Core Curriculum
Foundations of Aerospace at NASA — (FOU)
Audience
This course is designed for new hires (both technical and non-technical employees) within their first year of employment at NASA, or employees that began work at NASA within the last five years.
Goal
The goal of Foundations of Aerospace at NASA is to immerse new hires into the meaning of working at NASA and the principles of technical excellence. This is a two-week course which focuses on providing participants with a “big picture” overview of NASA, its Governance model and Agency operations. The course also focuses on communication and team participation skills as well as basic concepts of aeronautics and astronautics.
Learning Methods
Learning will be accomplished using lectures, videos, animations, and group exercises. A special aspect of the course will include discussions and activities with NASA leadership (including retirees), astronauts, and other noted NASA individuals.
Specific Objectives
When asked what participants learned that would be most beneficial to their work, they said…
"I gained a better understanding of NASA's past & the way the Agency works. It is very helpful to see how an organization is set up, how it functions, & where it has come from." — KSC, 2007
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Explain the NASA vision, mission, and governance model.
- Describe the “big picture” of NASA and how the Agency infrastructure works.
- Describe the basics of NASA's space mission and systems, including aeronautics and astronautics concepts.
- Explain the concept of systems thinking and associated trades.
- Demonstrate skills necessary for effective technical communication and teamwork.
