Abstract:
Almost two years ago I left MKI, LIGO and the (linear) academic track to design sensors for Space Exploration Technologies’ Dragon and Falcon spacecraft. In that time, SpaceX has launched 3 Dragon missions to the ISS, flown the first Falcon 9v1.1 rocket, and performed 8 tests of the Grasshopper vertical takeoff and landing rocket. The modern revitalization of the aerospace industry spearheaded by SpaceX offers many lessons for the physics and astrophysics communities. In this talk, we’ll discuss SpaceX’s test-as-you-fly approach to reliability, the extensive use of commercial hardware to reduce the cost to space, and the career opportunities for physicists in industry.
—————————————-
MIT MKI 2008-2012          LIGO staff scientist
Caltech 2005-2008           LIGO post doc
Stanford 2005                   PhD Applied Physics