Talk synopsis:
This talk discusses a range of key Space Shuttle Ascent Aerodynamics lessons learned over the last 25 years of the Program, followed by a discussion on the development of launch and entry spacecraft aerodynamic/aerothermal databases. This talk was originally created for an Aerosciences technical interchange meeting with Commercial Crew companies to share key lessons with the growing space vehicle community.
Biographical sketch:
Reynaldo Gomez started work at JSC in May of 1985 after completing a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Rice University. He has worked on a wide range of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) applications over the last 39 years, ranging from simulations of wind loads on the Shuttle prior to launch through hypersonic reentry flowfields. In addition to reviewing all integrated aerodynamics products for the Space Shuttle Program, he led the development of wind tunnel tests, CFD simulations, and inflight Shuttle debris transport assessments. Ray is currently the JSC Engineering Directorate aerodynamics discipline lead and serves as the Multi Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV) Aerodynamics Subsystem Manager and on the Cross Program Integration Team for MPCV and the Space Launch System (SLS).