Recent AE alum helps to develop new Lunar Lander Test Bed

4/9/2013 Written by Susan Mumm

AE alumnus Wayne W. Neumaier, BS 07, MS 08, has been instrumental in the testing of the Lunar Lander Test Bed (LLTB) that will be used to demonstrate and mature technologies required for future NASA robotic space exploration.

Written by Written by Susan Mumm

From left to right (all Orion Propulsion Employees): Mark Wells, Don Parker, Wayne Neumaier, Andy Crocker (project Manager), Herman Pickens, and Tim Pickens (Founder and Technical CEO of Orion Propulsion)
From left to right (all Orion Propulsion Employees): Mark Wells, Don Parker, Wayne Neumaier, Andy Crocker (project Manager), Herman Pickens, and Tim Pickens (Founder and Technical CEO of Orion Propulsion)
From left to right (all Orion Propulsion Employees): Mark Wells, Don Parker, Wayne Neumaier, Andy Crocker (project Manager), Herman Pickens, and Tim Pickens (Founder and Technical CEO of Orion Propulsion)

AE alumnus Wayne W. Neumaier, BS 07, MS 08, has been instrumental in the testing of the Lunar Lander Test Bed (LLTB) that will be used to demonstrate and mature technologies required for future NASA robotic space exploration.

Teledyne Brown Engineering (TBE) and Orion Propulsion, Inc. (OPI) successfully demonstrated the LLTB in May, capping the delivery of this unique hardware to the Von Braun Center for Science and Innovation (VCSI). The LLTB was presented, complete with rocket engine firings, at the dedication of TBE’s Space Systems Manufacturing Center in Huntsville, Alabama.

OPI conceived, designed, built, tested, and delivered the LLTB propulsion system in only 14 weeks, providing an innovative solution to customer requirements both on-schedule and on budget. Neumaier, who joined the project four weeks into its start, was responsible for every aspect of testing, from writing procedures to designing test rigs, to construction and running tests, to processing and reporting all the data.

While a student in AE, Neumaier was involved with Illinois Space Society, Float’n Illini and IJet.

OPI designed the complete propulsion system, designed and fabricated new components not available commercially, managed vendors and subcontractors, tested all components and subassemblies, verified system performance against requirements, and delivered a complete acceptance data package with the hardware to TBE, the prime contractor and vehicle integrator.

OPI developed the propulsion system at its facilities in Madison, Alabama. TBE completed vehicle integration in Huntsville, Alabama. VCSI will conduct LLTB flight-testing at Marshall Space Flight Center later this spring and summer.

Headquartered in Huntsville, OPI is a small woman-owned aerospace company specializing in spacecraft and rocket propulsion design and fabrication, testing services, ground support equipment, and launch operations support.


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This story was published April 9, 2013.