International Institute for Astronautical Sciences (IIAS)

At the International Institute for Astronautical Sciences (IIAS), we are committed to diversity and inclusion. Our partnership with Out Astronaut exemplifies this mission by empowering LGBTQ+ individuals in space and STEM fields. Through specialized training and groundbreaking research opportunities, Out Astronaut inspires and elevates the LGBTQ+ community. Together, we strive to create an environment where everyone is welcome and valued. #IIAS #OutAstronaut #DiversityInSTEM #Pride2024

We are excited to announce a new contract with Virgin Galactic to fly an international research crew aboard the Company’s Delta Class spaceship. 🚀 Kellie Gerardi of the United States, Shawna Pandya, MD of Canada, and Dr. Norah Patten of Ireland, will represent International Institute for Astronautical Sciences (IIAS) as payload specialists for our Institute’s second dedicated research Mission. This mission is anticipated to take place within the first year of Delta Commercial service in 2026. The IIAS-02 research spaceflight will build on the scientific knowledge and operational insights gained from our inaugural IIAS-01 mission in 2023 while introducing novel biomedical research. We’ll be collaborating closely with academic, government, and commercial partners to meticulously plan the crew’s activities to maximize science and technology returns. Throughout their years working with our institute, Kellie, Shawna, and Norah have consistently demonstrated the teamwork, excellence, and expertise needed to produce high-quality, cutting-edge research in operational environments. This mission represents a significant opportunity to push the boundaries of human-tended research, and we look forward to continuing our work with Virgin Galactic to maximize the research potential of the Delta Class space vehicles for future IIAS research spaceflights. IIAS Founder Dr. Jason Reimuller said, “We are thrilled to continue to work with Virgin Galactic and its unique platform for human-tended microgravity research while opening the doors for future IIAS scientist-astronauts.” #SpaceResearch #Bioastronautics #IIAS02 #VirginGalactic #ScienceInSpace

🚀 Ready to take your engineering career to new heights? 🚀 ✈Join us for the Fundamentals of Flight Test Engineering class, starting in just 5 days! This comprehensive 12-week course offers a deep dive into aircraft flight test concepts, methods, and planning. Don't miss out! Seats are filling up fast, and the class starts in just 5 days. Secure your spot now and propel your career forward in the exciting field of flight test engineering. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/dMNfcAz #Engineering #FlightTest #Aviation #CareerDevelopment #ProfessionalGrowth #Aerodynamics #AircraftPerformance

Thank you International Institute for Astronautical Sciences (IIAS)! 💙

Congratulations Amanda Nguyen! #womaninspace #IIASFamily #astronauticstraining #science #stem #8m

Congratulations to Deniz Burnham, graduate of IIAS Scientist-Astronaut Class 1501 and now one amongst 12 of NASA's newest astronauts! Reach for the moon and beyond, @astronaut_deniz !!!

Join us for EVA 103: Planetary Field Geology and EVA Tool Development in the San Francisco Volcanic Field (SFVF), just north of Flagstaff, AZ. This area has been used extensively in the past for a number of NASA analog mission simulations and NASA-funded geologic research related to planetary field exploration. EVA103 provides a foundational understanding of the requirements, methods, and limitations of conducting geologic field work during EVAs on planetary surfaces such as the Moon and Mars. https://lnkd.in/gt-A7stk

This week we will be announcing our Runner-Up, and Awesome PoSSUM award for 2023! These awards are nominated by our membership and are presented to members who have demonstrated the highest level of commitment to IIAS and its values. While IIAS was boldly pioneering spaceflight in 2023, one member was ceaselessly working behind the scenes, spending countless volunteer hours on projects that touch virtually every aspect of IIAS. This member became the foundation of our scientific ballooning lab, meeting stressful deadlines for our Fairbanks aeronomy deployment. Always recognizing gaps and opportunities, he ceaselessly assumed innovative and leadership roles which included developing customized simulation and curriculum development efforts to complement multiple courses, expanding IIAS’s textbook series, expanding the impact of IIAS’s Florida-based assets, and developing creative assets that foster the IIAS community. A model of humility and service, our 2023 ‘Awesome PoSSUM’ Award goes to Ken Ernandes.

This week we will be announcing our Runner-Up, and Awesome PoSSUM award for 2023! These awards are nominated by our membership and are presented to members who have demonstrated the highest level of commitment to IIAS and its values. This year, IIAS was literally out-of-this-world! And one IIAS member led the way for our inaugural IIAS-01 flight and paved the way for others to follow. Realizing an opportunity for an IIAS research spaceflight years ago, the flight became reality as she brought IIAS to space last November! Beyond its research objectives, this member arranged for the inaugural IIAS-01 flight to be the first of many for IIAS, and her approach to IIAS’s research-focused spaceflight is changing the narrative of the industry. She boldly embodies IIAS’s values as she devotes her talents towards the advancement of her colleagues at IIAS. Our two finalists are exceptional, even as their contributions are disparate. The 2023 ‘Awesome PoSSUM’ Runner Up award winner needs little introduction: Kellie Gerardi

This week and next, we will be announcing three Honorable Mention awards, a Runner-Up, and our Awesome PoSSUM award for 2023! These awards are nominated by our membership and are presented to members who have demonstrated the highest level of commitment to IIAS and its values. Our last honorable mention goes a member who simply cannot get enough of both learning and doing. As a student and volunteer, he is absorbing critical institutional skills under the guidance of IIAS’s Director of Operations, Chris Lundeen, while also building and managing our external communications team for 2024. He is also a passionate champion of IIAS’s Space for all Nations initiative in Guatemala with eyes towards further expansion. Our third ‘Awesome PoSSUM’ Honorable Mention goes to David Guajardo!!!!