UL Lafayette Expands Aerospace Programs With NASA Ties

University leaders met NASA officials in Houston as the school plans new aerospace engineering offerings beginning Fall 2027.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Space

Wide view of a white rocket on a launch pad at the edge of a flat Louisiana marsh under warm golden-hour light, with a low engineering building in the distance. — University of Louisiana at Lafayette President Ramesh Kolluru led a delegation to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston as the school plans an aerospace engineering concentration starting Fall 2027. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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University of Louisiana President Ramesh Kolluru led a delegation to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston to explore collaboration. The University of Louisiana at Lafayette plans to launch an aerospace engineering concentration beginning Fall 2027.

Why it matters

SpaceX's planned development of the world's largest spaceport near Pecan Island is accelerating growth of Louisiana's aerospace industry and creating new demand for a skilled workforce. The university's expanded programs are aimed at meeting that demand.

The planned offerings include an aerospace engineering concentration within the mechanical engineering bachelor's program, a minor in aerospace and autonomous systems, and a space computing systems concentration and minor. Specific enrollment targets and funding amounts have not been disclosed.

The players

Ramesh Kolluru

Ramesh Kolluru is the president of the University of Louisiana System, leading the delegation to NASA.

NASA Johnson Space Center

NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston is the agency's primary center for human spaceflight training and mission operations.

The details

University leaders met with NASA officials to discuss internships, faculty engagement, collaborative research, and industry-informed curriculum development. Dean Ahmed Khattab of the College of Engineering participated in the discussions with NASA leaders.

Last week: University delegation visits NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston.
Fall 2027: Aerospace engineering program begins at UL Lafayette.

Season Trajectory

The planned spaceport development near Pecan Island is accelerating the growth of Louisiana's aerospace sector. Universities across the state are now building programs to supply the engineers that industry will require.

Students interested in aerospace engineering can prepare for the concentration that begins in Fall 2027. Those considering the new minors in aerospace and autonomous systems or space computing should monitor the university's official announcements for enrollment details.

The takeaway

Louisiana's growing aerospace industry is creating demand for new engineering skills, and university programs are beginning to respond. Students weighing a technical degree may find these emerging concentrations worth tracking.