Patrick Alsup Email & Phone Number

Dulles Va

Deployable StructuresSupported 5 proposals, won 2 proposals, winning programs with a total value of >$250M.Responsible for all phases of development for complex articulated and deployable structures for spacecraft. Proposal preparation, including conceptual design, schedule, and costing. Detailed design of components and assemblies for articulated structures, kinematic analysis, prototyping, flight qualification, and flight integration. Invented unique system and mechanisms for cubesat deployable structure. Anomaly resolution, including rework instructions and determination of root causes and corrective actions.Small Spacecraft Deployables: Developed unique deployable structure for mini/micro/nano-sat applications, including structure, mechanisms, and harness requirements. The deployed structure can be tailored for several purposes, including power generation, stability, and sensor enhancement. Configured as a solar array, this structure can offer a cubesat over 100 W power.Small Spacecraft deployable structure and mechanisms controlled by Northrop Grumman as Trade SecretNPOESS Solar Array Technical Lead (for outsourced array, ~ 6 months): Due to the # of instruments on board, the solar array was an oversized 7 panel (20 Kw) on the end of a long telescoping boom, with issues that included an *n well below the requirement. Devised an alternate solution (also 7 panels), which reduced weight by ~50 lbs, increased first mode frequency by 20%+, and stowed blue side to provide some power during satellite in orbit transfer.Performed conceptual and detail design, on several programs, including JWST, ORS, MOIRE, MuSAR, and other open and closed programs.

Performed analysis and troubleshooting for mechanical and thermal control systems. Developed processes and interface requirements to ensure effective, predictable, and repeatable performance of tightly constrained components. Wrote an optical analysis Mathcad program to perform diffuse reflection analysis for an optical subsystem.

Developed operational concepts for flight and ground support equipment (GSE) mechanical functions, including processes and schedule. Defined requirements for flight hardware/GSE interfaces and GSE capabilities. Designed and developed GSE and processes to support unique build and test requirements. Created mathematical models and performed analyses to optimize GSE capabilities, prove effectiveness, and determine operational requirements and constraints.

Mechanical design lead for Boeing Six Panel Planar Solar Arrays, technical expert for department mechanical issues. Designed and oversaw fabrication of new six panel solar array from existing parts within six months to meet highly compressed schedule. Developed robust processes and procedures to ground test solar array components and assemblies. Devised design processes to minimize variation across all solar arrays to contain costs, ensure that all program requirements are met, and deliver on time to tight schedules. Wrote software for optical analyses for development products and over-illumination analyses to ensure solar array performance

Supported design and deployment testing of spacecraft systems to facilitate critical alignment and deployment requirements for all deployable structures. Developed analysis packages to predict and authenticate mechanism performance during ground tests. Redesigned and improved offloaders for deployable structures to enable effective and robust ground tests. Performed spacecraft integration of sensors, thrusters, and antennas, alignment for nearfield antenna testing, post-environmental survey, flight final. Coordinated with support organizations to improve process flow and incorporate lessons learned. Shortened cycle time for solar wing deployments from an average of 18 shifts to 6 shifts.

Developed installation procedures to minimize parts count and variability of systems in limited access areas. Revised JPATS subsystem designs, including hydraulics, landing gear, fuel systems, and powerplant installation to optimize aircraft performance and take advantage of improved manufacturing capabilities. Analyzed and optimized Raytheon Aircraft tubing design database. Used CATIA to evaluate component design, verify suitability of manufacturing processes, and prove systems integration and installation procedures prior to first part fabrication.

Conducted fast response nationwide VIP and aeromedical airlift missions. Evaluated unit and base flight operations and determined actions to eliminate potential flight risks. Trained in mishap investigation and root cause analysis. Monitored Air Force mishap trends and recommended corrective actions. Devised automated system to sort and classify mishap reports and reduced man-hours dedicated to message traffic by more than 50%.

Planned and performed worldwide military airlift mission, including operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. 2000 total hours as rated C-141B pilot. Aircraft commander for crews of up to 8 enlisted and officer members

USAF Flight Training

Analyzed, modeled, and evaluated performance and effectiveness of aerospace systems, including aircraft, missiles, and lasers. Initiated development of simplified many vs. many manned air combat model to evaluate air-to-air tactics.

Researched ultimate strength, fatigue characteristics, and failure modes of alternative light-weight composite structures. Designed, fabricated, and tested simulated co-cured aircraft structures. Demonstrated delayed buckling and associated fatigue failure in thin-wall closed stiffeners by using remain-in-place foam mandrels to replace removable mandrels.

Master Of Science, Mechanical Engineering

Emphasis on structural dynamics.

Bachelor Of Science, Aerospace Engineering

Mechanical Engineering