Morehead State University has an almost secret program for embracing the challenges of a demanding 21st century better than any other Kentucky. It has a space program.

With Eastern Kentucky's leadership now focusing on all of the assets for a new regionalism in Eastern Kentucky, Morehead State University is rapidly moving to take advantage of its unique space age experiences and projects.

These projects include robotics, space satellite communication, construction of space experiments and space technology education. There is a state budget race on for higher education just surviving. MSU is fighting to make sure bold steps into science pays off. The MSU program is one of only five like it in the nation.

As we reported last week, Kentucky aerospace industry is rapidly becoming a major exporter for the state.

“Kentucky made products and services reached a new high of $25.3 billion dollars in 2013. This is the third year in a row that Kentucky exports have performed at new highs...

Leading Kentucky’s export growth is aerospace products ($5.6 billion), followed by motor vehicles and parts ($5.5 billion) and synthetic rubber and resin ($1.4 billion).”

Below is data taken from the Morehead online description about their space program.

The Department of Earth and Space Sciences is a mulch-disciplinary unit encompassing degree programs in astrophysics, geology and earth systems science and space science. Students will play a direct role in conducting fundamental research in areas such as astronomy and areas of geology as well as applied research in space systems development.

At MSU, faculty members with diverse scientific experience in space programs offer a new asset for students conducting space science experiments. From studying the behavior of volcanoes and plate tectonics to gathering data from the farthest reaches of space, Morehead State’s faculty members have a wealth of experience and knowledge.

Explore Much More at Morehead State

The Department offers a unique opportunity to participate in space exploration thanks to the Ronald G. Eaglin Space Science Center. Since the facility opened in 2009, students have been actively involved in the planning, design, construction and operation of numerous satellites launched into space through partnerships with NASA and other aerospace agencies. Once those space craft are in orbit, Morehead students gather data thanks to the department’s 21-meter space tracking antenna, located on a mountaintop overlooking campus.

The department also offers learning opportunities to students, faculty and staff members and the general public through the Star Theater. The state-of-the-art planetarium seats up to 90 people for educational programs, laser light shows and more. Teachers can also plan field trips to the Star Theater and access learning resources to coordinate with the program students will be viewing.