This inventor holds 1 USPTO granted patent. Top assignee: Raytheon Company. Active years: 2011.
Company Filing History:
Years Active: 2011
Title: Thomas G Gardner: Innovator in Autonomous Space Flight Systems
Introduction
Thomas G Gardner is a notable inventor based in Tucson, AZ (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of aerospace engineering, particularly in the development of autonomous space flight systems. His innovative work has the potential to enhance the safety and efficiency of planetary landings.
Latest Patents
Gardner holds a patent for an "Autonomous space flight system and planetary lander for executing a discrete landing sequence to remove unknown navigation error, perform hazard avoidance and relocate the lander." This patent describes a sophisticated unmanned space flight system that executes a precise landing sequence. The system includes an initial velocity braking maneuver to reduce speed at altitude, imaging the planet's surface to estimate navigation errors, and performing lateral braking maneuvers to correct these errors. The bi-propellant propulsion system he developed boasts a high thrust-to-mass ratio, allowing for efficient navigation error correction and payload allocation.
Career Highlights
Gardner is currently employed at Raytheon Company, where he continues to work on advanced aerospace technologies. His career has been marked by a commitment to innovation and excellence in the field of space exploration.
Collaborations
Throughout his career, Gardner has collaborated with esteemed colleagues such as James N Head and Gregory V Hoppa. These partnerships have contributed to the advancement of technologies in autonomous space flight.
Conclusion
Thomas G Gardner's contributions to autonomous space flight systems exemplify the spirit of innovation in aerospace engineering. His work not only addresses current challenges in planetary landings but also paves the way for future advancements in space exploration.