What is NASA HUNCH?
NASA HUNCH (High school students United with NASA to Create Hardware program) is a national instructional partnership between NASA and high school or intermediate/middle school students to participate in the design and fabrication of real-world value products for NASA.
This year marks the 20th year for the popular program, with over 500 classroom programs participating across 46 states. HUNCH has sent over 3,000 items to the International Space Station since 2003. HUNCH programs include Design and Prototype, Software, Hardware, Sewn Flight Articles, and more!
Mastercam and NASA HUNCH
Mastercam has been a proud partner with NASA HUNCH since 2018. The partnership brings free software, resources, and support to schools who participate.
How does Mastercam help bring students ideas into space? “Mastercam is the tool that bridges the gap between machinists and engineers. It helps them speak the same language,” says Roy Bellard, Hardware Education Manager for NASA HUNCH.
Schools who participate in HUNCH will have access to all the tools within the Mastercam Educational Suite, including our latest Dynamic Milling toolpaths and simulation tools to verify how parts will be cut before the code is ever entered into the machine.
All of the functionality of the industrial version of Mastercam is included in the Mastercam Educational Suite, including Design, Mill, and Lathe. HUNCH participants will also have access to a standard library of free post processors.
Loy Trevino, Manager of Business Partnerships for NASA HUNCH, recently visited the Mastercam headquarters and toured our Manufacturing Lab. Click the video below to hear more from Loy on this exciting partnership.
Ready to Join?
The mission of NASA HUNCH aligns with Mastercam’s of empowering and inspiring students into the world of manufacturing. If your school is a part of the NASA HUNCH program, sign up at https://www.mastercam.com/nasa-hunch/ to receive your free license of Mastercam today! For additional information and questions, please contact Educational.Programs@mastercam.com.
