The NASA Debris Radar (NDR) system was developed to characterize ascent debris liberated during the Shuttle’s crucial ascent phase as it entered orbit. Radar is generally well suited for characterizing ascent debris and is essential during night launches when optical sensors are severely degraded due to dynamic range saturation between the bright plume and black sky. The NDR mission presents challenging radar requirements in terms of target detection, tracking, minimum detectable radar cross section (RCS), calibration accuracy, power profile management, and operational readiness. This talk begins by revisiting the Columbia accident investigation, followed by a description of the NDR system.

Dr. Kent emphasizes that this effort involved the sustained contribution of hundreds of engineers from more than 10 collaborative organizations, and its overall success was solely due to the team’s efforts and dedication to the mission. The sequence of events and lessons learned described in this talk have applicability throughout the Aerospace Industry. The EMC audience can expect to gain considerable insight into space qualified subsystem test and evaluation.

Brian M. Kent, Ph.D.

Dr. Brian M. Kent is currently an independent aerospace consultant with over 43 years of experience in electromagnetic analysis and radar signature measurement technology. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and an international IEEE Distinguished Lecturer for the Antenna and Propagation Society. He is also a Fellow of the Antenna Measurement Techniques Association and of the Air Force Research Laboratory. In 2009, he was a Meritorious Presidential Rank Awardee. Dr. Kent also continues to serve as Adjunct Professor of Electrical Engineering with Michigan State University's Department of Electrical Engineering.

The Spokane River is 111 miles long and stretches from the northern Panhandle of Idaho to empty into the low eastern mountains at Franklin D. Roosevelt Lake in Washington. It is home to species of fish such as Rainbow Trout, Kokanee, Walleye, Yellow Perch, and Smallmouth Bass. In addition is indigenous Salmon, a prime source of nutrition for the native peoples. The river is noted as one of the best fly-fishing rivers in Washington while the Spokane arm of Lake Roosevelt and Long Lake are known for their supreme Walleye fishing spots.

Effective March 1: Large events will no longer be required to verify the vaccination status of patrons.

Effective March 21: Mask requirements will no longer be required for most indoor establishments, including events.

Guidelines may continue to change, for the most up-to-date information regarding requirements please visit Spokane Regional Health District or the Washington State Department of Health.

Questions? Contact us at symposiuminfo@emcss.org