Working for the future

Aerospace Research and Engineering Systems Institute is working to benefit and grow the aerospace and engineering workforce of the future in the state of Florida. We develop and coordinate pr ojects involving students at all levels, helping to inspire the younger generation to pursue science, math, and excellence.

Business, government and academia working together to strengthen Florida’s aerospace workforce and spur growth in the industry... ARES Institute sponsors a comprehensive program of engaging students and workers of all ages and skill levels in hands-on, real-world research projects. Education, training, and inspiration… ARES Institute is working for the future.

Innovative projects stimulating Florida’s aerospace industry

Rockets For Schools ARES Institute is developing a program to involve primary and secondary level students in the design, construction and flight of rockets and payloads. Younger students begin by studying the basics of rockets and spaceflight. In doing so, students construct their own model rockets in teams, under direction of their instructor. The culmination of this project is the successful (hopefully) flight of their rockets. In higher level grades students will become engaged in the selection, design, and operation of a scientific payload onboard a real sounding rocket. In the process, they begin to learn and understand what is involved in real space missions, from mission selection to design and operation, and factors such as teamwork, cooperation, and leadership. Launch operations can take place from a number of sites in Florida but the preferred site in the future is Launch Complex 20, managed by the Florida Space Authority, a complex dedicated to the flight of sounding rockets. This would enhance the value of the program by having students participate in a real space mission from a real spaceport with all of the issues involved in doing so, since hopefully at least some of them will be working at the Cape in the future.

Launch Vehicle Design and Development

When students reach university level studies, their education progresses to the design, fabrication and testing of rocket systems. Working in larger teams in a multi-year project, students work with industry personnel to design and construct a rocket engine, and then take the engine through testing. Students learn what it takes to design real-world hardware and gain an appreciation for quality control, testing, measurement, and in-depth problemsolving skills. The climax is the live firing of the engine that has been developed through the project. Valuable skills are gained in the process. Participants become fully immersed in aerospace technology development. The multidisciplinary nature of the work benefits students pursuing not only aerospace careers, but also students who pursue and career in which math, science, engineering or related skills are desired. Further, the teamwork, leadership, problem-solving and communication skills benefit all students in all fields.

Spacecraft Development & Mission Operations

The highest level of ARES Institute’s comprehensive program is the full life-cycle development of a microsatellite. Universities, private industry and federal and state government agencies work together to provide students the opportunity to design a microsatellite project. Students are taken through the process of mission selection, spacecraft design and fabrication through the launch process and mission operations once the spacecraft is in orbit. Students and aerospace workers cooperate in making a space mission happen. Students are involved at all levels, including the selection and development of one or more scientific payloads to fly on the spacecraft. In the process, aerospace workers gain valuable training and retraining, and through mentoring, pass on their knowledge and skills to the younger generation. Additionally, small businesses are engaged as partners and sponsors, stimulating small aerospace businesses in Florida. Most importantly, there is no greater incentive to encouraging students to enter the aerospace workforce than enabling them to create and fly a real spacecraft, building on their experience with rockets for schools and rocket design projects.