Over 200 space industry professionals and faculty members from over 30 countries convened at the Asia Society Texas Center for the closing ceremony of the 36th annual International Space University (ISU) Space Studies Program. This intensive eight-week program, hosted this year by Rice University in collaboration with NASA's Johnson Space Center, provides a comprehensive curriculum designed to enhance participants' knowledge of the space sector.
David Alexander, professor of physics and astronomy, director of the Rice Space Institute and a member of the Texas Aerospace Research and Space Economy Consortium, emphasized the program’s significance in helping attendees meet the challenges of future space missions. “When you’re trying to change the world, time goes by quickly. But it doesn’t stop here. We’re all looking to you now to build on your eight weeks at Rice”, Alexander said.
This year is the second time Rice University has hosted the ISU program, the first being in 1997. Renowned for its mix of technical and non-technical elements, the program promotes an international, intercultural, and interdisciplinary learning environment. Participants take part in courses, hands-on modules, and networking opportunities aimed at preparing them for future space missions.
Julia Ancillotti, a 23-year-old aerospace engineer from Italy, shared her enthusiasm about the experience. “I love that Rice is in the middle of this big city. Living on the campus was my first experience abroad. It felt like we were a big family”, she said. Aman Sandhur, a 26-year-old professional at RAL Space in London, said he valued the broad perspective gained from the program.
“These are people I’m going to know and be in regular contact with throughout our space careers”, Sandhur said. “I’ve been working in engineering project management. Now I’ve got a better idea about the business and economics of the industry”. Vanessa Wyche, director of the Johnson Space Center, said she is excited to see the ISU class of 2024’s contributions in the field over time.
“All of the missions that we have planned for going forward, we’re going to be going together. We’ll be going to the moon together and then on to Mars,” Wyche said. “Your contributions over the years will add to that. I look forward to seeing what you do together as a community to help us to go further and further into space”.
Established in 1987 and located in Strasbourg, France, the International Space University (ISU) is the world’s only university dedicated solely to space education. With hubs in the U.S. and Asia-Pacific, ISU collaborates with leading space organizations and boasts a global network of alumni, including astronauts, entrepreneurs, and both current and former leaders in the space industry and government.
