Jack Brazzel received his BS degree in Aerospace Engineering from University of Texas in 1989. He earned his MS degree in Space Science from University of Houston – Clear Lake in 1991. He began his career at McDonnell Douglas/Boeing focusing on rendezvous trajectory design, optimization, and analysis for Mars missions. He later supported other programs including Space Shuttle and International Space Station (ISS). In this capacity, he led the development of a cockpit piloting aid called the Rendezvous and Proximity Operations Program (RPOP) used by Space Shuttle pilots for docking with Mir and ISS. In 2003, he joined NASA’s Johnson Space Center Aeroscience and Flight Mechanics Division where he served as the Orion On-Orbit GN&C system manager in support of the Orion program as well as the Orion rendezvous, proximity operations, and docking subsystem manager. In this capacity, he led and coordinated Orion GN&C systems integration across a large multi-disciplinary team representing numerous NASA organizations and contractors. He is currently the branch chief of the GNC Autonomous Flight Systems Branch at JSC. Outside of work, he enjoys volunteer coaching youth sports, fishing, golfing, and anything outdoors.
