I work in the Advanced Mission Design Branch of the Aeroscience and Flight Mechanics Division.  Our branch does mission design and trajectory work for potential Moon or Mars missions, as well as the X-38, which is the program I’m working with right now. The X-38 Program is a research, development, and test program to design an Emergency Crew Return Vehicle (CRV) for the International Space Station.  The CRV is basically a “life boat” for the astronauts to get home safely if something goes wrong on the station.  One of the most interesting things about the X-38 is that it lands using a giant parafoil and an associated flight control system to automatically steer the vehicle down safely and accurately.  The parafoil is just like the parachutes that skydivers use – except much bigger. In fact, it is the biggest parafoil ever flown – 7500 ft²!  It is a really neat project to work on.  I’ve had the opportunity to participate in field tests at Yuma Proving Grounds, AZ, Texas A&M University, and even here on site at JSC. 

Before I graduated and came here to work full time, I spent six “tours” as a co-op, doing work that included Mars mission studies, Shuttle and Station mission operations, and Mars spacesuit design.  During that time, I participated in a program each semester where groups of two or three co-ops would go to local high schools and speak about their co-op experiences, college, and the space program.  It was lots of fun, so I’m looking forward to working with and getting to know all of you!

In my free time, I enjoy playing drums, roller hockey, tennis, video games, jogging, reading, movies, and watching sports.  I’m a big fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Pittsburgh Penguins, looking forward to the Houston Texans, and I’m even starting to follow the Houston Astros.