AME Professor Leads U.S. Space Force Webinar Series

The University of Arizona Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering was invited by the United States Space Command (USSPACECOM) to host the first webinar in a new series, “Thinking in Deep Space.” Jekan Thanga, associate professor of AME, led the webinar “Beyond Space Domain Awareness: Towards 21st Century Integrated Space Operations."

The University was selected as USSPACECOM's first Academic Engagement Enterprise Member in 2022. The membership fosters opportunities for students, faculty, and partners to collaborate on pressing challenges in human security, space exploration, development, and settlement.

During the webinar, Thanga emphasized the importance of active engagement in the space domain, especially in cislunar space, the region between the Earth and the Moon. He said the presence or absence of U.S. investment in space will have a significant impact not only on life on Earth, but also on America's relative strength in the global environment.

Thanga said a growing and busy lunar space ecosystem is inevitable. While the solar system represents a potential richness of transformation and opportunity for life on Earth, we also face significant challenges in maintaining security and peace.

Learn more about Thanga's webinar for USSPACECOM here.