Department of Aerospace Engineering

Robert F. Brodsky, B.S. in ME, Cornell; M.S. AER E, ISU; ScD in Engr., NYU; M.S. in Math, U. New Mexico; and former head of AER E department in the 70's

"False Starts in Space"

Robert F. Brodsky will be presenting a seminar, "False Starts in Space," on October 19, 2006 at 10:00 AM in Room 1235 Howe Hall.

There will be a reception following this seminar.

"False Starts in Space," is a discussion of some of the more imaginative programs particularly in the 60's, that were brought to fruition or close to fruition only to find no immediate application or a change in the political environment.  Among these are the "Air Turbo Rocket," the "Nerva" nuclear engine, an original Aerospace plane, the "Snap 8" nuclear power supply the "First" space lifeboat, the AF "Mol" (Manned Orbiting Lab, and the "Rift" (Reactor in-flight test).  Latter day mis-steps include the various CRS's and the failed SSTO (Singe Stage to Orbit) endeavor.

Robert F. Brodsky has just published his first book, "On the Cutting Edge," (distributed by U. Nebraska Press).  The beginning of the book is largely devoted to his experience at Sandia Corporation from 1949 to 1956, where he was responsible for the exterior design of all of the early atomic bombs and the first H-Bomb.  Later chapters are concerned with early pioneering projects in space exploration while working for Aerojet and TRW, and his professional adventures in academia at Iowa State University and the University of Southern California.  He retired from TRW (now Northrop Grumman Space Technology) in 1988 and from USC in 1996.  He has 2 other books ready for publication and a fourth almost completed.