Wright State Selected for Space Command Academic Program
Written by Black Hot Fire Network Team on February 17, 2026
Wright State University has been selected to participate in the U.S. Space Command’s Academic Engagement Enterprise. The university joins Ohio State University and the Air Force Institute of Technology as the third Ohio institution in the program.
Collaboration with U.S. Space Command
Wright State University will collaborate with U.S. Space Command on strategic initiatives, space research, and workforce development. The partnership will focus on four key areas: advancing applied space research and innovation, fostering dialogue on space strategy, expanding academic partnerships through faculty exchanges and research projects, and developing a talent pipeline of qualified military and civilian professionals.
Student and Faculty Involvement
Several dozen Wright State undergraduate and graduate students, along with over 10 faculty members from the College of Engineering and Computer Science’s four departments, will contribute to space domain research. Students will gain hands-on experience preparing them for careers in the space sector.
Research Focus Areas
Research efforts will encompass areas such as space access and constellation design, spacecraft and satellite materials, propulsion systems, on-orbit operations and autonomy, space situational awareness, and the study of space environments and their effects on systems and missions.
Proximity to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
Due to its proximity to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and the Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright State faculty and students will be able to focus research on Air Force and Space Force challenges and priorities.
Alignment with Space Command’s Mission
Wright State’s academic and research programs align with Space Command’s mission, supported by the college’s research strengths in space access, space situational awareness, orbital systems, and advanced materials and electronics for space applications.
Dean’s Statement
Darryl Ahner, dean of Wright State’s College of Engineering and Computer Science, stated that joining the Academic Engagement Enterprise will enhance technical exchanges with the Space Force and create opportunities for students to engage in real-world challenges.
Additional information is available at bizjournals.com/dayton.
