Nov 22
Jul 18, 2024
Contact: Sheridan Worth, Director of Marketing at Lake Superior State University, sworth@lssu.edu, 906-635-2689
(Sault Ste. Marie, MI) – Lake Superior State University (LSSU) proudly announces the successful completion of the first cohort of its Space Certificate Program. Designed to equip students with practical skills for careers in the space economy, this innovative program offers an excellent opportunity for undergraduate students to gain hands-on experience in space operations, mission planning, and satellite communications. Following the success of the inaugural group, LSSU encourages new students to apply for the fall session.
“Our certificate program was developed in collaboration with regional and state economic development leadership in consultation with leaders in the space operations industry,” explained Dr. Kimberly Muller, Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. “It is uniquely designed to train technicians at the undergraduate level, where a majority of programs are only offered as part of graduate programs.”
Hands-On Experience and Real-world Applications
In its first year, the program has already achieved significant milestones. Students utilized the Homestead Mission Control Center, a public-private satellite ground station just south of campus, to execute real-world laboratories with industry-standard software packages for mission planning and modeling/simulations.
Dr. BT Cesul, Adjunct Professor of the Space Operations Certificate Program at LSSU, shares “We want to make the LSSU Space Operations Certificate Program a useful addition to the claim that Michigan is the ‘Schoolhouse for Space’. This program provides capability in a needed niche of the space economy—space operators will continuously be needed to ensure that all those satellites designed actually get to space and work as intended for their user base.”
Students in the inaugural cohort have already reaped the benefits of this hands-on, immersive learning environment. Bethany Roberts, an engineering graduate, shared her experience, “I really enjoyed the Satellite Communications lab. Working as the Mission Operations Center commander was a thrilling and educational experience, especially when we successfully communicated with real orbiting satellites. This program has significantly bolstered my resume and prepared me for future opportunities in the aerospace industry.”
Madeleine Whip emphasized the program’s impact on her career goals, “This program has been a transformative journey, significantly impacting both my educational and career aspirations. The hands-on projects and expert guest lectures provided me with invaluable insights and skills, making me confident in pursuing a career in the space industry.”
Riley Sponseller highlighted the hands-on nature of the program, “The most memorable project for me was our mission operation simulation lab. We got to go out to the Homestead Ground Station and use real space industry-grade equipment to simulate a satellite operation mission. All of us assumed various roles for the mission and had to work together to operate the satellite and resolve any issues that were thrown at us. It was a great hands-on experience.”
Designed to be Accessible and Flexible
The LSSU Space Certificate Program is open to students from diverse technical backgrounds, including robotics engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science. The program’s compact one-year structure, combined with both in-person and remote lectures, offers flexibility for students balancing other commitments.
LSSU is committed to continuous improvement of the Space Certificate Program. Plans for the next cohort include enhancing antenna capabilities at the Homestead site, using a research-grade telescope for the satellite tracking lab, and adding complexity to the mission modeling lab. The program will maintain strong ties with industry experts and U.S. Space Force personnel to enrich student learning and career prospects.
The program spans two semesters, with one course each semester, combining classroom lectures with extensive field laboratory sessions, modeled on the proven structure of LSSU’s other certificate programs.
For more information about the LSSU Space Certificate Program and how to apply, visit LSSU’s Space Mission And Operations Certificate website.