STUDY ABROAD
Spaceflight Operations Degree Helps Graduate Prepare for Liftoff
Christopher Vanacore (’22) graduated with a B.S. in Spaceflight Operations (now Space Operations) with dreams of overseeing missions to space. While Vanacore continues to pursue his dream in graduate school, he looks back on his undergraduate experience as his first step toward a thrilling destination. “I had an awesome experience at Embry-Riddle during my undergraduate program,” Vanacore said. “The faculty broadened my interest and research in the space field.” Today, Vanacore is a Space Ground Systems Telemetry Analyst in the Eastern Range at the Morrell Operations Center, contracted under the U.S. Space Force (USSF) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. “During launch operations, I monitor the spacecraft’s state vectors, telemetry and health status,” he explained. “I collect raw data files from launches and analyze each parameter, including anomalies.” Embry-Riddle led Vanacore to inspiring connections with professors who launched his passion for research. “My senior capstone course led by Professor Lana Laskey opened my eyes to the space field,” Vanacore said. “My main portion of research was to program a code which would receive and send simulated telemetry data to and from a satellite orbiting Saturn.” Combining advanced undergraduate research opportunities and connections with leading- industry employers, students graduate with valuable experience ready to start their careers. “Working in the space field at Cape Canaveral was always my dream,” said Vanacore. “I have the capability to watch launches on site.” Vanacore’s advice for future students is to make connections and get immersed in research. “Join conferences, create as many connections as possible,” he said. “It is crucial to have the appropriate connections to route you to a career. The STEM field is not an easy path. However, chase your dreams until the end — it is going to be worth it.”
What’s Telemetry? Telemetry is any data that travels from a spacecraft to Earth. Telemetry can give information about position and heading, it can tell how instruments or other parts are functioning.
Breaking Barriers: UAS Outreach in Argentina In summer 2023, a group of 16 Embry-Riddle students traveled to South America to conduct outreach and perform unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) research, led by Dr. Kevin A. Adkins, associate professor of Aeronautical Science, and Dr. Nickolas “Dan” Macchiarella, professor of Aeronautical Science. Embry-Riddle students met with middle schoolers at Blaise Pascal University, where they helped preserve cultural heritage through the application of photogrammetry, which involves photographing a subject from various angles and transforming it into 2D or 3D digital models. It’s often used for map-making or in searches for fossils and artifacts. Nathaniel Southerland (’26), studying Unmanned Aircraft Systems, attended as the UAS technical leader. Southerland will return to Argentina for next summer’s expedition, saying, “I look forward to learning more about the technology in a field setting and seeing new locations. Our focus on environmental topics is interesting to me, and I look forward to applying UAS technology to this field.” In addition to outreach, the itinerary consisted of travel to Buenos Aires and Cordoba, Argentina, through the Andes with overnight stays in Tilcara, Purmamarca and Humahuaca and ending with travel to Uruguay.
Find out more at erau.edu/degrees/space
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