Overview: The SEDS chapter at American Public University System has the unique setting of an entirely online university, which allows our members to communicate and collaborate from all over the world. With over 100 members strong and only just founded in December 2015, we have participants not only across the U.S. but some in Europe, the middle east and Asia as well. Recently ranked the most active and among the top rated professional organizations at the university, our members participate in bi-weekly meetings over conferencing media to share the latest space news and brainstorm over emerging ideas, as we take our knowledge and passion out into our communities to inform and inspire in space exploration.

Past Accomplishments: It has been our privilege in the past academic year to host an official of the Planetary Society discussing with the chapter about solar sail technology, additionally an expert working in electric propulsion gave a presentation on this field allowing time for detailed questions exploring recent innovations. APUS SEDS has also seen the development of a meteor sighting project, which allows all members to catalog sightings and details of meteors for the purpose of improving the scientific community’s statistics and overall knowledge base of meteor figures such as composition, size, velocity and frequency. With these events and projects we have furthered the SEDS outreach and participation mission goals even though some of our members are separated by thousands of miles, proving that the development of space science draws humanity together.

Future Goals: The future of APUS SEDS looks bright as new goals have been set and are underway with activities to further involve members and develop their research skills as resources are pooled together and cooperative projects flourish.  We are preparing to host guest speakers Story Musgrave who is the USA’s most decorated astronaut, and NASA’s chief historian Roger Lanius, bringing us their insights and perspectives on the work that they have contributed to space science and education.  On March 3rd members in FL will be bringing the stars straight to their community with telescopes open to the public for viewing a host of objects including the Orion Nebula, the moon and Mars, while advocating for the excitement of space and the need to keep our night skies free of light pollution.  This is only the beginning, more awaits the APUS SEDS chapter as we start planning for a cube-sat project, other presenters, and ways to share this year’s total solar eclipse, stay tuned for what may turn out to be our finest year!

Ad Astra!

Jayce Pearson-President
Ryan Robertson-Vice President
Ryan Johnson-Webmaster
Melanie Crowson-Council of Chapters Representative
Matt Getridge-Secretary