Retired NASA astronaut Steve Swanson will serve as the keynote speaker for a space-themed event at Utah Tech University on Monday, Oct. 26, marking the commencement of Hard Tech Week in Southern Utah. The Liftoff: Red Rock to Red Planet event, hosted by Dr. Donald Plumlee, aims to showcase the region's aerospace industry and connect the community with the science of spaceflight.
Event Schedule and Activities
The event, scheduled to take place at the America First Performing Arts Center on the Utah Tech campus in St. George, will begin with space-themed activities for attendees of all ages from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Following these activities, Swanson is scheduled to deliver his keynote address at 6:45 p.m., which will include a question-and-answer session for the audience.
Community Engagement Goals
According to Dr. Donald Plumlee, dean of Utah Tech's College of Science, Engineering and Technology, the Liftoff event is designed to be inclusive of all community members, from second graders to grandparents. Plumlee noted that the initiative provides an opportunity for residents to meet an astronaut, launch a rocket, and engage with the science behind spaceflight.
Local Aerospace Industry Impact
Plumlee emphasized the importance of highlighting local industrial contributions, stating that many people are unaware that components used in modern spaceflight are designed and manufactured within the Southern Utah region. He expressed that the university aims to show students that careers in aerospace can begin in St. George, which he described as vital for the future of the local community.
Hard Tech Week Kickoff
The evening will also feature presentations from other regional leaders and industry representatives. Todd Brightwell of the Southern Utah Economic Alliance and Chris Metts, the executive director of Project Alta at 47G, are scheduled to participate in kicking off Hard Tech Week from Southern Utah. Metts is also slated to deliver a presentation regarding current developments in the aerospace sector.
Understanding Hard Tech Week
Hard Tech Week, which runs from Oct. 26 through Oct. 30, is a statewide celebration of innovation and advanced technology, specifically focusing on companies and innovations that bolster national security. The week centers on hard tech, which involves deep scientific breakthroughs and complex physical hardware that drive the aerospace, manufacturing, and defense industries.
Summit and Student Participation
The week's programming includes various industry events, facility showcases, and live demonstrations. A flagship event for the week is the Zero Gravity Summit, hosted by 47G, which is scheduled for Oct. 28 and Oct. 29. As part of Utah Tech University's commitment to active learning, 36 students from the university are expected to attend the Zero Gravity Summit to network with industry leaders and gain hands-on experience.
Swanson's NASA Career History Details
Swanson brings extensive experience from his tenure with NASA, where he served as a systems engineer and a flight engineer. During his career, he worked with the Shuttle Training Aircraft (STA), which simulates flight characteristics from 35,000 feet down to the moment of touchdown. His work with the STA involved improving navigation and control systems and implementing a real-time wind determination algorithm.
