Houston, Tx -
Four Barrios employees were recently recognized by United Space Alliance for their efforts as part of the Ares 1-X Team. This team received the 2009 Fourth Quarter Quest for Excellence – Technical Achievement Award for their leadership, dedication and critical contributions in support of the successful Ares 1-X mission.

Michael Harvey, Dusty Saenz, Michael Scott and Chauncey Williams all supported the Flight Design and Dynamics (FDD) integrated Range Safety / Day of Launch (DOL) team. This 23-member initially operated behind the scenes during the two-year effort to design the Ares 1-X mission and prepare for Ares 1-X launch day operations. NASA’s Langley Research Center (LaRC) served as prime. Over time, however, LaRC recognized the FDD Team had the years of Shuttle experience and the expertise as subject matter experts that were critical to verification and validation and delivery of range safety products as well as day of launch processes.

The team responded to the needs by modifying current tool sets, saving LaRC personnel from having to create custom code. The team also heavily modified an existing trajectory simulation tool to match the Ares 1-X flight profile. Team members conducted detailed trajectory output data comparisons between the trajectory simulation tools utilized by LaRC, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center and NASA Johnson Space Flight Center to ensure the integrity of the final Range Safety products.

FDD team members played a critical role in supporting Ares 1-X day of Launch operations, contributing significantly to the establishment of key decisions making tools such as launch commit criteria and countdown timelines.

All Constellation program elements were appreciative of this team’s contribution to the safety and success of the Ares 1-X mission.

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For more Barrios Technology news and information contact Barbara Lewis at 281-280-1966