Jason Bard

Mechanical Engineer @NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Merritt Island, FL, US

Worked in the Granular Mechanics and Regolith Operations (GMRO) laboratory within Swamp Works on lunar robots and performed tests in a lunar simulant testing chamber.• Designed and built two electrical quick disconnect (QD) mechanisms for CLPS-sized lunar rovers using3D printing and hardware following GD & T machine standards. Employed a rapid, iterative design process and integrated QD subassemblies into larger master assemblies via Windchill, a Design and Data Management System (DDMS). Worked independently but in parallel with other engineers on complex robotics systems. • Developed two QD mechanisms: one based on a Cylindrical Cam and Follower and the other based on a Lead Screw and Carriage. The QDs were designed with tight angular tolerances for their rotational portion of the mechanism. One design will be patent pending once testing is complete. The current version has been designed for lunar robots RASSOR and STOMP. Created BOMs for both designs. • Installed and wired a linear potentiometer for a 20-foot long, two axis-gantry. Served as the primary operator andauthored the standard operating procedure (SOP) for its use in the Big Bin (a large lunar simulant testingchamber).• Operated the gantry using a LabVIEW interface. Gained proficiency with all related hardware (cRIO, cDAQ, motors, network switch, etc.) to wire, power, and troubleshoot the system. Developed SOP based on hands-on experience integrating sensors, hardware, and software. • Gained experience designing for and testing in extreme environments including high vacuum, extreme weather, and the lunar surface. • Used hand tools, power tools, and machinery (CNC router, manual press, 3D printers) to fabricate custom parts (brackets, housings, etc.) for both the robots and gantry.

Boston University College of Engineering

Bachelor's Degree, Mechanical Engineering