Students Alex Nalepka, Jackson Farwick and Brian Cabell examine the Star Tracker navigation system.
On Feb. 24 the Intro to Engineering class from McNicholas High School participated in Engineering Demo Days at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. AFIT is the Air Force’s graduate school of engineering and management as well as its institution for technical professional continuing education.

As a part of Demo Days, students participated in demonstrations and lectures on the science and engineering used in defense technology.

Presentations included a demonstration of autonomous drones for surveillance in the Autonomy and Navigation Technology Center, an explanation of the Star Tracker system for guiding space ships using visual star locations, electrical generation/conservation, principals of aeronautical engineering using balsa gliders and rockets, jet engine technology, hazmat procedures and an description of the Open Skies treaty and the inspections of surveillance planes that are a part of the treaty.