Dr. David B. Spencer

Director of Graduate Studies
College of Engineering
Associate Professor
Department of Aerospace Engineering
Penn State University

Office: 229C Hammond Building

Mailing Address: 229 Hammond Building, University Park, PA 16802

Voice: (814) 865-4537

Fax: (814) 865-7092

e-mail: dbs9@psu.edu

Office Hours: (Fall 2008)

MWF: 10:30-11:30 or by appointment

  

Teaching: 2008-2009 Academic Year

Spring - AERSP 597– Interplanetary Astrodynamics

Teaching in Previous Years

AERSP 550 – Astrodynamics
AERSP 597C – Statistical Orbit Determination

Research: My research has been focused in the area of spacecraft dynamics and control, including

Theoretical and Applied Astrodynamics
Space Debris Dynamics
Continuous-Thrust Orbit Transfers
Trajectory Optimization
High-Accuracy Orbit Determination
Spacecraft Mission Design and Engineering
Aerospace Systems Design Optimization
Trade Space Exploration

Publications: Click here for a list of publications

Graduate and Undergratuate Research Assistants: Click here for a list of student theses

Full Resume

Education

1994 Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado
1985 M.S. in Aeronautics and Astronautics, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
1983 B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky


Professional Experience

2008– present: Director of Graduate Programs, Office of Graduate Studies, Research and Outreach, College of Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University

2005 – present: Associate Professor, Department of Aerospace Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University

2004 – 2008: Director of Graduate Studies, Department of Aerospace Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University

2002: Member of the Technical Staff, Navigation and Mission Design Section, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (NASA/ASEE Summer Faculty Fellow)

1999 – 2005: Assistant Professor, Department of Aerospace Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University

1998 – 1999: Deputy Branch Chief, Space Sensing and Vehicle Control Branch, Air Force Research Laboratory

1996 – 1999: Chief, Space Flight Dynamics and Control Group, and Space Debris Research Program Manager, Air Force Research Laboratory

1995 – 1996: Space Debris Research Program Manager and Orbital Dynamics Program Manager, Air Force Phillips Laboratory

1994 – 1995: Deputy Space Debris Research Program Manager and Orbital Dynamics Program Manager, Air Force Phillips Laboratory

1990 – 1994: Air Force Senior Knight Fellow, University of Colorado, Boulder and Aerospace Engineer, Air Force Phillips Laboratory

1985 – 1990: Member of the Technical Staff, Astrodynamics Department, The Aerospace Corporation,  Los Angeles, California

1983 – 1985: Graduate Research Assistant, School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana


Honors and Professional Activities

Vice President, Publications, American Astronautical Society, AAS
Associate Fellow, AIAA
Senior Member, AAS
Member, American Society of Engineering Education
Member, Tau Beta Pi
Member, Pi Tau Sigma
Member, ASME


Service: To the Profession and the University

To The Profession:

Associate Editor, AIAA Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets
Chair, AIAA Astrodynamics Technical Committee (2004-2006)
Member, AIAA Astrodynamics Technical Committee (1995-2000, 2001-present)
Member, AIAA Public Policy Committee (2002-present)
Member, AAS Spaceflight Mechanics Technical Committee (1996-2000)
Reviewer: J. Guidance, Control, and Dynamics, J. Spacecraft and Rockets, J. Astronautical Sciences, Aerospace Science and Technology AST

To The University:

Chair, Graduate Committee, Department of Aerospace Engineering, 2004-2008
Member, University Faculty Senate, 2005-present
Chair, Engineering Faculty Council, 2004-2005
Vice Chair, Engineering Faculty Council, 2003-2004
Secretary, Engineering Faculty Council, 2002-2003
Member, Engineering Faculty Council, 2001-2006
Member, Undergraduate Curriculum Committee, 1999-2006
Member, Department Executive Committee, 2006-present
Member, Department Promotion and Tenure Committee, 2006-present
Member, Graduate Committee, Department of Aerospace Engineering, 1999-2002
Updated 7/21/08