Columbus-based Aurora Flight Sciences is looking to support the academic and professional growth of future engineers by donating $1 million worth of composite materials to Mississippi State University’s Advanced Composites Institute (ACI).
The aerospace company, a subsidiary of Boeing, will redirect materials that, while no longer suitable for production aerosystems, could still be valuable for other uses. These materials, including prepreg carbon fiber, resins, paints, and Kevlar, have now been repurposed for educational and research applications.
“This donation represents our dedication to not only advancing aerospace technology but also fostering the next generation of industry professionals,” Manufacturing at Aurora Vice President of Manufacturing Luke Colville said. “Although these materials have reached the end of their service life for our purposes, they will have a significant impact on the students and faculty at ACI. We are proud to support this innovative institute.”
ACI at Mississippi State is a leading research facility focused on advancing composite technologies for several industries including aerospace. Innovative, cross-disciplinary programs that address key challenges in material manufacturing and technology transfer are supported within the institution.
With access to leading technology experts and state-of-the-art facilities, ACI drives growth in composite materials, processes, and manufacturing, while fostering economic development, workforce training, and industry collaboration.
One notable application of the donated materials is the construction of the MSU Space Cowboys’ rocket for the Spaceport America 2024 competition. The student-led team used composite materials to build their rocket entirely in-house, utilizing Aurora’s autoclave for curing the composite structures. The Space Cowboys achieved fifth place in their division.
According to a release from Aurora, the company’s engagement extends beyond material donations. Mentorship and career development opportunities are provided for Mississippi State students, as well.
Employees regularly visit ACI to speak with students and offer guidance on projects and manufacturing careers in the aerospace industry. The exposure to diverse career opportunities, such as roles in production, design, quality control, and research, enables students to explore various career paths within aerospace manufacturing.
“The relationship between Aurora Flight Sciences and Mississippi State University’s Advanced Composites Institute provides our students with unparalleled opportunities to engage directly with cutting-edge aerospace materials and technologies,” Cody Hardin, a senior research engineer and lead trainer at ACI, said.
“Through guest lectures, facility tours, and raw material donations, students gain invaluable hands-on experience with industry-grade processes and materials. This partnership not only enriches the MSU engineering curriculum but also prepares our students to become future leaders in aerospace engineering and advanced manufacturing.”
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