Educating Civil Engineers to Work in Space
Publication: Journal of Aerospace Engineering
Volume 4, Issue 4
Abstract
This paper addresses the role of civil engineering in space operations and its impact on undergraduate education. The history of civil engineering and its role in society is discussed. The increasing complexity of the civil engineer's responsibilities from ancient times to the present is articulated. New civil engineering challenges fostered by man's quest to explore and inhabit the solar system and beyond are addressed. These challenges give rise to new requirements for the undergraduate education of tomorrow's civil engineers. The U.S. Air Force Academy's attempt to respond to these new undergraduate requirements is described. The civil engineering curriculum at the Air Force Academy emphasizes preparation for the unique challenges associated with space exploration and habitation. It is described and presented as a model for other undergraduate civil engineering programs that wish to focus on aerospace engineering activities into the 21st century.
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References
1.
Roesset, J. M., and Yao, J. P. T. (1988). “Civil engineering needs in the 21st century,” J. Prof. Issues in Engrg., ASCE, 114(3), 248–255.
2.
Swint, D. O., Kemp, K. W., and Nichelson, B. J. (1988). “Interdisciplinary course in engineering education.” Proc., Space 88: Engineering, Construction, and Operations in Space, ASCE, 1175–1185.
3.
The civil engineer: His origins. (1970). Historical Publ. No. 1, Committee on History and Heritage of American Civil Engineering, ASCE, New York, N.Y., 1.
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United States Air Force Academy Curriculum Handbook (1989–1990). Office of the Registrar, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo., 123–126.
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Wachinski, A. M. (1988). “Waste management: Project Mercury to the space station.” Proc., Space 88: Engineering, Construction, and Operations in Space, ASCE, 1011–1016.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Aerospace Engineering
Volume 4 • Issue 4 • October 1991
Pages: 310 - 316
Copyright
Copyright © 1991 ASCE.
History
Published online: Oct 1, 1991
Published in print: Oct 1991
Authors
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