Joe Z
- Research Program Mentor
Industry expert at Northeastern University
Expertise
space, aerospace, robotics, satellites, mechanical, design, mechatronics, systems engineering, 3D CAD
Bio
I am an spacecraft systems engineer with a passion for bleeding edge technology and pushing the human race forward! My undergraduate degree was focused on biomechanics and biomedical engineering. After working at several medical device companies, I realized that it wasn't my true calling and shifted to the space industry where I have been ever since. In 2015 I joined a satellite propulsion startup working on productizing a technology called ion electrospray. In 2020, I joined a lunar robotics company working on bringing America back to the Moon! I am currently developing a rover that will seek water ice in the lunar south pole, scheduled for flight in 2023! My day-to-day involves working closely with NASA and other aerospace engineers across disciplines such as electrical, mechanical, and software engineering. When I was first starting out, I worked with a lot of mentors and am always working to pay it forward. I'm looking forward to working with you to not only teach and mentor, but also learn some things in return. Besides work, I am passionate about all manner of games : board games, card games, video games, sports (ball games?). I have always been interested in game theory and the strategies behind both playing and designing games.Project ideas
Lunar Power Plant
Design a system to provide power to a lunar habitat. Calculate power in vs. power out. How do you get it to the Moon? This project would include system-level power, infrastructure, and mission design. You will have to look into what technologies currently exist and what technologies would have to be further developed. You will learn how to follow NASA Technology Readiness Levels (TRL). Could you develop a proposal through this idea? How much money would it cost? How much time would it take? How many people would you work with? You will learn how to lay out a schedule with Gantt charts, and how to lay out a proposal.
Astronaut Tools
What tools should astronauts on the Moon have access to? Complete a trade study for a toolkit. Do all of the tools exist in space-worthy materials? Maybe you can design one that currently doesn't exist! You will learn what materials can and can't be used in space and why. You will think through what tools might be needed on the lunar surface and develop operating procedures for the tools that you design. You will learn how to complete a trade study. When faced with multiple design considerations, how do you weigh your options and ensure that you are making a good decision?