Tektronix Donates Oscilloscopes to Support NASA Rocket Design Education Program

BEAVERTON, Ore., July 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Tektronix, Inc., a leading worldwide provider of test, measurement and monitoring instrumentation, today announced that it has donated DPO2012B oscilloscopes to 2013 NASA Student Launch Projects Challenge winning teams. This is the third year that Tektronix has donated oscilloscopes as major prizes to winning project teams. For 2013, oscilloscopes were awarded to Vanderbilt University for winning the 2013 NASA Student Launch Program Best Payload Design and to Tarleton University for winning the 2013 NASA Student Launch Program NASA Science Mission Directorate (SMD) Payload Award.

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The NASA Student Launch Projects challenges middle, high school and college students to design, build and launch a reusable rocket to one mile above ground level while carrying a scientific or engineering payload.  Fifty-seven (57) teams of engineering, math and science students participated in the annual challenge, organized by NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala. Twenty-one (21) middle and high school teams entered the non-competitive Student Launch Initiative, while thirty-six (36) college and university teams competed in the University Student Launch Initiative.

"Like innovative technology companies such as Tektronix, NASA is committed to educating the next generation of scientists and engineers by giving them opportunities to step outside the classroom and take on real-world projects," said Tammy Rowan, manager of Marshall's Academic Affairs Office. "Student Launch Projects accomplishes this through a rigorous set of requirements involving design, project review and budget management."

"Nothing prepares students for a career in science or engineering like actually launching a rocket under the guidance of NASA scientists," said David Farrell, General Manager of Mainstream Oscilloscopes, Tektronix. "The Student Launch Projects challenge is a highly effective and important way to train and mentor future generations and Tektronix is proud to have the opportunity to support this innovative program."

Vanderbilt has been selected for this award by NASA engineers for this highly competitive award for the third consecutive year.  Details of their project can be viewed at: http://www.vanderbilt.edu/USLI/2013/

2013 was the first year that Tarleton University participated in the NASA Student Launch Program, making this achievement even more noteworthy.  Details of their project can be viewed at: http://www.tarleton.edu/COSTWEB/usli/index.html

For more information about the NASA Student Launch Projects (SLP), visit: http://education.msfc.nasa.gov/slp.

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About Tektronix
For more than sixty-five years, engineers have turned to Tektronix for test, measurement and monitoring solutions to solve design challenges, improve productivity and dramatically reduce time to market. Tektronix is a leading supplier of test equipment for engineers focused on electronic design, manufacturing, and advanced technology development. Headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, Tektronix serves customers worldwide and offers award-winning service and support. Stay on the leading edge at www.tektronix.com.

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