Payload Specialist Dr. Vladimir Savitskaya – NASA‑Affiliated Payload Specialist#
Age (2045): 40
Mission Role: Payload Specialist (PS) – Liquid Ethylene (LETH₂) Research & Payload Integration, Erebus 2
Education
- M.S. Chemical Engineering, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT) – focus on cryogenic and hydrocarbon propellant chemistry
- Ph.D. Space Systems Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder – dissertation titled “Thermodynamic Performance and Materials Compatibility of Liquid Ethylene for Low‑Earth‑Orbit Propulsion”
Flight & Space Experience
- Erebus 1: Member of the science payload team; conducted in‑orbit experiments on advanced fuel‑line sensors and contributed to the first successful liquid‑hydrogen transfer demonstration on the ISS.
- Commercial Orbital‑X Demo‑3: Payload Specialist; delivered a next‑generation communications satellite and performed on‑orbit verification of deployable antenna mechanisms.
- First dedicated Erebus 2 flight: Acting Payload Specialist; responsible for all aspects of the LETH₂ test campaign, from ground preparation through in‑orbit execution and post‑flight analysis.
Qualifications & Expertise
- NASA Class II Space Physical
- NASA Commercial Payload Integration Course and Satellite Servicing Workshop
- Patents: Three patents on high‑pressure cryogenic valve designs and on modular liquid‑fuel test chambers for microgravity environments.
- Specialized Skills: Hydrocarbon cryogen handling, high‑pressure fluid dynamics, real‑time telemetry of propellant properties, and cross‑disciplinary coordination between propulsion (Dr. Einhaus), mission operations (MS Sally Anderson), and payload science teams.
Mission‑Specific Responsibilities – Erebus 2
- Lead the LETH₂ experimental suite: design, integration, and operation of the liquid‑ethylene storage, transfer, and combustion test modules.
- Coordinate with Dr. Einhaus and MS Sally Anderson: ensure compatibility of LETH₂ hardware with the primary cryogenic propellant systems (liquid hydrogen/oxygen) and manage safety interfaces.
- Data acquisition & analysis: oversee high‑frequency pressure, temperature, and spectroscopic measurements; transmit calibrated datasets to ground teams for real‑time assessment.
- Post‑flight evaluation: compile comprehensive performance reports, assess material compatibility, and formulate recommendations for future deep‑space propulsion concepts that could leverage LETH₂.
Personal Note
Vladimir is fluent in Russian, English, and Mandarin, reflecting his extensive work on multinational satellite and propulsion projects. When not in the lab or aboard the ISS, he relaxes at the piano—often improvising pieces inspired by the rhythmic pulse of rocket engines—and mentors aspiring engineers through Russia’s “Space for Youth” outreach program.
