Imagine a place where the future of aerospace engineering takes flight. This is the MSU Denver Aerospace and Engineering Sciences Building. It stands as a testament to innovation and collaboration. Opened in 2017, this 142000-square-foot facility is more than just a building. It is a hub for aspiring engineers and scientists.
The MSU Denver Aerospace and Engineering Sciences Building houses the university’s programs. These include Aerospace Sciences, Computer Science, Engineering Technology, Industrial Design, and Physics. Students gain invaluable experience here. They also benefit from a unique public-private partnership. This partnership exists between MSU Denver and the Advanced Manufacturing Sciences Institute. The aim is to deliver skilled professionals to Colorado’s aerospace industry.
Colorado is a major player in aviation and aerospace. It holds the second-highest aviation and aerospace employer ranking in the nation. MSU Denver’s Aviation and Aerospace Science Department has grown. It is now one of the largest and most sophisticated programs in the country. The MSU Denver Aerospace and Engineering Sciences Building helps it move to the top. The AES Building offers advanced technology and experiential laboratories. Students access the same technology and software used at NASA. This is thanks to partnerships with Lockheed Martin, Hartwig, Inc. and United Airlines.
Lockheed Martin made a $1 million gift. This gift helped fund an additive manufacturing laboratory. It also has a state-of-the-art 3-D printing machine. This printer can manufacture parts for satellites and medical devices. The Fortus 900mc is the size of a small shipping container.
MSU Denver created an AES Advisory Board. It included representation from Lockheed Martin and others. The team developed an interdisciplinary curriculum. It integrates aerospace science and other fields. The goal is to provide a pipeline of employees for Colorado’s biggest industries.
More than half of the MSU Denver Aerospace and Engineering Sciences Building is dedicated to specialized laboratories. Many labs have glass walls. This gives visitors a peek into advanced manufacturing. Designed for collaboration, the building also has gathering spaces for students.
A half-scale model of NASA’s Orion spacecraft hangs in the atrium. MSU Denver students manufactured the model. They used 3-D printing techniques with guidance from Lockheed Martin engineers. The model reminds students of what they can achieve through collaboration.
The MSU Denver Aerospace and Engineering Sciences Building also offers hands-on experience. Students work with state-of-the-art programmable machine tools. Hartwig Inc. ensures students work with the most cutting-edge machines. A public-private partnership enterprise floor houses operational companies. York Space Systems has a satellite production facility there. Students are involved in satellite design and manufacturing. They also operate spacecraft and analyze data.
The MSU Denver Aerospace and Engineering Sciences Building is a gateway. It leads to numerous career opportunities. The building’s design balances academic needs with industry presence. It features dedicated spaces for student learning and industry collaboration. So as you stand here, know that you’re looking at more than just steel and glass. You are looking at a launchpad for the next generation of aerospace pioneers. The MSU Denver Aerospace and Engineering Sciences Building is where dreams take flight.