The International Space University (ISU) held its Space Studies Program (SSP) curriculum planning meeting (CPM) from 5 to 9 December 2022 in the largest innovation complex in Brazil – São José Dos Campos (SJC). The objectives of this week were to interact with local experts and discover potential academic activities which will shape the content of the upcoming SSP – ISU’s flagship professional continuing education and enrichment program – which is set to occur over nine weeks in June, July, and August of 2023.
The academic studies for SSP23 will be carried out jointly at the National Institute for Space Research (INPE) and at the Instituto Tecnológico de Aeronáutica (ITA), in conjunction with the Municipality of São José Dos Campos. The program also has the support of the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, the Brazilian Air Force, and AEB (Brazilian Space Agency).
During the week, ISU academic program developers had the opportunity to visit with dozens of technical experts and scientists, and various space and non-space-related facilities many of which will be utilized for the SSP23 program activities. A few of the locations scouted were INPE’s Integration Hall, Space Weather facility, and Tracking and Control Center; the ITA campus; Visiona which is the aerospace division of Embraer, Technological Park, and the Hospital of SJC.
The press conference which was attended by both national and local press and media showcased the enthusiasm and excitement of Brazil in support of hosting ISU’s Space Studies Program.
ISU would like to thank again the local organizing committee (LOC) for their outstanding welcome and support during the weeklong planning meeting and in particular, Dr. Clezio Marcos De Nardin, INPE’s director, Mr. Anderson Ribeiro Correia, ITA’s president, and Mr. Anderson Faria, Mayor of São José Dos Campos.
ISU recognizes Brazil’s world-class technical expertise and facilities, and along with the authenticity of the Brazilian culture fully expects that SSP23 participants from all over the world are in for an exceptional immersive educational experience during what is anticipated to be one of the best SSP ever!
Further inquiries about activities and opportunities for participation and a full list of LOC points of contact can be found here.
Picture Credit: ITA – ISU, ITA and INPE staff and faculty meeting at ITA, Brazil
