Making Strides in the Advancement of Human Spaceflight

University Professor Making Strides in Advancement of Human Spaceflight Technologies and Educational Outreach

Recently, I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Ryan Kobrick, Assistant Professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona, Florida to talk about spacesuit technology testing and Mars simulation missions amongst other interesting topics.

Advancing aerospace technologies and human spaceflight education

Ryan keeps very busy wearing several hats as a leader in organizations that help further the advancement in aerospace technologies and human spaceflight education.

Focusing on operations rather than design and build phase

At Embry-Riddle, he works in the Spaceflight Operations program teaching undergraduates with an interdisciplinary approach the current industry practices in spaceflight operations throughout a lifetime of a space vehicle. It is a non-traditional program in the sense that it focuses on its operations rather than the design and build phase leading up to the vehicle’s deployment.

Pictured above Ryan Kobrick

Principal Investigator of the Spacesuit Utilization of Innovative Technology Laboratory (S.U.I.T)

Also at Embry-Riddle, Ryan is the Principal Investigator of the Spacesuit Utilization of Innovative Technology Laboratory or the “S.U.I.T.” Lab. This is where he and his students perform thorough testing on spacesuits undergoing the research and development phase for NASA or private companies.

Testing spacesuits for range of movement and durability to advance human spaceflight

The suits are tested in various environments including simulations of zero gravity underwater to a desert terrain similar to that of Mars. There is a heavy focus on 'human factor design' to evaluate situations in which the spacesuits  help or hinder astronaut range of motion while performing activities inside and outside their space vehicle or habitat. Durability of suit materials is also tested while conducting excavation and maintenance type activities during simulated missions.

Chairman and president of Yuri's Night

Amongst several volunteerism and mentorship activities, Ryan serves as chairman and president of Yuri’s Night, a non-profit organization which celebrates the anniversary of Yuri Gagarin,  the first human to journey into outer space. Events are organized and take place worldwide. They can be parties with drinks and dancing to a fun education day at a children’s museum. The events provide many opportunities for people of all ages and cultures to learn and get enthused about human spaceflight.

Photography, hockey and hiking

Given that Ryan is involved in so many activities, I asked him how he manages to undertake to do so much as well as fit in so many hobbies.

Ryan has a creative escape in photography and remains active playing hockey or venturing out on hikes in nature’s beautiful landscapes. He emphasized on the importance of planning and communication with his family to keep a happy medium in work-life balance.

I'd like to meet the first astronaut who lands on Mars

When asked what inspiring individual he would like to meet and what he would ask them, he said he would like to meet and speak to the first astronaut who lives on Mars.

The question that Ryan would like to ask the first astronaut on Mars

He wishes to ask them: "What is your favorite photograph taken during the mission and why? He says photography has a way of telling stories and exemplifying people’s emotions. It’s an interesting and creative way people can learn about each other.

Commander of Mars simulation mission, Utah desert

Ryan is currently serving as commander in a Mars simulation mission out in the Utah desert. His crew will be working on spacesuit testing, scientific experiments and habitat maintenance operations.

Find out more about Dr Ryan Kobrick

Dr. Ryan Kobrick’s Website: http://www.ryinspace.com/

Simulated Mars Mission: http://mdrs.marssociety.org/

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University S.U.I.T. Lab: https://sites.erau.edu/spacesuit/lab/

Credits:

Interview research, audio and text by Ana Guzman, ideaXme space ambassador.

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Ana Guzman digital communications and television production executive

Before joining ideaXme, Ana worked at NASA’s Johnson Space Center  for nine years serving different roles in their communications and multimedia teams.  As part of the ideaXme team, she wishes to continue working in outreach and educating the public in different topics regarding all things space. Ana is currently working as a freelancer providing affordable video production and social media marketing services to small businesses and entrepreneurs in the Houston area. She also provides imagery research, organization and curating services assisting retired NASA personnel in preparing speech presentations and publications.

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