Robert D. Braun
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Dr. Robert D. Braun was named by NASA Administrator Charles F. Bolden the agency's Chief Technologist on February 3, 2010. Dr. Braun as the NASA Chief Technologist will be responsible for advising the NASA Administrator on technology policy and programs.[1]
Education
B.S., Aerospace Engineering, 1987, Pennsylvania State University
M.S., Astronautics, 1989, George Washington University
Ph.D., Aeronautics and Astronautics, 1996, Stanford University
Biography
Dr. Braun leads an active research program focused on the design of advanced flight systems and technologies for planetary exploration. Recent research projects include entry, descent and landing systems analyses and technology maturation to enable eventual human exploration of Mars, robotic concepts capable of powered flight in planetary atmospheres, entry system architectural concepts for human return from the the International Space Station and the Moon, integrated design and aeroelastic analyses of inflatable aerodynamic decelerators, development of a recovery system for in-space biological science experiments, and engineering mitigation strategies for planetary defense. He is responsible for undergraduate and graduate level instruction in the areas of space systems design, astrodynamics and planetary entry. Prior to coming to Georgia Tech, Dr. Braun worked at NASA for sixteen years where he contributed to the design, development, test, and operation of several robotic space flight systems. He was a member of the Mars Pathfinder design team from 1992 to 1997, participating in landing operations for this mission. He has also contributed to the Mars Microprobe and Mars Sample Return flight projects. From 2000-2001, Dr. Braun served as Deputy Program Manager and Chief Engineer of NASA's Intelligent Synthesis Environment program, where he led and integrated NASA's advanced engineering environment technology development activities. From 2001-2003, Dr. Braun managed the development of the ARES Mars Scout mission (a proposed scientific survey utilizing a Mars airplane) including the successful ground-based and high-altitude flight test program. He is an AIAA Fellow and the principle author or co-author of over 175 technical publications in the fields of atmospheric flight dynamics, planetary exploration systems, multidisciplinary design optimization, and systems engineering. Dr. Braun presently serves on advisory councils for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the Pennsylvania State University School of Aerospace Engineering, and the Planetary Society.[2]
Research
Design and analysis of advanced flight systems and technologies for planetary exploration, with an emphasis on the following:
- Entry, descent and landing technology
- Planetary atmospheric flight
- Robotic and human Mars exploration
- Space systems engineering
- Multidisciplinary design optimization
Honors and Distinctions
- Fellow of the AIAA
- AIAA Lawrence Sperry Award, 1999
- NASA Exceptional Achievement Medals (2 times)
- NASA Group Achievement Award (7 times).
- Hesburgh Award Teaching Fellow, 2009
Selected Publications
- Braun, R.D.; and Manning, R.M.; “Mars Entry, Descent and Landing Challenges,” Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, Vol. 44, No. 2, pp. 310-323, Mar-Apr, 2007.
- Christian, J.A.; Manyapu, K.; Wells, G.W.; Lafleur, J.M.; Verges, A.M.; and Braun, R.D.; "Sizing of an Entry, Descent, and Landing System for Human Mars Exploration," Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, Vol. 45, No. 1, pp.130-141, Jan-Feb, 2008.
- Clark, I.M.; Hutchings, A.L.; Tanner, C.L.; and Braun, R.D.: “Supersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerators for Use on Future Robotic Missions to Mars.” Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, Vol. 46, No. 2, pp. 340-352, Mar-Apr, 2009.
- Korzun, A.M.; Braun, R.D.; and Cruz, J.R.; “A Survey of Supersonic Retropropulsion Technology for Mars Entry, Descent and Landing,” Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, Vol. 46, No. 5, pp. 929-937, Sept-Oct, 2009.
- Theisinger, J.T.; and Braun, R.D.; “Multidisciplinary Hypersonic Entry Aeroshell Shape Optimization,” Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, Vol. 46, No. 5, pp. 957-966, Sept-Oct, 2009.