Dr. Hassan A. Hassan Distinguished Lecture Series: “The Coming Decade of Planetary Science” with Dr. Braun

In this seminar, Dr. Braun will describe JPL’s (Jet Propulsion Laboratory) present efforts in planetary science and potential future opportunities in this domain. From landing Perseverance on Mars to flying Ingenuity across the red planet to preparing for the exploration of ocean worlds in the distant reaches of our solar system and formulating Mars Sample return, humanity’s first roundtrip mission to another planet, a new era of planetary exploration is underway. Dr. Braun will highlight the development and operations challenges of these compelling missions of scientific discovery. He will also discuss plans for JPL to better engage with and grow the planetary science community.

 

Biography:

Bobby Braun joined the JPL leadership team as Director for Planetary Science in 2020. He began service as a Professor of Aerospace at Caltech this same year. At JPL, Dr. Braun has leadership and management responsibility for the portfolio of planetary science formulation, technology, implementation and operations activities at the Lab. 

Dr. Braun has more than 30 years’ experience as a space systems engineer, technologist, and organizational leader. He is a recognized authority in the development of entry, descent and landing systems, and has contributed to the formulation, development, and operation of multiple space flight missions.

Previously, Dr. Braun served as 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 a member of the technical staff of the NASA Langley Research Center. Working with his students, Dr. Braun has led research into a broad range of space technology concepts that have been infused into spaceflight missions for NASA, the USAF and the aerospace industry.

In 2010-2011, Dr. Braun served as the first NASA Chief Technologist in more than a decade. In this capacity, he was responsible for development of the Agency’s technology and innovation policy and programs, and led the implementation of a broad spectrum of NASA technology programs designed to build the capabilities required for our nation’s future space missions. This activity spanned industry, academia, and all 10 NASA Centers, and fostered partnerships between NASA and other government agencies. 

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. He received a Ph.D. in aeronautics and astronautics from Stanford University, an M.S. in astronautics from the George Washington University, and a B.S. in aerospace engineering from the Pennsylvania State University.

Those unable to attend in person can watch the lecture live at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sd4WyVDLeu4.