EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School Space Test Course started as a three-month program in January 2021, in collaboration with the newly formed U.S. Space Force, and has been growing ever since.
The program evolved to a year-long graduate certificate in Space Test Engineering in 2024 and is set to become a full 40-credit hour master’s degree program, known as the Space Test Engineering concentration in January 2026.
TPS graduate, Space Force Guardian and NASA Astronaut, Brig. Gen. Nick Hague, who played a crucial role in advocating for the expansion of the Space Test Course, recently visited Edwards Air Force Base to engage with K-12 students, TPS, airmen and their families. From 2005-2006, he was the chief flight test engineer for the 416th Flight Test Squadron at Edwards, previous director of Space Force Test and Evaluation, and is now the first-ever Space Force Guardian to travel to space as part of NASA’s Astronaut Corps.
“The strength of the Space Force lies in the dedication and expertise of our Airmen and Guardians,” said Hague. “It’s important to educate people on why research in space is so important and how it fundamentally impacts everyone’s lives on Earth.”
Fellow NASA Astronaut and retired Navy Capt. Sunita Williams was also a part of the Crew-9/Expedition 72 return from space and accompanied Hague during the visit to TPS.
“The fundamentals of test are universal, applying across all domains,” Karlen said. “This truth was on display as Brig. Gen. Hague and retired Navy Capt. Williams spoke to the next generation of test leaders and Edwards Air Force Base. We are proud to walk in the footsteps of these test leaders.”
Hague's visit highlighted the critical role of science, technology, engineering and mathematics in national defense and space exploration.
“The graduates of the TPS Space Test Course have already been leading the charge in a variety of research development test and evaluation roles for the Space Force,” said Technical Director of Space at TPS, Andrew Freeborn, Ph.D. “The partnership between the school and the Space Force has been nothing short of amazing. Brig. Gen. Hague has really personified that in his dual roles as a Space Force Guardian and NASA astronaut.”
The U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, in collaboration with Space Training and Readiness Command and Space Delta (STARCOM) 12, educates up to 24 Guardians, Airmen, and joint partners annually to prepare them to assume leadership roles in the space test and evaluation enterprise.
This initiative will produce expert test leaders capable of developing and validating advanced space-based capabilities essential to maintaining the United States' strategic advantage. Graduates will be equipped with specialized skills to plan, execute, analyze and report on developmental and operational tests of complex space systems.
Space Force Guardian and NASA Astronaut Brig. Gen. Hague and NASA astronaut and retired U.S. Navy Capt. Sunita Williams speak with Guardians and Airmen at TPS. (Photo by Lindsey Iniguez)
“The Space Force through STARCOM, made significant investments into the partnership with U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School and Edwards Air Force Baze to produce professional Guardian testers with a multi-domain mindset capable of leading the service in safely pushing the limits of our space systems by ensuring they are combat-credible and ready for the joint fight,” said Lt. Col. David Heinz, USSF Deputy Commandant-Space at USAF TPS.
Space Force Guardian and NASA Astronaut Brig. Gen. Hague speaks with Airmen and families during a base-wide presentation where he spoke about his experiences at the International Space Station. (Photo by Lindsey Iniguez)
“It becomes more critical as Guardians around the globe are responsible for bringing stability to the space domain,” said Hague. “What happens here at Edwards is extremely impactful to the space mission and I wanted to get out here and say thanks to the Air Force, Space Force and NASA.”