AAPS hosts lunch and learn event on 'the future of space transportation - a multi-national perspective'

  • Published
  • By Philip Lorenz III
  • AEDC/PA
ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, Tenn. --  The Arnold Association of Professional Societies (AAPS) recently hosted a joint society luncheon with the AIAA Space Transportation Technical Committee (STTC) at the Arnold Lakeside Center. A panel of three experts from the STTC provided their perspectives on the future of space transportation.

The three presenters were Christian Dujarric, a senior launch systems engineer with the European Space Agency (ESA); Dr. Tomioka Sadatake, with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) Space Transportation Mission Directorate; and Don Sauvageau, ATK space systems director of advanced space programs.

Dujarric, who spoke first, discussed the history of the Ariane V launch system, the new Vega Launch system, as well as plans to launch the Russian Soyuz rocket from European launch sites in French Guiana, South America, in the very near future.

Dr. Sadatake provided an overview of Japanese space launch activities and touched on their efforts in hypersonic flight research. Sauvageau spoke about NASA and the proposed new direction for U.S. space transportation system development.

"I have a better understanding of the scope of launch vehicle development," said Dr. Joe Sheeley, ATA senior engineer, chair of the local AIAA chapter and a past AAPS president. "I would expect some of these programs to result in engine, materials and aerodynamics testing at AEDC if we have the facilities that can produce the needed test conditions in place when the programs are ready."

He said events like this are important, whether someone is new to the field of engineering or a seasoned professional.

"Talented speakers with interesting topics serve a dual role," he said. "The most important purpose is to remind the audience of why they got into this field through interesting technical talks. The secondary purpose is to increase attendance at society events, which results in a better event and chances for interaction among a more diverse group."

Dr. Sheeley is hoping more local AIAA and AAPS members will volunteer to help with future lunch and learn events.

"Each of these events requires a few hours for making arrangements with the speaker and a few hours for scheduling the venue, collecting reservations and taking care of other logistics," he said. "I'd love to see a few additional individuals volunteer to bring in a speaker or help with arrangements, even if just for one event each year. Just two to four hours a year from five-10 individuals would make a huge difference and result in stronger societies."