Frank H. Bauer

Frank H. Bauer

Chief Engineer
Exploration Systems Mission Directorate
NASA
BSAAE 1979
MSAAE 1980

 

"Exploration endeavors impose significant challenges that are only overcome by the tenacity of the human spirit, exceptional intellect, and state-of-the-art engineering. As we explore the far reaches of space through robotic and human spaceflight expeditions, I have witnessed Purdue alumni, faculty and their research play a prominent role in realizing the exploration vision, enabling humans to see and touch the wonders of the universe."

Frank Bauer received his BSAAE and MSAAE from Purdue in 1979 and 1980, respectively. Currently, he is chief engineer for the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate at NASA headquarters. Also at NASA, he has served as Systems Engineering chief of staff–Technical for the Constellation Program and represented NASA and the U.S. government on Global Navigation Satellite System Strategy and Policy. He has also served as chief of the Guidance, Navigation and Control Division at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center.

Bauer has received three NASA medals as well as the Silver Snoopy Human Spaceflight Awareness award. He is an associate fellow of the AIAA and a member of the Purdue Aero/Astro Industrial Advisory Committee. Bauer is the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation vice president for Human Spaceflight Programs and international chairman of ARISS, Amateur Radio on the International Space Station. Volunteer honors with the ARISS educational outreach program include a Special Achievement Award in 2001 and the Rotary Stellar Award Nominee in 2006.