As in past years, the leadership of the Space Group took the opportunity to meet with USAFA leadership during the annual Graduate Leadership Conference. From that visit, it was clear that USAFA is well positioned to produce the kind of air and space leaders that the Air Force needs. Moreover, our continuing relationship with the USAFA Space Working Group provides the graduate community an excellent opportunity to gain insight into space-related activities at the Academy. Now led by Major Troy Carlson, the SWG coordinates and prototypes many evolving space-related activities before they are institutionalized into USAFA departments and agencies.
From these recent contacts, it is clear that the Space Group will continue to have opportunities to support many USAFA space activities. For example, strengthening the Cadet Space Club is a recognized priority. The Club continues to grow, and the rocketry programs we have supported provide an excellent opportunity for cadets to get hands-on experience with space-related technology. So does the FalconSAT program, which we will continue to assist as appropriate. Led by the Astro Department under Col Marty France, this program offers cadets the opportunity to design, build, test, and operate space systems.
The Space Group has been following the development of the Space Operations Education Lab (SOEL), which had its IOC in February of this year. Set up as a command and control center in Fairchild Hall, the SOEL allows cadets to use scripted activities to learn various space system operations roles. In addition, the Aim Higher program gives cadets an opportunity to interact with space activities in the Colorado Springs area, where a number of graduates have been helping. Space Group members are also working to find ways to give cadets real hands-on experience in satellite operations at other operational sites.
Grads have also been involved with the Space Pro mixers, held in Arnold Hall, to answer questions about the 13S career field. These mixers have proven to be a great way to stimulate a positive mind-set about USAF space careers.
The Space Group is coordinating joint meetings with local AOG chapters, to review space-related USAFA activities. Please contact us if you'd like to arrange such an event.
As always, our activities are documented on our web site usafaspace.tripod.com, where you can also find information about joining our Group to support space-related activities at the Academy.
Stan Rosen '69