After much active cooperation among the Space Group, AOG leadership and the USAFA staff and faculty, a mechanism is in place to permit members of the Space Group (and others, as well) to contribute directly to cadet space-related activities. Jim Shaw, AOG Executive Director, has offered to personally process our donations, so we encourage those wishing to make contributions to USAFA space activities to send them directly to Jim with a note specifying the purpose of your donation.
We have been working with the Cadet Space Club and their advisor, Devin Della-Rose, to support cadet rocket launches, a very exciting and educational program. Our initial contributions will support future launches.
Moreover, the Space Group continues to track and support a range of space-related activities organized at USAFA by Lt Col Dave Swanson and the Space Working Group. For instance, they have been running a one-day Basic Space Awareness event for two years. This outstanding activity is a good candidate for support from the graduate community.
We were also encouraged to see the rollout of the new Cadet Space Badges before June Week. The Space Group purchased the initial badges that were awarded to cadets. The badges recognize proficiency in the five new SPACE courses (Space Power Applications Capabilities and Employment), which are similar to cadet airmanship courses.
You may have heard that the long awaited FalconSAT-2 launch was unsuccessful. We congratulate the cadets and faculty who worked so hard on this project, which the Space Group supported. A minor silver lining is that the satellite was recovered and will be displayed at the Academy, a reminder of the fortitude it takes to conduct successful air and space operations.
Please check the Space Group’s web site (usafaspace.tripod.com) for more information or to join this virtual support group.
Stan Rosen '69