Human Rated Spaceflight Sensor Applications; Past, Present and Future
ABSTRACT
This talk will focus on multiple sensor applications and experiments that were conducted on the Space Shuttle, Space Launch System (SLS) and International Space Station (ISS). Additionally, a brief discussion on the future expansion of human presence beyond the ISS located in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) regarding several remote robotic sensing applications required to pave the way for future successful human habitation efforts on the Moon, Mars and beyond.
BIOGRAPHY
Ray Polniak started at Kennedy Space Center in 1984, assigned to support Shuttle’s External Tank and Solid Rocket Booster programs (ET/SRB). He worked with the Director of the Special Projects in response to an Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel Committee mandate, earning a special commendation from the Committee’s Chair. Following that, Ray became the Ops Manager at Pads 39A & 39B for ET/SRB, integrating the Mobile Launcher and Hypergolic crews with the ET/SRB launch pad crew. The team received an award and Ray returned to ET/SRB as Quality Manager for all processing locations. As Shuttle closed, Ray assumed Quality Management of the IBEW, COMFAC, and Quality Engineering personnel. He was also USA Quality Manager in support of the first paperless launch vehicle processing (ARES-1X) at Pad-39B.
In 2013, Ray began providing Quality Management oversight to the Center for Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS), continuing his support for the past 9 years. Their most significant ISS accomplishment to date is with Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany Laboratories in the development of a drug delivery system that was given to former President Jimmy Carter for his brain cancer. Ray graduated Magna Cum Laude and is Certified in both Aviation and Aerospace Safety and Management from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU). He is a Certified Manager through The National Management Association, James Madison University, and the Institute for Certified Professional Managers (ICPM).
During the past 35 years at KSC, Ray Polniak has supported 121 Shuttle launches, and been a Manager in the VAB, the RPSF, the AF Hangar, Pads 39A & 39B, the OPF, and the SLF. He has worked for Grumman, Morton Thiokol, Thiokol, Lockheed Martin, United Space Alliance, CSS Dynamac, CASIS, and the ISS National Laboratory. Ray has also served as President and Vice President of both the Florida Space Coast Council (FSCC), The United Space Alliance Leadership Association (USALA), and National Management Association (NMA).