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Keith Belvin - NASA Langley, Space Technology Mission Directorate - Principal Technologist for Structures, Materials, and Nanotechnology
Thu. Oct. 25 | Wolf Law 204 | 11:00 am
Reception to follow
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Abstract: Autonomy and robotics are revolutionizing the current space paradigm, particularly by enabling in-space assembly and manufacturing capabilities. Together, on-orbit servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (OSAM) capabilities allow large, persistent space assets to be constructed and routinely upgraded in space. These capabilities enable unprecedented spacecraft sizes and keep permit routine updates to spacecraft instruments and systems. Development or robust OSAM capabilities will transform space operations capabilities and provide significant economic and performance benefits for both government and commercial space endeavors.

From the beginning of the space program, spacecraft have been built, integrated, and tested on the ground before being launched then discarded when the mission ended.Ìý The launch vehicle always constrains the mass and volume that can be transported to orbit on a single flight.Ìý As spaceflight moves into its second half-century, this traditional approach has reached an asymptote at which the next increments of performance become impossible or prohibitively expensive.Ìý But this asymptote comes at exactly the time when several advances coalesce to make it possible to assemble major structural components in space, to service and upgrade spacecraft there, and ultimately to manufacture components in space.Ìý The new paradigm could begin a new performance curve, inviting innovations that would make established uses of space far less expensive and wholly new ones feasible.

This lecture describes future in-space capabilities that are needed for assembling and constructing large science observatories and human exploration systems. The benefits, challenges and opportunities of modular space vehicle architectures are discussed. Of particular interest to the astrophysics community is the possible use of OSAM capabilities to construct exoplanet imaging telescopes. This class of telescope, with primary mirror diameters of 10-20, far exceeds the launch shroud diameter of even the new NASA Space Launch System.

Bio: Dr. Belvin is the Principal Technologist for NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) in the areas of structures, materials and nanotechnology.Ìý He is an internationally recognized expert in structural design, analysis, and testing and specializes in the areas of space vehicles, deployable systems, autonomous in-space assembly and manufacturing, composites materials, and structural applications of nanotechnology. He has over 40years of experience in aerospace and previously served as the Chief Technologist for the NASA Langley Research Center and Chief Engineer for Structures and Materials.Ìý

Since 2010, he has been responsible for national program leadership in developing NASA’s space technology program to foster innovative, high impact aerospace technology.