CCIC Students Collaborate with York Space Systems on Satellite Launch Trophies

This year, the Cherry Creek School District and Cherry Creek Innovation Campus (CCIC) proudly partnered with York Space Systems on an exciting Industry Sponsored Project tied to the launch of their three satellites: Bane, Bare, and Dragon.

As part of this collaboration, students enrolled in the Aerospace Manufacturing Pathway at the CCIC as well as students enrolled in the Engineering Technologies course at Cherokee Trail High School were challenged to put their SolidWorks/CAD skills to the test by designing custom trophies to commemorate each satellite launch.

More than 30 students from both schools participated, creating original trophy designs inspired by the Bane, Bare, and Dragon missions. These designs were then submitted to Dirk Wallinger, the CEO of York Space Systems, who selected the winning concepts. From there, using a high-end Stratasys 3D printer, the selected winners worked closely with their CCIC Aerospace Manufacturing teacher, Paul Clinton, and applied advanced additive manufacturing skills to produce professional-quality trophies worthy of celebrating York Space Systems’ successful satellite launches.

The two CCSD students whose designs were chosen by Dirk Wallinger were Andrew Strong (Bane Trophy) and Teagan Hoza (Bare Trophy) with Vice President of Operations at York Space Systems Anglina Smith and CCIC Aerospace Manufacturing Teacher Paul Clinton. See Photo

Industry Sponsored Projects like this provide students with invaluable opportunities to solve real-world problems alongside real industry partners, while gaining hands-on experience with the tools, technologies, and expectations used in today’s workforce. The partnership with York Space Systems exemplifies how education and industry can work together to inspire the next generation of aerospace and engineering professionals.