Abstract: Today, the U.S. is in the unseemly position of having to rely on the Russian government for human access to space.  How did we get in this position?  Since the development of the Space Shuttle, the U.S. has struggled with taking the next steps in space transportation development.  Some estimates indicate that over $80 billion has been expended in trying to replace the Shuttle – and we have yet to fly the successor.   This session will explore lessons learned from previous transportation system developments and will present approaches that may enable more affordable and rapid development of space systems in the future.

Biography: Steve Cook is Director of Space Technologies at Dynetics, headquartered in Huntsville, Ala. He was selected for the position in September 2009 to lead Dynetics’ efforts in launch systems, orbital spacecraft and analysis, planetary exploration and nanotechnology research. Cook is responsible for overseeing Dynetics’ efforts in advanced propulsion development and launch systems development, including integration support and hardware to Paul G. Allen’s Stratolaunch Systems and NASA’s Space Launch System, the FASTSAT commercial satellite system, and NASA and Google Lunar X PRIZE planetary lander demonstrations.

From September 2005 until September 2009, Cook served as manager of the Ares Projects Office at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville. He was responsible for overall project management and direction of NASA’s Ares I and V launch vehicles.

Prior to his appointment as manager of the Ares Projects Office, Cook served as deputy manager of Marshall’s Space Transportation Programs and Projects Office. He was responsible for planning and directing research, technology and development activities for future generations of space transportation and advanced propulsion systems for more ambitious scientific exploration missions of our solar system.

Steve has received numerous honors and awards during his career. In 2009, he was awarded the Meritorious Executive Presidential Rank Award for his sustained achievements as manager of the Ares Projects. In 2007, he received the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal for his exemplary management of the Exploration Launch Projects Office, along with a NASA Exceptional Service Medal in 2006 for outstanding efforts as a member of the Exploration Systems Architecture Study.

Steve also received in 2006 the Holger Toftoy Award from the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. The award recognizes outstanding technical management by a section member in aeronautics and astronautics. In 2000, he was a nominee for the Rotary Stellar Award, recognizing outstanding achievements by individuals and teams who have made significant contributions to the future of the U.S. space program.
He received the NASA Outstanding Achievement Medal in 1999 for exceptional accomplishment in the area of space transportation.

Steve serves on the board of directors for the National Space Club-Huntsville, the Space Transportation Committee of the International Astronautical Federation and the Space Transportation Technical Committee of the American Institute for Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), and he is an AIAA Associate Fellow. He also serves on the industrial advisory committee’s for the Aerospace Engineering Department’s at the University of Minnesota and Alabama and is a board member for Athens Bible School, a private Christian educational institution.

Steve has authored more than 20 papers on advanced space propulsion and launch systems and was a contributing author of the 1997 McGraw Hill Aerospace Yearbook. He holds a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering and mechanics from the University of Minnesota. In 2008, he attended the Harvard Business School’s Leading Product Development Course.

Contact: Steve can be reached by e-mail at steve.cook@dynetics.com for additional information about this Weekend Conference session.

Website: www.dynetics.com

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/stevecookalabama