Aerospace is the second largest industry in the state, with over 500 aerospace-related
companies calling South Carolina home. The McNair Aerospace Center's mission is to
support this rapidly growing industry by offering aerospace education, research, outreach
and economic engagement.
Named in honor of SC native and Challenger astronaut, the Ronald E. McNair aerospace education , research leadership and industry advancement .
The main thrust areas of the McNair Aerospace Center's core research include:
Composites
steered fiber nonconventional laminate design
automated novel structural composite part production
multi-disciplinary design optimization of composite (aircraft) structures
automated, fusion based assembly
Combustion
Rapid fuel characterization tools
Combustion control and diagnostics
Energy conversion and propulsion
Predictive Maintenance
Digital transformation of industry
Component testing
Augmented and virtual reality
Data analytics
Unmanned Vehicles
Aerial, ground, and marine unmanned vehicles navigation and control
Design and development of aerial drones
Customization with a variety of sensors to address applications
Partnerships are critical to our success. As we align with industry partners, universities
and the S.C. Department of Commerce, we are dedicated to creating opportunities for
investment and collaboration through the services we provide and the products and
technology that we develop.
The road between South Carolina and space flight is not a very simple one, nor one
filled with guarantees. In fact, the only guarantees to be found are those that reside
in the unchallenged depths of one's own determination.
- Ronald E. McNair (1950-1986)
