Systems Engineering Seminar

Systems Engineering Approach to the
Mitigation of Hazardous Near-Earth Objects (NEOs)

Presented by: Brent William Barbee
Emergent Space Technologies, Inc.

July 11, 2006, 1:00 p.m.
Building 3 Auditorium

Abstract:
Systems Engineering Approach to the Mitigation of Hazardous Near-Earth Objects (NEOs)

The problem of mitigating the threat posed by hazardous Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) is addressed with a systems engineering approach that combines multiple disciplines and process steps. A method for determining the optimal orientation of an applied impulse to deflect an incoming NEO is presented along with a systematic methodology for designing NEO mitigation spacecraft missions for any general hazardous NEO scenario. These techniques are applied to a representative threatening NEO scenario, culminating in the design of a spacecraft mission that successfully mitigates the threat.

Biography:

Brent William Barbee was born and raised in Weslaco, Texas. Mr. Barbee earned his Master of Science in Engineering degree in 2005 while studying Aerospace Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin. His Master's Thesis was entitled Mission Planning for the Mitigation of Hazardous Near-Earth Objects (NEOs), in which Brent developed a technique to optimize the impulsive deflection of NEOs and devised a generalized, systematic approach to spacecraft mission design for NEO mitigation.