January 21, 2004

President’s space plans could mean brighter future for SICSA graduates

By Mike Emery
Staff writer

The recent landing of a NASA probe on Mars and President George W. Bush’s declaration that the United States will revitalize its space program - with a $1 billion price tag - are indications that America is launching a new commitment to explore the ‘final frontier.’

Such current events mean good things for the University of Houston’s Sasakawa International Center for Space Architecture (SICSA). Established in 1987, the center recently launched the world’s first master of science degree in space architecture through the Gerald Hines College of Architecture.

Since its inception, the center has served as a consultant for the Texas Aerospace Commission. It has also been active developing projects that are in line with Bush’s new space initiative, including spaceports and lunar colonization.

Larry Bell, the center’s director and professor of architecture, spoke with UH Campus News the day President Bush outlined his vision for space exploration. In between interviews with local and national press sources, Bell discussed the impression Bush’s goals could have on SICSA, its projects and the careers of its graduates.

Q UHCN: In his speech last week, President Bush discussed a variety of goals for the space program. How will these efforts impact SICSA?

A Bell: It will affect it in several ways. First of all, the job market for our graduates will be significantly expanded. The president has designated that a significant proportion of the NASA budget be devoted to space exploration, so we’re going to see a lot of research and technical activity in terms of reaching the moon and Mars. That will provide many opportunities for our graduates. It’s wonderful timing because the kinds of goals that the president announced are dead on with the kinds of things we do at SICSA. This will strengthen the demand for our graduate program from NASA and aerospace companies that are attached to it. I feel that this emphasis on increased space travel also will help SICSA look beyond local markets in terms of projects and students.

Q UHCN: Elaborate on the kinds of SICSA projects that would be applicable to the goals outlined by President Bush.

A Bell: We’re working on a project with former astronaut and assistant director at NASA Bonnie Dunbar, who graduated from this university and has flown five shuttle missions. We’re planning and designing a biological life-science facility that can be financed by the private sector. This was highlighted in the president’s speech. He mentioned aborting the space station and concentrating on life sciences that would support space exploration. This could attract not only NASA as a user, but commercial markets as well. NASA has been an active participant with SICSA. This kind of visibility is very important. When key players see value in what we’re doing and participate, this is a wonderful gateway for us. The work we’re doing here will be presented at NASA prior to the summer. It will be good exposure and a good way to familiarize potential candidates to our program from NASA.

Q UHCN: You mentioned the numerous opportunities that would be created as a result of a renewed focus on space exploration. What kinds of careers do you see for SICSA students?

A Bell: I’ve asked myself, “Are we preparing people for real opportunities, so they can build the kinds of lives that they want … if not in space, are they being trained to be better innovators, thinkers and designers?” Careers are not about job titles or categories. They’re about educational preparation to do something useful in this world. We have a wonderful opportunity to further establish SICSA and its students globally. Bush’s speech doesn’t alter anything we’re doing. It just creates a richer market for our students, our projects and our continued growth as an organization.