Steve's experience in
Lighter than air vehicles.
SUMMARY OF PROFESSIONAL CAPABILITIES AND INTERESTS
My career spans over 47 years of Lighter-Than-Air (LTA) and inflatable space structures. This has encompassed work in designs of zero-pressure, super-pressure, Sky Anchor, HiSentinel stratospheric airships and inflatable antennas for both terrestrial and planetary missions. I have extensive experience in ground and flight operations, mission planning and implementation for each of the afore mentioned systems and missions while at the Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility (CSBF), NASA and Southwest Research Institute (SwRI). I was responsible for research and development as well as Reliability and Quality Assurance (R&QA) and Safety for many of the fabrication, ground and flight specifications and procedures as well as the conducting of failure/anomaly investigations. As part of this I established materials testing labs for both the CSBF and NASA Balloon Program Office (BPO). I rose through several levels of engineer at the CSBF to the Chief, NASA Balloon Program Office to Senior Program Manager at SwRI. Managerially, I was responsible for developing a Technology Research Group at the BPO, and a LTA Group at SwRI. My duties included the vision, focus, staffing and personnel performance reviews as well as funding for those efforts. While at the BPO, my responsibilities encompassed oversight for the BPO personnel and the several operational facilities located in Palestine, TX, Fort Sumner, NM, Antarctica, Australia, Sweden. Duties included negotiations with US civilian, government and commercial agencies/organizations, Department of Defense (DOD) as well as international overflight agreements. I have served on both national and international technical committees. Through my career I was awarded the NASA Exceptional Service Medal, as well as numerous other awards. I currently hold a patent, with another pending for a spherical, inflatable THz antenna.
My current desire is to retire from full time work yet not fully retiring from LTA and inflatables. I want to be able to assist where my experience can significantly contribute. I have no exclusive agreements therefore I am free to work and contribute freely with any other organization within the bounds established by any Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs).
• EDUCATION
Formal: Texas A&M University, B.S Aerospace Engineering, 1974
Management: “IT Security Awareness Program”, SwRI, 2019
Technical: “Fire Prevention and Safety”, SwRI, 2019
Management: “Product Assurance Program Training”, SwRI, 2017
Technical: “IEEE SMC-AES-Lighter than Air Systems, IEEE, 2016
Management: “Employee Relations for Supervisors”, online; 2013
Management: “Orientation to Fair Employment Practices” online, 2013
Management: “Performance Evaluation Fundamentals”, online, 2013
Management: “Successful Cost Estimating Methods”, SwRI, 2005
Management: “Business Risks and Conflicts of Interest, SwRI, 2005
Management: “Sexual Harassment Prevention and Resolution for Managers”, online, 2005
Management: “Basic Risk Management; System Safety Practice”, NASA, 1999
Technical: Electrostatic Discharge Control, NASA, 1999
Management: On-Site ISO 9000 Training, 1999
Management: “Risk Management Seminar for Managers”, 1999
Communication: “Publishing on the Internet”, Office Automation Seminars, 1996
Management: “How To Master Your Time”, Brian Tracy Tape Series, 1994
Management: “Strategic Influence”, Anthony Robbins Seminar: Washington, D.C., 1994
Management: “Secrets of Power Negotiating”, Roger Dawson Tape Series, 1994
Personal Development: “Power Talk”, Anthony Robbins Tape Series, 1993
Management: “A Blueprint for Excellence”, NASA, 1993
Management: “Cultural Diversity in the Workplace”, NASA, 1992
Personal Development: “Personal Power”, Anthony Robbins Tape Series, 1992
Contracting/Program Management: “Source Evaluation Board Training Course”, NASA, 1991
Contracting: “The Technical Evaluation and Analysis Process”, NASA, 1990
Management: Morris Massey Video Series "What You Are Is What You See", NASA, 1989
Management: Video Series "Toward Excellence", NASA, 1989
Management: Goddard Leadership Education Series, NASA, 1987
Communication: Advanced Effective Briefing Techniques, NASA, 1984
Contracting: Competitive vs. Non-competitive Procurement, NASA, 1984
Technical: Micro - computer Short Course, NSBF, 1980
Technical: Aerodynamic Decelerator Short Course, University of Minnesota , 1980
Technical: Electronic Systems, International Correspondence School (ICS), 1979
• HONORS, AWARDS
Patent Pend.: “Large Reflector Inflatable Space Based Telescope”: Application 16/743,264, 2020
Patent: “Spherical Balloon Reflectors for Space Based Applications”, 154779 15154760, 2019
NASA Group Achievement Award - 2003
GSFC Group Achievement Award - 2002
Lighter-Than-Air Society Achievement Award – 2001
NASA Exceptional Service Medal - 1990
NASA Group Achievement Award - 1988
GSFC Performance Awards - (1998, 1990-2002)
GSFC Special Act Award - 1996
GSFC Certificate of Outstanding Performance - 1993
GSFC Special Act Group Award - 1992
GSFC Special Achievement Award - 1985
GSFC Quality Increase Award - 1983
• EXPERIENCE
...
• PROFESSIONAL COMMITTEES/MEMBERSHIPS
COSPAR PSB1 Main Scientific Organizer (MSO) for the Paris 2004 conference (2003-2004)
US/Russian Space Science Executive Joint Working Group (2000-2002)
COSPAR PSB1 Deputy Scientific Organizer (DSO) for the Houston 2002 World Space Congress (2001-2002)
COSPAR Organizing Committee (1998-present)
American Institute of Aeronautics & Astronautics (AIAA) (1972 - 1979, 1989 - 2002)
AIAA Balloon Systems and Technology Technical Committee (1989 - 1994)
AIAA Aerodynamic Decelerator and Balloon Technology Committee (1978 - 1979)
• PROFESSIONAL PUBLICATIONS
I. Steve Smith, Jr., et al., “The Large Balloon Reflector (LBR): Architecture and Concept of Operations”, 42nd OSPAR Scientific Assembly. Pasadena, CA, July 2018
Ira Steve Smith, Jr., Christopher Walker, et al., “Recent Developments in a Large Inflatable Antenna”, IEEE Aerospace Conference, Big Sky, Montana, March 2018
I.Steve Smith, Jr., et al., “The Investigation and Measurement of Balloon Dynamics at the Apex and Base of a Scientific Balloon”, 2017 AIAA Aviation Forum and Exposition, June 2017
I. Steve Smith, Jr., et al., “Large Balloon Reflector (LBR), 2017 Balloon Workshop. Minneapolis, Minnesota, May 2017
Christopher Walker, I. Steve Smith, et al. “Spherical Reflectors for Space Based Telescopes”. IEEE Aerospace Conference, Big Sky, Montana, March 2017
I. Steve Smith, Jr., et al., “Large Balloon Reflector (LBR), 2017 Balloon Workshop. Minneapolis, Minnesota, May 2017
Christopher Walker, I. Steve Smith, et al. “Spherical Reflectors for Space Based Telescopes”. IEEE Aerospace Conference, Big Sky, Montana, March 2017
German Cortes-Medellin, Steve Smith, et al., “Optical Design for the Large Balloon Reflector”, SPIE Astronomical Telescopes+Instrumentation/Edinburgh, U.K., 2016
I. Steve Smith, et al. “Investigation and Measurement of Balloon Dynamics at the Apex and base of a Scientific Balloon”. IEEE Aerospace Conference, Big Sky, Montana, March 2016
I.Steve Smith, Jr., et al., “Mechanical Design of the 10 Meter Sub-Orbital Large Balloon Reflector (LBR)”, 40th COSPAR Scientific Assembly, August 2014
Christopher Walker, I. Steve Smith, et al. “10 Meter Sub-Orbital Large Balloon Reflector (LBR)”. IEEE Aerospace Conference, Big Sky, Montana, March 2014
J. A. Gaskin, I. S. Smith, W.V. Jones, Introduction to the Special Issue on Scientific Balloon Capabilities and Instrumentation”, Journal of Astronomical Instrumentation, Vol. 3, No. 3 2014
I.Steve Smith, “Stratospheric Airship Design & HiSentinel”, 2nd International Conference and Exhibition on Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, September 2014
William Perry, Michael Fortenberry, I. Steve Smith, “TALS (Tactical Aerobotic Launch System), AIAA Balloon Systems Conference, 20th AIAA Lighter-Than-Air Systems Technology Conference, March 2013
I.Steve Smith, Jr., et al., “Stratospheric Airship Design Sensitivity”, 39th COSPAR Scientific Assembly, Mysore, India, July 2012
I.Steve Smith, Jr., et al., “HiSentinel80: Flight of a High Altitude Airship” , 11th AIAA Aviation Technology, Integration, and Operations (ATIO) Conference, including the AIAA Balloon Systems Conference and 19th AIAA Lighter-Than, Virginia Beach, VA, Sep. 20-22, 2011
Michael Lee, I. Steve Smith, Stavros Androulakakakis, “The High Altitude Lighter Than Air Airship Efforts at the US Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command, 20th AIAA Aerodynamic Decelerators Systems Technology Conference, April 2009
I. Steve Smith, Jr., Michael Lee, “The HiSentinel Airship”, AIAA June 2007
I.Steve Smith, Jr., et al., “An Airborne Balloon Launch System (ABLS): Heritage, Concepts and Applications”, June 2007
I.Steve Smith, Jr., et al., “A Mars 2011 Balloon Mission Study: Assumptions, Science Drivers, Modeling and Results”, June 2007
I.Steve Smith, Jr., et al., “A Mars 2011 Balloon Mission Trade Study”, COSPAR 2006, Beijing, China, July 2006
I.Steve Smith, Jr., et al., “HiSentinel: A Stratospheric Airship”, COSPAR 2006, Beijing, China, July 2006
I.Steve Smith, Jr., et al., “Stratospheric Airships: SOUNDER and CHHAPP”, AIAA, 2005
I.Steve Smith, Jr., et al., “A Balloon Tug for Latitudinal Trajectory Control”, AIAA, 2005
I.Steve Smith, Jr., et al., “A High Altitude Large Aperture Antenna Vehicle (HALAAV)”, AIAA 2005
Steve Smith, Ron Black, “Managing Balloon Projects- A Changing Paradigm: A Retrospective Look”, 35th COSPAR Scientific Assembly-World Space Congress, Paris, July 2004
I. Steve Smith, Jr., “Goddard’s Balloon Program-Code 400 Links”, The Critical Path, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Volume 11 Number 2, May 2003.
I. Steve Smith, Jr., “Ultra-Long Duration Balloon: Consideration for Large Scale Membrane Structures”, Cambridge University Guest Lecture, Cambridge University, Cambridge, England, October 2002.
I. Steve Smith, Jr., “The NASA Balloon Program: Looking to the Future”, 34th COSPAR Scientific Assembly-World Space Congress, Houston, TX, October 2002.
V. Kerzhanovich, I. Steve Smith, Jr., et al. “Breakthrough In Mars Balloon Technology”, 34th COSPAR Scientific Assembly-World Space Congress, Houston, TX, October 2002.
I. Steve Smith, Jr., “Ultra-Long Duration Balloon Technology and Its Implications for Planetary Exploration and Gossamer Spacecraft”, Keynote address, 3rd AIAA Gosammer Spacecraft Conference, Denver, CO, April 2002.
I. Steve Smith, Jr., “The NASA Balloon Program: An Overview”, 33rd COSPAR Scientific Assembly, Warsaw, Poland, July 2000.
I. Steve Smith, Jr., “Overview of the Ultra Long Duration Project”, 33rd COSPAR Scientific Assembly, Warsaw, Poland, July 2000.
I. Steve Smith, Jr., James A. Cutts, “Floating in Space”, Scientific American, New York, NY, November 1999.
I.S. Smith, Jr., “The Ultra-Long Duration Balloon Project: A New Capability”, AIAA International Balloon Technology Conference, Norfolk, VA, June 1999.
Jonathan M. Cameron, I. Steve Smith, James A. Cutts, Steven M. Raqué, “Versatile Modeling and Simulation for Earth and Planetary Balloon Systems”, AIAA International Balloon Technology Conference, Norfolk, VA, June 1999.
I. Steve Smith, Jr., “The Ultra Long Duration Balloon Project”, 32nd COSPAR Scientific Assembly, Nagoya, Japan, July 1998.
I. Steve Smith, Jr., J.M. Simpson, S.M. Raque, M.A. Said, H.M. Cathey, “The Mars 2001 Balloon Design”, AIAA International Balloon Technology Conference, San Francisco, CA, June 1997.
Nock, K.T., J. Balaram, M.K. Heun, I.S. Smith, T. Gamber, “ Mars 2001 Aerobot/Balloon System Overview”, AIAA International Balloon Technology Conference, San Francisco, CA, June 1997.
I. Steve Smith, Jr., "Advancements in NASA Balloon Research and Development", 30th COSPAR Scientific Assembly and Associated Events, Hamburg, Germany, July 1994.
I. Steve Smith, Jr., "Overview of the NASA Balloon R&D Program", The World Space Congress, Washington, D.C., August 1992.
I. Steve Smith, Jr., "NASA Test Flights With Increased Flight Stress Indices", AIAA-91-3665, AIAA International Balloon Technology Conference, Albuquerque, New Mexico, October 1991.
I. Steve Smith, Jr., "NASA Balloon Design and Flight: Philosophy and Criteria", COSPAR XXVII Plenary Meeting and Associated Activities, The Hague, The Netherlands, July 1990.
I. Steve Smith, Jr., "A Stress Index Model for Ascending Balloons", AIAA 7th Conference On Sounding Rockets, Balloons and Related Space Systems, Ocean City, Md., October 1986.
I. Steve Smith, Jr., "A Stress Index Model for Balloon Design", COSPAR XXVI, Advances in Scientific Balloon Technology, Toulouse, France, July 1986.
I. Steve Smith, Jr., "Recent Materials Problems Relating to Catastrophic Balloon Failures", COSPAR XXV, Advances in Balloon Science and Technology, Graz, Austria, June 1984.
I. Steve Smith, Jr., "Development of the Sky Anchor Balloon System", Tenth AFGL Scientific Balloon Symposium, Portsmouth, NH, August 1978.
I. Steve Smith, Jr., "Scientific Balloon Materials Development", COSPAR XXI, Scientific Use of Balloons and Related Technical Problems, Innsbruck, Austria, June 1978.
I. Steve Smith, Jr., A. Shipley, "Long Duration Balloon Platform", IAF XXVII Congress, Anaheim, Ca., October 1976
• MISCELLANEOUS ACTIVITIES/HOBBIES
- Amateur Astronomer
- Certified SCUBA diver
- White water rafting
- Hunting: rifle, black powder and bow
- Fishing: salt and fresh water
