education to the next level. He said his concern is,“ Our ability to serve people in meaningful ways— making sure we are in alignment and relevant with future workforce development needs and a student-centered perspective; how can I continue to build on those in the future?” Perhaps the integrated science / space study model will embed the student with more expansive thinking in their future career.
Before committing to South Seattle College, both Burk and Hazra shared that they had talked with other colleges, but none had the appropriate attributes of leadership buy-in or space. Hazra said the MOU was completed in less than a month, partially because of President Dr. Brown.
She said,“ Identifying ways to embed space, science and Mars-related programming into our existing programs will be a collaborative process between The Mars Society, South Seattle College faculty and instructional leadership, and industry connections. We are excited to explore those opportunities as this vision develops.”
Burk looks to a future retirement on Mars and says that humans will be there within 10 years or less- with a moon research station set up within a couple of years.“ I think we are very close to that happening, given the technological development by SpaceX and Blue Origin.” He shared that much of the technology has been or will be developed in the short-term to enable the first Mars mission.“ Other countries are planning these missions as well. There ' s a whole lot of activity.”
From the workforce development perspective regarding the timing of the program, Orbino said,“ Part of my goal, and because I was born in Seattle and have a great affinity for Seattle, is to create a space for innovation specifically related to workforce development and the progression over the years. I hope it will continue to reinforce or solidify Washington as a leader in workforce innovation in the country and the world— the talent, skills, and ability— and I am honored and privileged to take a little part of that process.”
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Hazra said about the new research center, as compared to the Utah facility,“ We can start fresh.” He cited the 20-year age difference between the two facilities ' setups. He sees robotics integration, along with proof that with successful planning, they can demonstrate a low-risk environment for humans to go to Mars. They can do this by setting up a lunar habitat and then simulating the same environment. Additionally, Hazra envisions industry partnerships, such as one with Seattle City Light, to pose energy-related questions for students to solve.