Reentry Spacecraft
The RED (Re-Entry Device) family of products consists of multiple spacecraft designed to survive reentry from space. Reaching up to 4000 degrees Fahrenheit and undergoing an extreme vibration environment, these spacecraft required extensive design, analysis, and testing.
As the lead Mechanical Engineer for the project, my work included mechanical design, analysis, testing, and integration to the host spacecraft. I designed the device and onboard electronics to survive atmospheric reentry while transmitting material performance and flight data to aid in the material selection for future space exploration missions. I presented the mechanical design and safety features at on-site NASA Safety Reviews to qualify for launch to the International Space Station.
Three RED-Data2 units of my design were successfully flown to the International Space Station in 2017.
Above and Beyond
With the design of the RED-Data2 completed and flown to the ISS, I then helped the client continue to expand on the family of reentry products, focusing on returning samples from space.