Program Overview

Introduction to the Graduate Certificate in Space Systems

The graduate certificate in space systems is a jointly offered program by the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering and College of Sciences and Mathematics at Auburn University. This program aims to provide foundational knowledge about space systems, exploring their applications and impacts on the ever-advancing world.

Program Overview

The program is designed to elevate careers with additional education, and it is not limited to individuals with an engineering background. According to Department of Aerospace Engineering Chair Brian Thurow, "You don't need an engineering degree. Someone with a business background, for instance, working in the space sector, can take this sequence to better understand the field."

Curriculum

The program consists of three courses taught by faculty from both colleges. The partnership between the colleges is a natural fit, as physics is the foundational discipline underlying all of engineering.

Team Effort

The program is housed in Aerospace Engineering, and the collaboration between Engineering and Physics is exemplified by the Auburn University Small Satellite Program. This program, which began in 2001, allows students to design, build, and operate small satellites, with their latest project voyaging to low Earth orbit.

Program Goals

The establishment of the certificate aligns with Auburn's expansion in the space industry through innovative research and collaboration with NASA, the Department of Defense (DOD), and private-sector partners. The program aims to prepare professionals for the transition into the expanding space sector, providing broadly trained, interdisciplinary professionals to meet the demand for a highly trained workforce.

Research Areas

The program is involved in various research areas, including:

• Space systems
• Orbital debris remediation
• Space radiation testing
• Space manufacturing

Facilities and Resources

Auburn University has invested in state-of-the-art facilities, including a 50,000-square-foot building in Huntsville, Alabama, which will allow for more partnerships and enable rapid prototyping and rad hardening. The facility's cyclotron will simulate space radiation for defense system testing, making Auburn the only U.S. university with the capacity for high-energy proton radiation testing.

Conclusion

The graduate certificate in space systems at Auburn University is a significant step towards solidifying the university's position as a leader in training space industry professionals. With its interdisciplinary approach, state-of-the-art facilities, and collaboration with industry partners, the program is well-equipped to meet the growing demand for highly trained professionals in the space sector.