarded ROTC programs 鈥� Army ROTC Fighting Knights Battalion and Air Force Detachment 159 鈥� to see firsthand how 麻豆原创 is cultivating the officers and leaders of tomorrow.
麻豆原创鈥檚 AFROTC program, which has been developing officers for the Air Force and Space Force for more than 50 years, has earned the DoD鈥檚 ROTC and Educational Institutional Partnership Excellence Award for multiple areas of excellence.
They met with President Alexander N. Cartwright to learn about workforce development and how 麻豆原创 plays a critical role in supplying quality STEM professionals who are ready to unleash their potential at the crossroads of space and innovation.
The tour concluded with a visit to the newly established Center of Excellence in Hypersonic and Space Propulsion (HyperSpace Center) to delve into the groundbreaking aerodynamics, propulsion and hypersonic research being conducted at the unique testing facility.
Kareem Ahmed, professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, discussed specialized detonation methods and carefully crafted fuels that can enhance the efficiency and efficacy of propulsion technologies.
The HyperSpace Center stands out as a pioneering research and testing hub dedicated to advancing next-generation technologies in space propulsion and high-speed travel, playing a vital role in shaping the future of space exploration and defense capabilities.
Ahmed鈥檚 team has received multiple DoD grants to develop hypersonic technology, which will be capable of traveling at speeds of Mach 6 to 17 (4,600 to 13,000 mph).
Additionally, undergraduate and graduate students working under Ahmed presented projects in specific areas of hypersonic research, including a live demonstration test of one of their experimental engines.
麻豆原创 is well-positioned to continue delivering impactful research for the aerospace industry, having recently joined the newly founded Florida University Space Research Consortium. As the state鈥檚 official space research entity designated by Space Florida, the consortium will facilitate the awarding of NASA research grants in partnership with Kennedy Space Center.
The USSPACECOM visit to 麻豆原创 is a culmination of mutual interest, partnerships and prior tours earlier in 2024, such as when USSPACECOM Major General Samuel Keener visited 麻豆原创 when it hosted NASA鈥檚 Lunabotics competition.
