Everyone's a Student: Space Out at the Smartforce Student Summit

The first-ever NASA exhibit at the Smartforce Student Summit includes models of the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft that will be used to put the first woman and first person of color on the moon.

The NASA Artemis Program is a leap into the next era of human exploration and one of the most exciting developments of the 21st century. For the first time at IMTS, the Smartforce Student Summit features the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Students and visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the manufacturing part lifecycle and the pivotal role manufacturing technologies play in the bigger picture.

Attendees explore the solar system in virtual reality at the Smartforce Student Summit at IMTS.

The 50-ft. by 60-ft. exhibit includes models of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft that will be used to put the first woman and first person of color on the lunar surface. It also features interactive displays for visitors to learn about SLS/Orion and the upcoming Artemis I launch. While there, attendees can explore the solar system in virtual reality and observe a 3D printer with examples of prints and materials used to create solutions for space. Among the 3D printed examples are an X-59 model composite expanding booms for building structures in space, radiation shielding and CubeSats (miniature satellites used in low earth orbit) for science work. Attendees can also visit a photo kiosk for a free souvenir photo.

SLS/Orion/Exploration Ground Systems Prime contractors accompany NASA personnel in this exhibit. These are key aerospace manufacturers who support the success of agency missions with hardware, software and subject matter expertise. Representatives from companies such as Aerojet Rocketdyne, Jacobs and Northrop Grumman are on hand to discuss the work they do for NASA and careers in the aerospace industry.

Among these companies, several are participating in Career Connections: a new feature that enables students to apply for manufacturing jobs in real time. Students may simply scan QR codes that appear on signage at exhibit partner booths within the Student Summit to review opportunities and apply for jobs.

A close-up photo of the hexagonal beryllium mirrors Mitsui Seiki machined for the James Webb Telescope, the largest optical telescope in space.

Can’t Get Enough Space?

Mike Menzel, NASA mission systems engineer for the James Webb Space Telescope at the Goddard Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, will speak at IMTS 2022 at Mitsui Seiki USA’s booth (338700) in the South Hall from 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. on Thursday, September 15. He will share images and anecdotes about the challenges he and his team of engineers experienced creating the largest and most complex space science observatory ever built.