Fernando Pellerano

About Fernando Pellerano

Over 30 years of experience in the development of scientific instruments and payloads for space-based remote sensing and exploration, from technology development to launch and flight support. Broad experience in working with scientists and engineers to determine requirements, technology needs, systems design, integration and testing and launch support. Payload capabilities range from microwaves, to IR and LIDAR instrument, and robotic systems for planetary sample return. Senior Member NASA GSFC Senior Fellow

Experience

1. Deputy Chief Engineer

   Nasa Goddard Space Flight Center

   Mar 2024 — Present · Greenbelt, MD, US

   Responsible for providing over-arching technical leadership to the development of the MSR-CCRS Project and serves as the Technical Authority for this Class A, flagship project, which has high strategic importance to NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA). Makes key architectural and technical design decisions for CCRS, which is the critical payload on ESA’s Earth Return Orbiter (ERO), responsible for capturing, containing and returning the first Mars samples back to Earth, while maintaining “restricted Earth return” planetary protection requirements. The incumbent serves as the primary technical interface to the ESA ERO Project, and is responsible for negotiating requirements, interfaces, and verification and validation requirements.

Education

• University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez

  Bachelor of Science (BS), Electrical Engineering

  1985 — 1990

• The Johns Hopkins University

  Master of Science (MS), Electrical Engineering

  1991 — 1993