An overview of the space shuttle development, design and operations.
The Space Shuttle program, initiated by NASA in 1972 and concluded in 2011, marked a revolutionary era in space exploration. This reusable spacecraft system comprised five orbiters: Columbia, Challenger, Discovery, Atlantis, and Endeavour. They collectively completed 135 missions. Highlights include the deployment of the Hubble Space Telescope, pivotal work on the International Space Station, and numerous scientific experiments yielding invaluable insights. The program experienced both triumphs and tragedies, notably the Challenger and Columbia disasters, which underscored the inherent risks of space travel. Ultimately, the shuttle program left a legacy of innovation and international cooperation in human spaceflight. The presentation will provide an overview of the space shuttle development, its design and operations, and provide insight into the Challenger and Columbia Disasters.
IEEE members need to pay $20.00, to offset the cost of the lunch, which covers about 80% of the actual cost. Guests are $25.00 and Students are $5.00. Please bring cash or a check as we cannot process credit cards at this time. La Fonda’s lunch items are offered via a menu of three choices plus tea or water. We appreciate your consideration and we look forward to seeing you there.
Date and Time
Location
Hosts
Registration
-
Add Event to Calendar
- 8633 Crownhill Blvd
- Private Room
- San Antonio , Texas
- United States 78209
- Building: La Fonda
- Contact Event Hosts
- Co-sponsored by EMB
- Starts 25 June 2026 05:00 AM UTC
- Ends 16 July 2026 05:00 AM UTC
- No Admission Charge
Speakers
Ben
History, design & launch of the Space Shuttle.
Biography:
Biography:
Ben Jurewicz has more than 40 years of experience in Aerospace/Defense, Financial Services, Consulting and Information Systems.
He has held senior roles at several Fortune 500 companies, including RDX, Northrop Grumman and USAA.
Ben has undergraduate degrees from King’s College(A.B. In Mathematics) and Penn State (B.S. in Aerospace Engineering).
He also holds two graduate degrees in Aeronautics & Astronautics Engineering from MIT (M.S. and E.A.A.) and an MBA from the University of CT.
Since 2005, he has been on the faculty of St. Mary’s University, teaching a variety of engineering classes.
Ben is married to Mary Francis Jurewicz for 56 years and has lived in San Antonio for the last 33 years.
Mary and Ben have three children, all residing in the greater San Antonio area.