Drake Receives Space Flight Awareness Award

James Drake, a member of the Systems Development and Operations Support Team in Aerospace Systems, was a recent recipient of the NASA Space Flight Awareness Award, which is given for an individual’s significant contributions to the space program. 

As an honoree, Drake received a certificate, pin, and shuttle model and attended the launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis on Nov. 16 at Kennedy Space Center (KSC).  He was also given a tour of the facilities and attended a special ceremony at KSC for the honorees.

Since 2006, Drake has served as a systems engineer for the design and fabrication of the Roll Control Propulsion System (RoCS) for NASA’s Ares I-X Flight Test Vehicle Program, developing the Contract End Item (CEI) Specifications for the RoCS.  The CEI Specification and Propulsion Report defined the requirements that the RoCS would be required to meet, including vehicle-imposed requirements as well as performance requirements.  The Propulsion Analysis and Test Report documented all aspects regarding propulsion-related components.  One of his most noteworthy accomplishments was the highly successful effort to modify the 20-year-old flight bi-prop valves, resulting in valves that met all Acceptance Test Procedure spec leak rates.

Drake has been recognized by the NASA customer for many of his accomplishments and was a significant RoCS team member who was honored by the North Alabama American Society of Mechanical Engineers with the “Outstanding Mechanical Engineering Achievement Award” for engineering and development of the Ares I-X RoCS.

The Space Flight Awareness Award is the highest tribute paid by NASA to individuals in NASA, DoD, and industry for their dedication to quality work and flight safety.