US Space Test Program expands as astronaut urges subsequent era to take flight

Launched in 2021 as a three-month program in partnership with the newly established US Space Force, the course grew right into a year-long graduate certificates in Space Test Engineering by 2024. From January 2026, it can turn out to be a full grasp’s diploma, equipping members with superior expertise within the planning, execution and evaluation of complicated area take a look at and analysis missions.

Hague, the primary Space Force Guardian to fly to area with NASA, performed a central function in advocating for this system’s development. During his return to Edwards Air Force Base, he spoke with college students, airmen, Guardians and their households concerning the crucial function of science, expertise, engineering and arithmetic in future defence and exploration.

“The strength of the Space Force lies in the dedication and expertise of our airmen and Guardians,” Brig Gen Hague mentioned. “Research in space fundamentally impacts everyone’s lives on Earth.”

He was joined by fellow NASA astronaut and US Navy Captain (Ret’d) Sunita Williams, with each emphasising that take a look at and analysis rules apply throughout each area, from aviation to area.

The program, run with Space Training and Readiness Command and Space Delta 12, now trains as much as 24 members yearly to make sure new applied sciences are “combat-credible and ready for the joint fight”, in line with Space Force Deputy Commandant-Space at Test Pilot School, Lieutenant Colonel David Heinz.

While the initiative is American-led, it has clear relevance for Australia. With Defence Space Command standing up in 2022 and the AUKUS partnership more and more centered on superior applied sciences, Canberra is exploring easy methods to construct its personal cadre of area take a look at specialists. Such experience would help the event of satellites, surveillance and communications techniques essential to Australia’s defence posture.

As Brig Gen Hague put it: “What happens here at Edwards is extremely impactful to the space mission. The people developing these skills are not only shaping the future of the United States but also strengthening our alliances.”