{"id":144452,"date":"2024-12-13T15:52:52","date_gmt":"2024-12-13T20:52:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/news\/?p=144452"},"modified":"2025-04-14T11:48:15","modified_gmt":"2025-04-14T15:48:15","slug":"u-s-space-command-commander-explores-innovation-research-capabilities-at-ucf","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/news\/u-s-space-command-commander-explores-innovation-research-capabilities-at-ucf\/","title":{"rendered":"U.S. Space Command Commander Explores Innovation, Research Capabilities at UCF"},"content":{"rendered":"

The U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM) Commander who oversees all space operations for the Department of Defense, General Stephen N. Whiting, visited the University of Central Florida Tuesday to learn more about its pioneering advancements in space research and defense.<\/p>\n

Whiting is one of only seven geographic combatant commanders, and the visit showcased key research areas<\/a> and opportunities for collaboration that align with DoD transformative technology and national security<\/a> research priorities.<\/p>\n

UCF recently joined USSPACECOM\u2019s Academic Engagement Enterprise, which allows for further collaboration opportunities with the command.<\/p>\n

Whiting began the visit by hearing from several UCF leaders about the university\u2019s unique space-related research endeavors<\/a>, including Winston V. Schoenfeld, vice president for research and innovation; David Hagan, dean of CREOL, the College of Optics and Photonics<\/a>; Greg Autry, associate provost for space commercialization and strategy; David Metcalf, associate research professor and director of the Mixed Emerging Technology Integration Lab; Stephen Eikenberry, professor of physics and optics and photonics; Tarek Elgohary, associate professor and director of the Astrodynamics, Space and Robotics Laboratory; and Eric \u201cTubby\u201d Shwedo, assistant vice president for federal relations.<\/p>\n

In the introductory briefing, Whiting was exposed to cutting-edge research in areas such as cislunar developments, space photonics, and modeling and simulation<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The visit further exemplifies UCF\u2019s track record for advancing meaningful space research, Schoenfeld says.<\/p>\n

“Here at UCF, we have a rich history of exceptional research in key defense areas beneficial to USSPACECOM such as hypersonics, optics, cybersecurity<\/a>, materials science and modeling and simulation \u2014 just to name a few,\u201d he says. \u201cOur research in these areas has benefitted from significant DoD support \u2014 with more than 30% of our federal funding coming from DoD sources for over a decade. I am excited about the collaborative partnership between UCF and USSPACECOM to further the impact our research activities of direct interest to USSPACECOM.”<\/p>\n

After the roundtable introduction, the USSPACECOM delegation visited with UCF\u2019s highly regarded ROTC programs \u2014 Army ROTC Fighting Knights Battalion and Air Force Detachment 159 \u2014 to see firsthand how UCF is cultivating the officers and leaders of tomorrow.<\/p>\n