Aerospace Engineer since June 1981.
Expert in Attitude Control Subsystem (ACS) mathematical modeling for space flight projects and studies, that include Cassini, Magellan, various proposals and DoD spacecraft studies.
- dynamic equations of motion
- geometrical modeling
- physics-based models for subsystems
- 3D rendering
- utilization of multiple software
systems
I graduated from the Florida Institute of Technology in June 1981 with two Bachelors degrees in Physics and Space Science. I attended University of Colorado (Boulder) for several semesters between 1983 and 1987, earning 80% of a Masters in Aerospace Engineering Sciences. From 1987 to 1990 I earned a Masters degree in Physics from the University of Denver in Denver Colorado. In 1989 I passed my Doctoral Qualifying exam in Physics. All during this time (1981-1993) I continued to work fulltime at Martin Marietta Astronautics Group.
For the past 25 years, my emphasis has been placed on developing mathematical algorithms for mission design, attitude control, and other physics-based models, including the development of the ground software for simulation, commanding and validation on various spacecraft flight projects.
The greatest emphasis for these 25 years has involved spacecraft attitude and sensor pointing modeling, including
many types of graphical aids to facilitate the useability of the resulting output from these software models.
> Development of the majority of the Cassini Attitude Control simulation and uplink software system (mid-90s - 2005).
> Development of a major piece of the Attitude prediction software for Magellan (late 1980's and early 1990's)
> Construction of new innovative techniques for software simulations on the X-33 project (late 1990's version of the Space Shuttle replacement)
> Orbital mechanics modeling on numerous spacecraft projects and studies at Martin Marietta (1980's)
I have varied interests within the area of mathematical modeling of spacecraft dynamics systems. My experience in industry is primarily within the mathematical formulation and software development of spacecraft attitude and orbital dynamics. My Master's degree in Physics (1987-1990) and my majority of a Masters in Aerospace Science (1983-1986), earned throughout the first half of my career, contributed towards keeping my theoretical skills in shape. Reading detailed mathematical treatments of modern physics subjects, as a hobby, also contributes to my retention of most all physics subjects. Research interests include combining mathematical models involving Robotics, Avionics, Thermal, Electro-
magnetics, ... into tightly integrated simulation packages, useful to answer various "technology" questions arising within advanced studies at JPL and software applications for flight projects.
My background in the Planetary and Astrophysical sciences (B.S Space Science, F.I.T., 1981) provides me with unique abilities concerning both the spacecraft simulation development and the Science data-gathering aspect of a mission.