pmac

CATA Students Sign Stowage Locker Panels as part of the HUNCH Program for NASA

Today Mr. Bill Gibson, Education Mentor / Engineering Specialist with NASA, visited Cullman Area Technology Academy (CATA) to allow students in the Precision Machining program to autograph Stowage Locker components that will soon be flight certified by NASA and used in the International Space Station. This is a culminating event that started with CATA building door panels for the Stowage Locker’s last year. Mr. Tim White, PMAC instructor, has been involved with HUNCH for several years. HUNCH (High Schools United with NASA Creating Hardware) is a partnership between industry and education that allows students access to materials and machining processes that build tremendous capacity in the craft and creates awareness for the opportunities in the machining business.  CATA’s most recent project with HUNCH is building handrails for astronauts to train with. The handrails serve as anchoring points at multiple locations throughout a station.

“I couldn’t be more excited and proud for these students and Mr. White and Mr. Capps. We have incredible students that are matched with incredible teachers. Just imagine - students from Cullman Alabama have signatures that will be at the International Space Station!!! I am truly thankful for the support of Dr. Barnette and the Board Members for supporting CATA and the role we play in preparing students for success in today’s workplace” – Billy Troutman

“This is winning situation for everyone. Our students get hands-on experience in a real-world setting. It doesn’t get much better than having the chance to work with NASA. How cool is it that!! We have built something that is going in space, not many people get that opportunity!” Tim White – PMAC Instructor

Picture of signed Stowage Locker

Picture of Simulation Handles mentioned in the article