Space test program continues to expand, astronaut inspires future space test leaders
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFNS) -- The U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School Space Test Course started as a three-month program in January 2021, in collaboration with the newly formed U.S. Space Force, and has been growing ever since.
The program evolved to a year-long graduate certificate in Space Test Engineering in 2024 and is set to become a full 40-credit hour master’s degree program, known as the Space Test Engineering concentration in January 2026.
TPS graduate, Space Force Guardian and NASA astronaut, Brig. Gen. Nick Hague, who played a crucial role in advocating for the expansion of the Space Test Course, recently visited Edwards Air Force Base to engage with K-12 students, TPS, Airmen and their families. From 2005-2006, he was the chief flight test engineer for the 416th Flight Test Squadron at Edwards, previous director of Space Force Test and Evaluation and is now the first-ever Space Force Guardian to travel to space as part of NASA’s Astronaut Corps.
“The strength of the Space Force lies in the dedication and expertise of our Airmen and Guardians,” Hague said. “It’s important to educate people on why research in space is so important and how it fundamentally impacts everyone’s lives on Earth.”
Fellow NASA astronaut and retired Navy Capt. Sunita Williams were also a part of the Crew-9/Expedition 72 return from space and accompanied Hague during the visit to TPS.
“The fundamentals of test are universal, applying across all domains,” Karlen said. “This truth was on display as Hague and retired Navy Capt. Williams spoke to the next generation of test leaders and Edwards AFB. We are proud to walk in the footsteps of these test leaders.”
Hague's visit highlighted the critical role of science, technology, engineering and mathematics in national defense and space exploration.
“The graduates of the TPS Space Test Course have already been leading the charge in a variety of research development test and evaluation roles for the Space Force,” said Andrew Freeborn, Technical Director of Space at TPS. “The partnership between the school and the Space Force has been nothing short of amazing. Brig. Gen. Hague has really personified that in his dual roles as a Space Force Guardian and NASA astronaut.”
The U.S. Air Force TPS, in collaboration with Space Training and Readiness Command and Space Delta 12 (STARCOM), educates up to 24 Guardians, Airmen and joint partners annually to prepare them to assume leadership roles in the space test and evaluation enterprise.
This initiative will produce expert test leaders capable of developing and validating advanced space-based capabilities essential to maintaining the U.S.'s strategic advantage. Graduates will be equipped with specialized skills to plan, execute, analyze and report on developmental and operational tests of complex space systems.
“The Space Force through STARCOM, made significant investments into the partnership with U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School and Edwards Air Force Base to produce professional Guardian testers with a multi-domain mindset capable of leading the service in safely pushing the limits of our space systems by ensuring they are combat-credible and ready for the joint fight,” said Lt. Col. David Heinz, U.S. Space Force Deputy Commandant-Space at U.S. Air Force TPS.
“It becomes more critical as Guardians around the globe are responsible for bringing stability to the space domain,” Hague said. “What happens here at Edwards is extremely impactful to the space mission and I wanted to get out here and say thanks to the Air Force, Space Force and NASA.”