AUGUST 2, 2023 – The U.S. Space Force has announced officer, enlisted and civilian selectees for the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School Space Test Course (TPS/STC), which will be hosted at Edwards Air Force Base, California.
Selectees were hand-chosen by a board comprised of a board president and six additional diverse and representative groups of officers, enlisted and civilians representing the USSF Test Enterprise from all Field Commands and the National Reconnaissance Office. Applicants represented the USSF, USAF, U.S. Navy and Intelligence Community.
The Space Force recently announced its continued partnership with the USAF on the course, which will begin instructing selectees January 2024 on robust, methodical test and evaluation processes for space-flight equipment.
“Ensuring our Guardians can effectively test and validate space-flight equipment is crucial to mission success and protecting the space domain for the Joint Force,” Vice Chief of Space Operations Gen. David “DT” Thompson emphasized in the release.
Graduates will be able to evaluate a space system’s entire life cycle while effectively considering future concerns or risks a system may encounter through an integrated testing approach. This approach brings together principles of developmental and operational testing to ensure the unique operating environment of space is considered throughout the testing process.
“This course is a trailblazer in the Department of Defense test community as we train enlisted, officer and civilian cadre side-by-side,” said U.S. Space Force Col. Michael Christensen, USSF Test and Evaluation director. “The Space Force demands combat-credible capabilities, proven and demonstrated, to protect and defend our way of life that depends on free-access to space.”
The STC is another example of how the Space Force partners to win.
“We greatly appreciate the continued partnership of the United States Air Force,” Thompson said. “Our sister service has always been one of our staunchest advocates; this partnership ensures we continue providing the space professionals required to protect America’s interests in space.”
Selectees for the course are below:
- 1st Lt. Abigail Arestides, USSF
- 1st Lt. Justin Bishop, USSF
- 1st Lt. Michael Brittain, USSF
- Capt. Eryn Daman, USSF
- Capt. Brian Erickson, USSF
- Capt. Kaleb Exposito, USSF
- Capt. Jan Huertas, USAF
- Capt. Joshua Lewis, USSF
- Mr. Lucas McLeland, USSF
- Staff Sgt. James Mejia, USAF
- Maj. Kara Metty, USSF
- 1st Lt. Connor Paw, USAF
- 1st Lt. Laura Pulscher, USSF
- Capt. Brendan Ruchlin, USSF
- Capt. Earl Louis Santos, USSF
- 1st Lt. Kevin Tran, USSF
- Lt. Cmdr. Dustin White, USN
- 1st Lt. Xiaohang Zhang, Air Force Reserve
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs