Pete Freeland
Pete is a PhD Aerospace Studies graduate student in the online program. He is currently working at Northrop Grumman as the Payload Design IPT Manager, developing an advanced sensor system on a new satellite system. His experiences including roles as the Chief Test Conductor on the space shuttle program, lead integration and test engineer on the X-37, X-38, X-40, and several modules of the International Space Station. He flew B-52 bombers in the Air Force for 5 years, and has worked as a civilian test pilot with nearly 2000 hours flying aircraft ranging from small Cessnas to Boeing 737, Learjet, and has a glider rating as well. In 2015 he was selected in the first class of astronaut candidates for Project Possum, and is working towards preparation for a suborbital flight. He currently flys his Beech Bonanza whenever he has the urge for a $100 hamburger. A true “left brain/right brain” person, Pete is a professional film and television actor as well as a Screen Actors Guild producer. You can see him on show such as “Criminal Minds” and many science shows on Discovery and National Geographic channels in addition to several Superbowl commercials. Pete holds a BS in Aerospace Engineering from USC, and a MS in Aeronautics from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. When he isn’t working he can be found tinkering on his multiple car projects, teaching scuba diving off Catalina Island, or hiking & fishing in the local mountains.