Clemson University has become an official member of the United States Space Force’s University Partnership Program. The Space Force is part of the U.S. Armed Forces, the Department of the Air Force, one of the three civilian-led military departments within the Department of Defense. The Space Force selected Clemson for its strong emphasis on space technology and military background, as well as its ROTC program which has produced many officers, including Space Force Chief of Space Operations Gen, John W. “Jay” Raymond and two Air Force generals assigned to Space Force. Clemson’s expertise in areas such as space physics, photonics, space environment, space weather, and energy storage were cited as specific specialties that the university has to offer. The partnership program is designed to continue to develop advanced technology and capabilities, ensure that the Space Force is developing the space leaders needed for both the Space Force and the nation, and provide an opportunity for the nation’s citizens to grow and develop in the fields of science, technology, and engineering. Other universities in the program include Arizona State University, MIT, Georgia Tech, Purdue University, the University of Texas at Austin/System, The University of Texas at El Paso, Howard University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, the University of North Dakota, and the University of South California.

Here some of main goals:
• Establish opportunities for research, advanced academic degrees and workforce development
• Identify areas of mutual interest to research with other member universities
• Establish scholarships, internships and mentorship opportunities for students and ROTC cadets
• Recruit and develop diverse officers, enlisted and civilian Guardians with a focus in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

There are not so many space educational programs in the world, one of them established in January of 2022. Thunderbird’s Executive Master of Global Management in Space Leadership, Business, and Policy is a 12-month graduate program that helps professionals gain the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the space industry. The program combines practical industry experience with cutting-edge coursework and is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in corporate, startup, nonprofit, and governmental organizations operating in the space industry.