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Dr. Thomas George
Supervisor, MEMS Technology Group
In Situ Technology and Experiments Systems Section (384)
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Pasadena, California
Challenges with MEMS/NEMS Technology Development for Space
Applications at NASA/JPL
Abstract
Micro/Nano Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS/NEMS) technologies are
ideally matched to the demanding needs of space applications. These
technologies promise the development of high capability devices and
instruments with ultra-low mass and power consumption. However, very few of
these technologies have the necessary maturity (defined by NASA's Technology
Readiness Levels (TRLs)) for insertion into space missions. This talk
examines some of the many challenges facing MEMS/NEMS development at JPL.
The MEMS Technology Group, in collaboration with other research groups at
JPL and with outside institutions, pursues the development of a wide range
of exciting MEMS/NEMS technologies. The broad classes of technologies being
developed include inertial guidance devices, micro-propulsion devices,
adaptive optics for telescope applications, micro-instruments, nanowire
devices and nano-mechanical resonator devices. These technologies also span
the range of technological maturity from low to high TRL. The group is also
actively pursuing the establishment of a rapid, low-cost, space-testing
program, in an effort to overcome the traditional barriers to the insertion
of new technologies into space missions.
Biosketch
Dr. Thomas George manages the MEMS Technology Group at JPL consisting of
20 researchers working on a wide range of advanced MEMS/NEMS technologies
for NASA's space missions. His own research interests lie in the areas of
MEMS/NEMS-based technologies for in-situ planetary exploration and in the
development of "Picosat" class spacecraft for the rapid, in-space testing of
MEMS/NEMS technologies. Dr. George received his Ph.D. in Materials Science
Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley. He has co-authored
over 40 archival journal publications and holds 4 US Patents.
Wednesday, October 22, 2003
Bourns Hall, Room A265
10:10 a.m.-11:00 p.m.
(Refreshments will be served at 10:00 a.m.) |
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