News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NR-09-16-26-StarParty
September 16, 2026

Fall Star Party Set for October 16

College of the Canyons will host its Fall 2026 Star Party on Friday, Oct. 16, featuring a keynote presentation by Dave Margrave, chief engineer of the RS-25 Rocket Engine program at L3Harris Technologies.

Margrave will present "Artemis II and the Core Stage Rocket Engine," offering insights into the RS-25 engines that power NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and support the agency's Artemis program.

Supplied by L3Harris, the RS-25 engines generated two million pounds of thrust during the Artemis II mission and powered NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket for the first eight and a half minutes of flight into orbit.

“We are delighted to welcome COC alumnus Dave Margrave back to share his firsthand experience helping power NASA’s Artemis program,” said Dr. Paul Wickline, associate vice president at the Canyon Country campus. “His journey from COC student to aerospace leader illustrates what curiosity and education can make possible. Our Star Party brings the community together to explore, ask questions, and discover the wonders of science.”

With more than 30 years of experience in the aerospace industry, Margrave has built a distinguished career supporting some of the nation's most iconic spaceflight programs.

After graduating from College of the Canyons, the Newhall resident earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Throughout his career, he has contributed to the Space Shuttle and Artemis programs, among other major aerospace initiatives.

In addition to the keynote presentation, attendees can explore the night sky through telescopes with guidance from members of the Local Group Astronomy Club of Santa Clarita and the Antelope Valley Astronomy Club. The evening will also feature science updates from COC faculty and students, including the COC Aerospace and Sciences Team, as well as interactive activity tables and demonstrations.

The Star Party, sponsored by Logix and presented as part of the college's Science Talks series, will run from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at the lower plaza adjacent to the Takeda Science Center on the Canyon Country campus. A food truck will be on site with food available for purchase.

This free event is open to the public. For more information, visit the Canyon Country campus webpage.