Systems Engineering Seminar

Presented by:
Kenneth Hibbard, Principal Staff and the Mission/Project Systems Engineer
for the Dragonfly New Frontiers mission to Titan



Tuesday, August 10, 2021 - 1:00pm (ET)



WebEx
Meeting number (access code): 199 716 6895
Meeting password: SES@NaSA21
415-527-5035 US Toll

Abstract:

This presentation will provide a brief introduction to systems engineering at APL, as well as some background on Titan. Using this as context, we will then explore the derivation of the Dragonfly concept as a case study for how SE processes were applied to the mission formulation. Key aspects discussed include the mission’s heritage basis and origins, how we get to Titan and operate on its surface, key mission enablers, leveraging the environment, learning to fly, and building the team to execute the mission. Time permitting, the presentation will be followed by a Q&A period with interactive discussion.

Biography:

Kenneth Hibbard received his B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the Pennsylvania State University, and his M.S. in Systems Engineering from the Johns Hopkins University. He has worked at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) for 18 years, and at the Goddard Space Flight Center for 7 years prior, specializing in project systems engineering and the design, development, and implementation of robotic space missions. He has served on numerous flight missions including ACE, SOHO, Swift, MESSENGER, and New Horizons and has led the development of various NASA proposals and concepts, including Europa Clipper, the Titan Mare Explorer (TiME), and the Io Volcano Observer (IVO). Mr. Hibbard has previously supported the RPS development efforts led by NASA GRC, serving as the Surrogate Mission Team (SMT) Lead, acted as the Deputy Program Development Manager at APL for Civil Space, and supervised APL’s Space Systems Engineering Group. Mr. Hibbard is currently principal staff and the Mission/Project Systems Engineer for the Dragonfly New Frontiers mission to Titan.