Allan Sherman

WORK EXPERIENCE:

2005-present: Consultant to NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD.
Chair of the Engineering Review Board for the James Webb Space Telescope. Conduct major design reviews and audits, approve results and path forward, advise program on technical matters and lead resolution of specific technical issues. Chaired or participated in major design/test/data reviews of mission system, sunshield, system level tests, instruments, bus structure, optical telescope, GSE, thermal system, cryogenic cooler, and others. Participated in teams conducting major design modifications. Proposed additional tests for verification and to cut time from costly telescope thermal vacuum test. (All recommendations were accepted). Lead technical team to resolve issue with pressure in fairing of launch vehicle. Participated in launch vehicle flight readiness reviews.

2003-2005: East Coast Manager, Ball Aerospace and Technology Corporation, Seabrook, MD. Evaluated and managed the development of optical components and test devices for the James Webb Space Telescope. Led or participated in trade studies, such as for selecting the cryogenic cooling system for instrument detectors. Participated in Ball proposals for weather and earth observing space satellites and instruments.

1997-2002: Chief Technologist, Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, Sunnyvale, CA (co-located in Greenbelt, MD). Director, Technology and Advanced Programs, Space Sector, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Bethesda, MD. Led or participated in reviews of space weather, military, NASA and commercial communication programs. Reviewed and provided guidance on new work plans, flight program proposals and technology. Monitored and provided guidance for commercial communication flight programs. Chaired launch vehicle failure and satellite anomaly boards. As Mission Success Manager for the NASA Earth Observatory Satellite Terra mission, was responsible for assuring the success of the satellite, launch vehicle and ground system by providing guidance and approval of the technical acceptability of the system prior to launch.

1994-1997: Director of Engineering, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD. Managed a multi-disciplined organization of over 900 personnel, which was technically responsible for the design, development and test of spacecraft and components for all of Goddard’s space and earth science programs. Directed technology development programs and flight satellite and Shuttle flight instrument programs. Reviewed and provided technical guidance for Goddard flight programs. Chaired Goddard New Business committee, member of Goddard Executive council and NASA Engineering Management Board.

1990-1994: Deputy Director of Engineering, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD. Assisted in management of the Directorate in organizational, personnel and technical issues. Provided technical oversight for flight programs and supervised Directorate flight program managers. Was a member of numerous flight program review and readiness boards. Chaired the Goddard Strategic Plan Committee. Led or participated in critical flight program technical issue teams.

1966-1989: Various management and technical positions, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD. As a Division Chief and Associate Division Chief of the Space Technology Division, directed personnel and teams in the development of flight systems and technology in spacecraft power, guidance and control, cryogenics, propulsion, electromechanical systems, robotics and optics. Was instrumental in the development of the Cosmic Background Explorer mission (Cobe), which was one of NASA's most complex space science missions. Two project scientists for Cobe received Nobel Prize for Physics for Cobe data. Created and was Head of the Cryogenics and Propulsion Branch, performing and directing pioneering development work in space cryogenics systems. Was NASA co-lead for propulsion for the TDRS satellite "rescue" mission. Led or member of interagency groups in space technology. Performed thermal design, analysis and test for NASA satellites and instruments; designed and tested space cryogenic systems and performed space systems studies. Conducted technology development in cryogenic systems and electric propulsion.

1964-1966: Senior Engineer, Pratt and Whitney Aircraft, E. Hartford, CT. Performed the design, analysis experimental studies on the development of fuel cell power systems and space heat pipes.

1962-1963: Development Engineer, Aerojet-General Corp, Asuza, CA. Designed, analyzed and tested new rocket engines, including variable thrust and solid/liquid hybrids. Supported and wrote sections for the lunar excursion module descent engine proposal.

EDUCATION AND RELATED ACTIVITIES:

Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering, Cornell University, 1962
Master of Mechanical Engineering, Cornell University, 1964
Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, University of Maryland, 1969
Teaching at undergraduate and graduate level at University of Maryland
Member of the University of Maryland Baltimore County Industrial Alliance
Chairman of University of Maryland Aerospace Engineering External Advisory Board (1994-present)
Member of National Research Council study team on Advanced Engineering Environments (design tools)

AWARDS AND PUBLICATIONS
NASA Distinguished Service Medal
NASA Medal for Outstanding Leadership
NASA Medal for Exceptional Engineering Achievement
NASA Goddard Outstanding Service Award
U. S. government Senior Executive Service Presidential Rank
Over twenty publications and three patents
Numerous group awards for James Webb Telescope
Distinguished Public Service Medal