News Releases
Teledyne Brown Employee Recognised by NASA For Innovative Ares Design
11/27/2006 3:04:54 PM
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (November 27, 2006) — Teledyne Brown Engineering, Inc. (TBE) today announced that Ernie Thomas, a senior design engineer, was recently recognized by NASA’s John H. Glenn Research Center (GRC) for his innovative design concept for the Upper Stage simulator for the Ares I–1 test flight.
Thomas, who has 16 years supporting NASA initiatives at Teledyne Brown, developed a segmented design concept for the Upper Stage simulator for the Ares I-1 mission. This design resulted in significant time and cost savings for NASA.
In appreciation for his efforts, Thomas was presented with an award from Dr. Scott J. Horowitz, Associate Administrator for the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate, and a letter of commendation from Woodrow Whitlow, Jr., Director of GRC.
“I commend your creativity, your teamwork, and your special efforts in establishing this unique design concept,” said Whitlow. “It is always a special privilege when I get a chance to recognize outstanding employees for their great accomplishments and contributions in the implementation of our NASA goals.”
“Teledyne Brown is proud of Ernie Thomas’s outstanding work for NASA,” said Jim Link, president, Teledyne Brown Engineering. “Thomas reflects the attitude and zeal of our TBE team members who work to help NASA achieve its goals through reducing costs and delivering superior solutions. We congratulate Thomas on this award.”
Teledyne is supporting NASA on the development of the roll control system for the Ares I-1 test flight, scheduled to occur in 2009. Ares I-1 uses a four-stage Reusable Solid Rocket Motor (RSRM) for propulsion with a spacer segment, frustum, interstage, upper stage, and Orion crew exploration vehicle models/simulators. The roll control system will control the roll of the Ares I-1 from launch through booster separation. Teledyne Brown is teaming with Marshall Space Flight Center engineers for the design and will be responsible manufacturing, assembly, test, integration, and post-flight analysis. This test flight will lead to the development of the Ares I crew launch vehicle designed to carry the Orion crew exploration vehicle to space for mission to the International Space Station and, later, for trips to the moon.
The awards ceremony took place recently at GRC.