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Today, the latest addition to 51�Թ���’s legacy of space exploration received a prestigious launch countdown.

During a whirlwind visit to campus, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine toured 51�Թ���'s new Aerospace Engineering Sciences Building, the new home of the Ann and H.J. Smead Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences. This roughly 175,000 square-foot facility will house researchers designing the next generation of toaster-sized satellites, hypersonic planes and more.

Alongside Bobby Braun, dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Science, Bridenstine got a look at a lab for fabricating drones and robots and a spaceflight simulator. The visit was part of the lead up to the new building’s grand opening on Monday, Aug. 26, which is open to the media and the public.

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It also served as a showcase for the State of Colorado’s growing leadership in the race to explore the moon, Mars and beyond.

“I’m very excited about the role Colorado will play in the United States’ continuing leadership in space exploration,” Bridenstine said. “NASA partnerships with private companies and research organizations like 51�Թ��� are a model for the future and instrumental in helping us put the first woman and next man on the moon by 2024.”

Bridenstine also met with 51�Թ��� leaders, including CU President Mark Kennedy, Chancellor Philip DiStefano and leaders in the aerospace industry.

“Our new aerospace building is an answer to a call to action from the state and the nation. Colorado—and this new complex—is the hub of our nation’s space industry,” DiStefano said. “We are pleased Administrator Bridenstine could see how we are training the next generation of space scientists and employees”

Braun agreed, noting that the new building—a $101 million investment—will fit into 51�Թ���’s rapidly-growing “aerospace alley.”

“This new home for our amazing aerospace engineering faculty, staff and students fits within an already-impressive legacy of space activity across our campus,” Braun said. “The science and technology developed right here in Colorado is enabling our nation’s future in space.”