NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

The NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC) Academy offered its second knowledge-sharing course at Alabama A&M University, Huntsville, Ala., from Oct. 18-20. "Space Propulsion Systems: Learning from the Past and Looking to the Future with George Hopson" was designed to present case studies and problem-solving activities involving space propulsion systems. The course was given by NASA Discipline Expert George Hopson.

Image Left: Participants in Space Propulsion Systems: Learning from the Past and Looking Towards the Future with George Hopson at Alabama A&M University. Photo courtesy of the NESC.

"Space Propulsions Systems" covered topics ranging from advanced propulsion methods, drop-tower design and testing at zero-g to Space Shuttle main engine design and development. Thirty-seven NASA engineers and contractors and Alabama A&M faculty and students participated in the course. They were excited to hear stories from previous space program efforts as narrated by those who actually worked in the programs, such as George Hopson, Len Worulund and Denny Holt.

George Hopson's four decades of contributions to America’s space program include work on Skylab, the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station. He was awarded NASA's Distinguished Service Medal, the highest honor NASA confers. In addition, Hopson has been recognized with the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal and NASA's Exceptional Service Medal.

The NESC Academy was established to capture, share and preserve the lifetimes of experience and knowledge of NASA's senior scientists and engineers; guide the next generation of NASA scientists and engineers as they develop expertise in technical problem solving; and foster interest in NASA careers. NESC, the National Institute of Aerospace (NIA), and CIBER partner work collaboratively to design, develop and deliver the three-day classroom experiences led by selected NESC Discipline Experts (NDE).

The Academy will offer 15 courses, each focusing on a specific SPRT discipline area such as flight sciences, propulsion, robotic flight operations and human factors. The next course will be held at the University of Maryland, College Park, Md., from Dec. 6-8. The NDE for this course is Mr. Robert Kichak, a recognized expert in power avionics with over 40 years of experience with NASA. For more information on the NESC Academy, please visit http://www.nescacademy.org.

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