Space test program expands as astronaut inspires future space test leaders

The U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School’s Space Test Course is set for another expansion, transitioning to a 40-credit master’s degree in Space Test Engineering in January 2026. The move follows a rapid evolution of the program, which launched as a three-month course in January 2021 in partnership with the newly formed U.S. Space Force and grew into a year-long graduate certificate in 2024.

The latest milestone was spotlighted during a visit to Edwards Air Force Base by TPS graduate, Space Force Guardian and NASA astronaut Brig. Gen. Nick Hague, who has been a key advocate for the course’s growth. Hague met with K-12 students, TPS personnel, Airmen and families at the base, underscoring the program’s role in cultivating the next generation of space test leaders. Fellow NASA astronaut and retired Navy Capt. Sunita Williams accompanied him during the visit.

“The strength of the Space Force lies in the dedication and expertise of our Airmen and Guardians,” Hague said. “It’s important to educate people on why research in space is so important and how it fundamentally impacts everyone’s lives on Earth.”

Hague’s ties to Edwards run deep: from 2005 to 2006, he served as chief flight test engineer for the 416th Flight Test Squadron. He later served as director of Space Force Test and Evaluation and became the first Space Force Guardian to travel to space as part of NASA’s Astronaut Corps.

The Space Test Course is run by the Air Force TPS in collaboration with Space Training and Readiness Command and Space Delta 12. Up to 24 Guardians, Airmen and joint partners are educated annually to prepare for leadership roles in space test and evaluation. The initiative is intended to produce expert test leaders who can develop and validate advanced space capabilities critical to maintaining the United States’ strategic edge. Graduates are expected to build end-to-end skills spanning test planning and execution through analysis and reporting for both developmental and operational space systems.

“The graduates of the TPS Space Test Course have already been leading the charge in a variety of research development test and evaluation roles for the Space Force,” said Andrew Freeborn, Technical Director of Space at TPS. “The partnership between the school and the Space Force has been nothing short of amazing. Brig. Gen. Hague has really personified that in his dual roles as a Space Force Guardian and NASA astronaut.”

“The Space Force through STARCOM, made significant investments into the partnership with U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School and Edwards Air Force Base to produce professional Guardian testers with a multi-domain mindset capable of leading the service in safely pushing the limits of our space systems by ensuring they are combat-credible and ready for the joint fight,” said Lt. Col. David Heinz, U.S. Space Force Deputy Commandant-Space at U.S. Air Force TPS.

Hague’s visit also emphasized the link between STEM education, national defense and space exploration, and the importance of sustaining a talent pipeline for an increasingly contested domain. “It becomes more critical as Guardians around the globe are responsible for bringing stability to the space domain,” Hague said. “What happens here at Edwards is extremely impactful to the space mission and I wanted to get out here and say thanks to the Air Force, Space Force and NASA.”