Session
Technical Session IX: Standards and Education
Abstract
A senior manager in the satellite industry, a former member of the Cornell University Satellite (CUSat) team, and its former Principal Investigator discuss the professional relevance of the University Nanosat Program (UNP). Particular focus is given to the technical experience, leadership, and networking skills gained from working on small satellite systems. This paper explores how the aggressive UNP schedule exposes students to three major career paths: technical engineering, functional management, and program management, preparing them for cross-disciplinary roles. The authors assert that tackling the same issues encountered in industry-- performing to challenging schedules, managing subcontracts, motivating a team, and the intricacies of interacting with a customer--prepares new engineers to enter the workforce ready to challenge the industry’s status quo. The UNP and similar university satellite programs train the next generation of scientists and engineers to begin a professional career and to immediately contribute innovative solutions benefiting their employer and the broader aerospace industry. This paper explores the correlation between university programs and the commercial satellite industry.
Presentation Slides
Applying University Small Satellite Program Lessons to a Career in the Aerospace Industry
A senior manager in the satellite industry, a former member of the Cornell University Satellite (CUSat) team, and its former Principal Investigator discuss the professional relevance of the University Nanosat Program (UNP). Particular focus is given to the technical experience, leadership, and networking skills gained from working on small satellite systems. This paper explores how the aggressive UNP schedule exposes students to three major career paths: technical engineering, functional management, and program management, preparing them for cross-disciplinary roles. The authors assert that tackling the same issues encountered in industry-- performing to challenging schedules, managing subcontracts, motivating a team, and the intricacies of interacting with a customer--prepares new engineers to enter the workforce ready to challenge the industry’s status quo. The UNP and similar university satellite programs train the next generation of scientists and engineers to begin a professional career and to immediately contribute innovative solutions benefiting their employer and the broader aerospace industry. This paper explores the correlation between university programs and the commercial satellite industry.
