Space uni: the student perspective

Dr Matthew Tetlow is experiencing space - without leaving Adelaide!

He's among the handful Australians and more than 100 international students currently studying as part of the International Space University (ISU) visit to South Australia.

Dr Tetlow is a recent PhD graduate and is now Research Associate with the University of Adelaide's School of Mechanical Engineering. He took time out of his studies to speak with the Adelaidean about the "Space Uni experience".

Q: What is the basis for your interest in space, and how have you developed that interest?

A: I have always been interested in aircraft in general, and when I was given the opportunity to go to Stuttgart University (Space Systems Institute) for my Honours project, I took it as it seemed quite interesting. The more I got into space, the more I liked it. I decided to do a PhD in the aerospace field as I knew it would interest me.

The German contact was also really good as they work on "serious" space projects, i.e. those that actually fly. I researched launch vehicle system design and also developed a new guidance system for launch vehicles. I have presented a number of papers at conferences in the US and Australia. This is an important networking tool and I have managed to meet some interesting people.

I was also a founding member of the Adelaide University student branch of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and run the Aerospace research group at Adelaide Uni. I now work on trajectory analysis to support the HYSHOT scramjet program, so there is some potential for me to stay in the aerospace field.

Q: What did you hope to achieve from attendance at the Space Uni and how has that matched up to your expectations so far?

A: I sort of expected it to be a broad introduction into space in general so I was not expecting it to be too specific. It has exceeded my expectations as the material is very interesting and extremely well presented.

Q: Some of the ISU students like to concentrate on studies outside their realm of expertise. Have you done this, and if so, what have you concentrated on and why?

A: Yes, I am in the Business and Management faculty. With a PhD, I have plenty of experience in the technical aspects of my job, and I have good analytical skills and all the other stuff you pick up from a PhD. I don't, however, have much experience in the business or project management side of things.

I was considering doing a project management diploma or something like that to broaden my skills base. The ISU has therefore been very useful to me as I have had a series of courses and workshops in both project management and business.

Q: Any other comments you wish to make?

A: I am very happy with ISU and am glad I took the opportunity to attend.

Interested in studies in space?

The University of Adelaide offers degrees suited to careers in the space industry, including the Bachelor of Science (Space Science & Astrophysics) and the Bachelor of Engineering (Aerospace Engineering), among others.

For more information visit the University of Adelaide's Open Day - Sunday, August 15.