The Purdue University School of Aeronautics and Astronautics is Purdue University's school of aerospace engineering contained within the Purdue University College of Engineering. The school offers BS, M.S., and PhD degrees in aeronautical and astronautical engineering. Its main office and some of its labs are located in the Neil Armstrong Hall of Engineering.
History
The school was officially established as a separate degree program on July 1, 1945, but elective courses in the field of aeronautical engineering were offered through the School of Mechanical Engineering as early as 1921. The aeronautical engineering option in Mechanical Engineering was offered as a full degree program in 1941, and in 1942, Mechanical Engineering became the "School of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering." The school's present name was adopted in 1973.
Purdue students have built and restored several aircraft as part of the program. The sole Curtiss P-6 Hawk was restored by students and resides at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. In 1971 students restored a Ryan PT-22 Recruit, and completed a homebuilt Schreder HP-14 glider.
Distinguished Alumni
Purdue aerospace has had a long tradition of excellence. Many of its graduates have gone on to become astronauts or other prominent members of the aerospace and defense industry. Purdue University has graduated 23 astronauts, more than any other public institution, and 13 of those hold degrees from the aerospace department. The only non-military institution to graduate more astronauts is the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. One-third of all of NASA's manned space flights have had at least one Purdue graduate aboard, and two of the six American astronauts to fly on the Russian space station Mir held Purdue degrees.
Astronauts with Purdue aerospace degrees:
- Neil A. Armstrong, B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering, 1955
- John E. Blaha, M.S. in Astronautics, 1966
- Roy D. Bridges, Jr., M.S. in Astronautics, 1966
- Mark N. Brown, B.S. in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering, 1973
- John H. Casper, M.S. in Astronautics, 1967
- Roger B. Chaffee, B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering, 1957
- Richard O. Covey, M.S. in Aeronautics and Astronautics, 1969
- Guy S. Gardner, M.S. in Aeronautics and Astronautics, 1970
- Gregory J. Harbaugh, B.S. in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering, 1978
- Gary E. Payton, M.S. in Aeronautics and Astronautics, 1972
- Mark L. Polansky, B.S., M.S. in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering, 1978
- Loren J. Shriver, M.S. in Astronautics, 1968
- Charles D. Walker, B.S. in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering, 1971
Other notable Purdue aerospace engineers:
- William H. Gerstenmaier, Associate Administrator for Space Operations for NASA
- Darryl W. Davis, President of Boeing Phantom Works
- David Swain, former President of Boeing Phantom Works
Student Organizations
The School of Aeronautics & Astronautics is also home to 7 student organizations that engage its members in a wide array of social, outreach, engineering and service activities. They are:
Aero Assist
Aero Assist is a student organization at Purdue University that caters to graduate students within the school of Aeronautics & Astronautics. A committee of 10 graduate students organizes several activities that are beneficial to graduate students such as the Research Symposium Series, the Graduate Mentor Program and recreational/leisure activities for the students.
Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering Student Advisory Council
AAESAC serves to facilitate interactions and the relationship between faculty and the student body, to advise the administration on issues and concerns of students pertaining to the department, and generally strives to improve the school in hopes of enhancing the educational experience.
American Institute of Aeronautics & Astronautics
AIAA is the leading professional society for the field of aerospace engineering. The Purdue chapter works to support the institute's main objectives which is to advance the arts, sciences, and technologies pertaining to the aerospace field.
Amateur Student and Teacher Rocketry Organization
A.S.T.R.O is not only focused on research of solid fuel rocketry, but interacting with the community as well.
Purdue Space Day
Organized by university students, Purdue Space Day (PSD) is an annual educational outreach program, which provides school students in grades 3-8 the opportunity to learn about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) by participating in three age-appropriate activity sessions throughout the day.
Sigma Gamma Tau
SGT is the American honor society for engineering students. It was founded at Purdue University on February 28, 1953. It seeks to identify and recognize achievement and excellence in the Aerospace field.
Students for the Exploration and Development of Space
SEDS is a prominent student-run international grass-roots movement dedicated to space advocacy. Through 3 missions, its chapter at Purdue University allows its members to broaden their technical skills in space-related projects, educate K-12 through outreach programs, and network among other space enthusiasts at conferences such as Space Vision, NewSpace, and ISDC. Every spring, Purdue SEDS hosts its flagship event known as the Spring Space Forum. The goal of the forum is to invite prominent members of industry, academia, and other space-related fields to discuss a current relevant issue. Previous speakers include Michael D. Griffin, former NASA administrator and John Gedmark, co-founder of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation and Purdue alumnus.
References
External links
- Purdue Aeronautics and Astronautics
