TUCSON CHAPTER CHAPTER - Dec 17, 2012 |
NASA Astronaut Shares STEM Challenges |
In December, Col. Don McMonagle, USAF (Ret.), a NASA astronaut and current director for space and range systems at Raytheon Technical Services, spoke to the chapter on space challenges from a NASA, the Air Force and industry perspective. Col. McMonagle logged more than 605 hours in space as a mission specialist aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery, Pilot aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour, and Crew Commander for the space shuttle Atlantis. He provided valuable insight on the importance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in the technical accomplishments of space travel. He also addressed aerospace concerns regarding the growing role of commercial space travel and space debris. After sharing video and a personal account from his final space mission, Col. McMonagle then discussed the communications challenges for extended space travel and the importance of a clear future direction to maintain U.S. prowess in technological innovation. |