• Robert Braun
  • Associate Professor
  • David and Andrew Lewis Associate Professor in Space Technology

Contact Information

Office: Knight 321-3
Phone: 404.385.6171
Fax: 404.894.2760

Education

  • B.S., Aerospace Engineering, 1987, Pennsylvania State University
  • M.S., Astronautics, 1989, George Washington University
  • Ph.D., Aeronautics and Astronautics, 1996, Stanford University

Biography

Dr. Braun leads an active research program focused on the design of advanced flight systems and technologies for planetary exploration. Recent research projects include Mars landers designed as precursors for human exploration, robotic concepts capable of powered flight in planetary atmospheres, entry system architectural concepts for human return from the Moon, integrated design and aeroelasticity analyses for inflatable ballute entry systems and engineering mitigation strategies for planetary defense. He is responsible for undergraduate and graduate level instruction in the areas of space systems design, astrodynamics and planetary entry. Prior to coming to Georgia Tech, Dr. Braun worked at NASA for fifteen years where he contributed to the design, development, test, and operation of several robotic space flight systems. He was a member of the Mars Pathfinder design team from 1992 to 1997, participating in landing operations for this mission. He has also contributed to the Mars Global Surveyor, Mars Microprobe, Mars Sample Return and Mars Odyssey flight projects. From 2001-2003, Dr. Braun managed the development of the ARES Mars Scout mission, a proposed scientific survey utilizing a Mars airplane. He is an AIAA Fellow and the principle author or co-author of over 150 technical publications in
the fields of planetary exploration, atmospheric entry, multidisciplinary design optimization, and systems engineering. Dr. Braun presently serves on the Jet Propulsion Laboratory Advisory Council, the Pennsylvania State University School of Aerospace Engineering Advisory Council, and the AIAA Space Systems Technical Committee.

Research

Design and analysis of advanced flight systems and technologies for planetary exploration, with an emphasis on the following:
  • Entry, descent and landing technology
  • Planetary atmospheric flight
  • Robotic and human Mars exploration
  • Space systems engineering
  • Multidisciplinary design optimization

Honors and Distinctions

  • Fellow of the AIAA
  • AIAA Lawrence Sperry Award, 1999
  • NASA Exceptional Achievement Medals (2 times)
  • NASA Group Achievement Award (7 times).

Selected Publications

  • Putnam, Z.R.; Bairstow, S.H.; Braun, R.D.; and Barton, G.H.; "Improving Lunar Return Entry Footprints Using Enhanced Skip Trajectory Guidance," Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, Vol. 45, No. 2, pp. 309-315, Mar-Apr, 2008.
  • Christian, J.A.; Manyapu, K.; Wells, G.W.; Lafleur, J.M.; Verges, A.M.; and Braun, R.D.; "Sizing of an Entry, Descent, and Landing System for Human Mars Exploration," Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, Vol. 45, No. 1, pp.130-141, Jan-Feb, 2008.
  • Braun, R.D.; and Manning, R.M.; “Mars Entry, Descent and Landing Challenges,” Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, Vol. 44, No. 2, pp. 310-323, Mar-Apr, 2007.
  • Putnam, Z.R.; Braun, R.D.; Rohrschneider, R.R.; and Dec, J.A; “Entry System Options for Human Lunar Return,” Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, Vol. 44, No. 1, pp. 194-202, Jan-Feb, 2007.
  • Braun, R. D., and Kroo, I. M.: "Development and Application of the Collaborative Optimization Architecture in a Multidisciplinary Design Environment. Multidisciplinary Design Optimization: State of the Art," N. Alexandrov and M. Y. Hussaini, Editors, SIAM, February 1997..