Company Will Support Student Research Projects To Advance Technology

Tuskegee University (TU) and Sierra Nevada Corporation's (SNC) Space Systems announce they have signed a Letter of Cooperation to initiate collaborative efforts related to SNC’s Dream Chaser Orbital Transportation System. The purpose of this relationship is to jointly promote aerospace engineering education, research, and development, scientific exploration and recruitment and training of a diverse workforce.

Tuskegee University is now a university partner with SNC on the Dream Chaser program. SNC will support research projects for Tuskegee University faculty and students to advance the technical design of SNC’s Dream Chaser. These projects are expected to create internships and future job opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and non-STEM disciplines for Tuskegee University students. The University already has one of only two centers funded by NASA to develop a technology for growing food in space during human space missions.

SNC will begin lectures at Tuskegee University on the future of our nation’s space program to provide insight into the industry’s most exciting developments. Tuskegee University faculty will join SNC’s Space Systems Dream Chaser Program Advisory Board to provide critical feedback on SNC’s plans for human space flight activities. SNC will support the academic activities of Tuskegee University at large, in addition to the Department of the Aerospace Science Engineering, through membership on the Industrial Advisory Board of the Department.

Tuskegee University, founded in 1881 by Booker T. Washington, has a rich legacy of blazing new frontiers. The legendary roles played by such giants as George Washington Carver and the famed Tuskegee Airmen are a glowing part of U.S. history. Tuskegee University, located in Tuskegee, Alabama, is a top ten producer of African-American engineers, and the top producer of material science and engineering Ph.Ds in the nation. Tuskegee is also the only independent, historically black university with several engineering programs that are nationally accredited by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET), including the only accredited Aerospace Engineering program at a Historically Black Colleges or Universities (HBCU).

Dr. Brian L. Johnson, presented by Tuskegee University on June 13, 2014 as the seventh president, commented, “I have begun my time as president by asking all involved with the university to trust the Tuskegee tradition and trust the Tuskegee trajectory. This new relationship with SNC highlights the long celebrated history of Tuskegee in aerospace while also opening up future possibilities for our students to experience the trajectory of America’s new path to space.”

SNC is a leading innovator in developing space systems solutions. Its flagship program, the Dream Chaser, is the next generation space transportation system. This reusable spacecraft will provide critical transportation support for astronauts and cargo to and from low-Earth orbit.

Mark N. Sirangelo, corporate vice president of SNC’s Space Systems added, “We are thrilled to begin our relationship with such a prestigious and important aerospace university. Dr. Johnson, through his new, energetic and dynamic leadership, has outlined a plan to create a student-centered environment for the 21st century, which will foster a culture of advancement and development. We believe that by working together to develop our nation’s future in space we can help make Dr. Johnson’s vision a reality and provide a path for the university’s amazing students to continue Tuskegee’s substantial impact on aerospace.”

(Pictured: Dr. Johnson, President, Tuskegee University and Mark Sirangelo, Corp. VP, sign Letter of Cooperation)

FMI: www.sncorp.com, www.tuskegee.edu