Space Operations Institute at Capitol College Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary

 

Contact: Kyle Anderson

Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications

301-369-2800, ext. 3015

kdanderson@capitol-college.edu

 

LAUREL, MD (December 10, 2012) – This semester, the Capitol College community celebrated the 10-year anniversary of the college’s Space Operations Institute (SOI), a partnership with NASA in which students complete NASA work both on campus and at Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC).

 

The SOI was established at Capitol College in the Fall of 2002 with a grant from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. A consortium of NASA, industry, government and education partners, the Institute combines the infrastructure necessary to manage satellite operations with an educational program that prepares students for careers in all aspects of space mission operations. SOI builds upon Capitol’s established engineering foundation and works closely with NASA to understand the aerospace industry’s changing skill requirements.

 

“The Space Operations Institute draws high caliber students interested in working in the aerospace industry to Capitol,” said Ken Dolan, director of the SOI. “The students employed by the SOI, in turn, impress their industrial co-workers with their knowledge and capabilities furthering the reputation of the college as an outstanding technical institution. In addition, the students are snapped up by area aerospace companies, many well before they graduate.”

 

During the 10-years of SOI, Capitol students have worked with NASA on the missions: Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS), Earth Radiation Budget Satellite (ERBS), Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE), Tropical Rainforest Measurement Mission (TRMM) and Landsat Data Continuity Mission (LDCM). Additionally, several students have been certified by NASA for mission planning, and satellite command and control, which are certification programs that are typically completed by college graduates.

 

While SOI students represent wide-ranging majors and curricula, many specialize in astronautical engineering. The college offers a bachelor’s and master’s degree in astronautical engineering and the degree programs are tailored for those looking to begin or further their careers in the space industry.

 

Capitol College is the only independent college in Maryland dedicated to education in engineering, computer science, information technology and business through practices of leadership and innovation. Founded in 1927, Capitol offers associate, bachelor’s and master's degrees, a Doctor of Science in Information Assurance, professional development training and certificates. Academic programs are grounded in centers of excellence; these include the Space Operations Institute, the Critical Infrastructures and Cyber Protection Center, the Innovation and Leadership Institute, and the Center for Space Science Education and Public Outreach. The college campus is located in Laurel, Maryland, a suburban setting midway between Baltimore and Washington, DC. www.capitol-college.edu.

 

 

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