Presented By: Michigan Engineering
The Era of Autonomy in Space Exploration – It’s Finally Here!
Dr. Robert Braun
Abstract:
For decades, space exploration has conjured visions of advanced technology. However, for much of our history, spaceflight has made limited use of autonomy and onboard computational capability. This has changed in the past few years, particularly at more distant locations or in applications where the number of collaborative sensors is large. This seminar will review the systems trade between ground-in-the-loop and autonomous operations from a risk perspective, discuss recent advances in space exploration enabled by autonomy, and highlight the new class of spaceflight missions possible in the coming decade. Recent examples from the speaker’s experience working with the Mars Perseverance, Ingenuity, and DART project teams will be referenced.
Speaker Bio:
Dr. Robert D. Braun has more than 35 years experience as a space systems engineer, technologist, and organizational leader. He has contributed to the formulation, development, and operation of multiple space flight missions and is a recognized authority in hypersonics technology and the development of and entry, descent and landing systems. Dr. Braun presently serves on the executive leadership team of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory. He previously served as Director for Planetary Science at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Colorado Boulder, a faculty member of the Georgia Institute of Technology, and on the technical staff of the NASA Langley Research Center. In 2010-2011, Dr. Braun served as the first NASA Chief Technologist in more than a decade with responsibility for development of the Agency’s technology and innovation policies and programs. He created and led the initial implementation of a spectrum of NASA technology programs designed to mature the capabilities required for our nation’s future in space. Dr. Braun is a member of the National Academy of Engineering, a Fellow of the AIAA and AAS, and the author or co-author of over 300 technical publications.
For decades, space exploration has conjured visions of advanced technology. However, for much of our history, spaceflight has made limited use of autonomy and onboard computational capability. This has changed in the past few years, particularly at more distant locations or in applications where the number of collaborative sensors is large. This seminar will review the systems trade between ground-in-the-loop and autonomous operations from a risk perspective, discuss recent advances in space exploration enabled by autonomy, and highlight the new class of spaceflight missions possible in the coming decade. Recent examples from the speaker’s experience working with the Mars Perseverance, Ingenuity, and DART project teams will be referenced.
Speaker Bio:
Dr. Robert D. Braun has more than 35 years experience as a space systems engineer, technologist, and organizational leader. He has contributed to the formulation, development, and operation of multiple space flight missions and is a recognized authority in hypersonics technology and the development of and entry, descent and landing systems. Dr. Braun presently serves on the executive leadership team of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory. He previously served as Director for Planetary Science at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Colorado Boulder, a faculty member of the Georgia Institute of Technology, and on the technical staff of the NASA Langley Research Center. In 2010-2011, Dr. Braun served as the first NASA Chief Technologist in more than a decade with responsibility for development of the Agency’s technology and innovation policies and programs. He created and led the initial implementation of a spectrum of NASA technology programs designed to mature the capabilities required for our nation’s future in space. Dr. Braun is a member of the National Academy of Engineering, a Fellow of the AIAA and AAS, and the author or co-author of over 300 technical publications.
Livestream Information
ZoomMarch 30, 2023 (Thursday) 3:00pm
Meeting ID: 98754209693
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