NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

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The NESC Academy offers online versions of the first seven classroom courses through their NESC Academy web site. All courses provide guidance in insight from Agency technical experts on areas such as: latest trends, best practices and problem solving/resolution as it applies to their experience working at NASA.

The following online courses are available:

• Materials Durability
• Software Engineering Discipline
• Human Factors
• Satellite Attitude Control Systems
• Power and Avionics
• Space Propulsion Systems
• Space Life Support Systems

Materials Durability, led by Dr. Robert Piascik, NASA Technical Fellow for Materials and Dr. William Prosser, Technical Fellow for Nondestructive Evaluation
Course Overview: This course provides lessons learned from the past and emphasizes the importance of materials durability. Topics covered include: Material damage modes as they relate to materials-environment durability Material durability Methods to use to assess materials durability Lessons learned from materials experts	Dr. Robert S. Piascik		Dr. William Prosser

Software Engineering Discipline, led by Mike Aguilar, Technical Fellow for Software
Course Overview: This course provides information on current and future software engineering for space flight and operations. This course presents elements of the following topics: Software introduction Engineering examples Software development history UML introduction Software engineering tools and techniques CASE examples and exercises Software quality assurance Unique NASA software quality issues NASA best practices and lessons learned Open panel session Q&A		Michael Aguilar

Human Factors, led by Dr. Cynthia Null, NASA Technical Fellow for Human Factors
Course Overview: A team of human factor experts, led by Dr. Null discuss the following areas: Human Factors Overview Human Characteristics/Capabilities Developing In-space Systems Engineering a New System Procedure Development Maintenance/Manufacturing Mishap Investigation HF Lessons Learned Control Center Design Ground Operations Design & Analysis of Human-Computer Interaction Process Q&A		Dr. Cynthia Null

Satellite Attitude Control Systems, led by Neil Dennehy, NASA Technical Fellow for Guidance, Navigation and Control
Course Overview: This course includes expertise in the field of satellite control systems, and features a historical timeline, case studies, problem-solving activities, and guest speakers. Topics include: Overview of Satellite Attitude Control Satellite ACS Engineering Process Six Decades of Sea & Space Stories (Lessons Learned) Engineering Best Practices Space-borne GPS Navigation Systems Design Automatic Rendezvous & Docking Spacecraft Controls-structures Interaction Implementation Challenges of Multivariable Control Systems Satellite ACE in Technology Development Future Trends in Satellite ACS		Neil Dennehy

Power and Avionics, led by Robert Kichak, former NESC Technical Discipline Expert for Power and Avionics
Course Overview: Involved knowledge of power and avionics systems, using lessons learned, and the victim-source-coupling troubleshooting approach. A list of major areas being presented include: Space Power & Avionics Power System Architecture Power Electronics Development Space Environment EEE Parts Aviation Electronics Troubleshooting		Robert Kichak

Space Propulsion Systems, led by George Hopson, NASA Technical Fellow for Propulsion
Course Overview: Includes detailed case studies and problem-solving activating involving propulsion systems to a new generation of engineers. Some topics include: Saturn Launch Vehicles Major Space Shuttle Main Engineer Incidents Culture at NASA Advanced Propulsion		George Hopson

Space Life Support Systems, led by Hank Rotter, NASA Technical Fellow for Fluids/Life Support/Thermal
Course Overview: Discussion topics include the following areas of life support systems: Commode Development Smoke Detection and Fire Suppression Launch Entry Suit Cooling Flash Evaporator System Water Dump Nozzle SHARE Heat Pipe Experiment Flex Hoses Mission to Mars		Hank Rotter

The NESC Academy also offers classroom instruction for these courses.
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