Experts in the end-to-end lifecycle of a mission.
Systems Engineering
What We Do
Relative Dynamics provides systems engineering and technical leadership expertise for a wide array of engineering challenges. Our team is well versed in systems engineering processes that support the end-to-end life cycle of a mission — from conception, design, analysis, and integration, through testing and operations — to ensure mission success. Disciplines include Optical Test Beds, Controls Systems, Robotics, Guidance Navigation, and Instruments Engineering.
Our team’s in-depth knowledge of both hardware and software systems, with cross-disciplinary focus on technical skills and leadership, ensures effective and reliable solutions for demanding missions.
Our Recent Projects
Click on each project below to learn more about what we did to drive it to success.
WFIRST Telescope
The Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST) will be used to explore our solar system, our galaxy's planets, and the nature of dark energy across the observable, infrared universe.
The opportunities for discovery are vast with this technology and Relative Dynamics provided controls systems expertise for the optical test bed.
The WFIRST will create massive panoramas of the cosmos so that astronomers can explore and chart the universe to make incredible scientific progress on a broad range of topics. A few notable advancements will involve stellar propulsions, distant planets and the structure of galaxies. This technology will build on the decades of advancements provided by the Hubble Space Telescope.
The opportunities for discovery are vast with this technology and Relative Dynamics provided controls systems expertise for the optical test bed.
The WFIRST will create massive panoramas of the cosmos so that astronomers can explore and chart the universe to make incredible scientific progress on a broad range of topics. A few notable advancements will involve stellar propulsions, distant planets and the structure of galaxies. This technology will build on the decades of advancements provided by the Hubble Space Telescope.
Mission Engineering
Our team designs and coordinates the range telemetry and radar signal processing plan with the customer for each unique launch. We design the instrumentation packages and program the telemetry signal processing.
Another important aspect to our team's work is interfacing with the telemetry crews at external sites across the globe and implements testing to ensure launch success for both sounding rocket and large multi-stage launch vehicles.
Another important aspect to our team's work is interfacing with the telemetry crews at external sites across the globe and implements testing to ensure launch success for both sounding rocket and large multi-stage launch vehicles.
NOAA - GOES Mission
The Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) Program is a joint development between NOAA and NASA. It is a system of several satellites that will help meteorologists and better predict local weather events and catastrophes. Additionally, GOES observations will help with monitoring other phenomenon such as dust storms, volcanic eruptions and forest fires.
This program began in 1975 with contributions from several companies and collaboration between NASA and NOAA. Relative Dynamics has played a large part in the ongoing success of this mission by providing instrument engineering and orbital dynamics support.
This program began in 1975 with contributions from several companies and collaboration between NASA and NOAA. Relative Dynamics has played a large part in the ongoing success of this mission by providing instrument engineering and orbital dynamics support.
Employee Spotlight
Phil Caffo
Deputy Ground Systems Manager
SEAS II
SEAS II
Here at Relative Dynamics, I am currently the Deputy Ground System Manager supporting the ESMO GSM in maintaining a continuous operational foundation for the Terra, Aqua, Aura, GPM, ICESat-2, and PACE missions. Relative Dynamics provided an unmissable opportunity to advance my career at NASA.
Working at NASA is a dream come true. It is an amazing honor to have an opportunity to support these satellite missions and Science writ large.
Working at NASA is a dream come true. It is an amazing honor to have an opportunity to support these satellite missions and Science writ large.
Diane Ngo
Opto-Mechanical Engineer
Advanced Development Group (ADG)
Advanced Development Group (ADG)
AT RD, I do mechanical design for our optical communication terminals and any lab work associated with it. One of my current projects is an optical communication terminal on a drone to be able to communicate with a ground terminal. I love the research and development environment, as well as aerospace.
What excites me most about my work is the freedom to express my creativity in engineering and the ability to work with friendly, like-minded individuals. It is a great immersive environment and with state-of-the-art technology, there is always something new to learn.
What excites me most about my work is the freedom to express my creativity in engineering and the ability to work with friendly, like-minded individuals. It is a great immersive environment and with state-of-the-art technology, there is always something new to learn.
Tia Brittingham
ROC II Quality Assurance Analyst
NASA Wallops Flight Facility
NASA Wallops Flight Facility
Here at Relative Dynamics, I am a Quality Analyst. My responsibility is to perform audits for the Range Launches, Missions, Projects, and Service Areas to ensure that we are meeting our Customer Requirements and ISO Standards.
I recently had the pleasure of sitting in on the NG-18 Rocket Launch to the space center to refuel supplies there. I was sitting in the Range Control Center watching and listening to the launch sequence count down and experiencing the rocket launch up close. This was an amazing experience for me, and I do plan to sit in on more launches in the near future.
This year I will be conducting an audit on this Launch/Mission, and I am so excited to do so being that this was my first launch to space that I was able to see in person.
I recently had the pleasure of sitting in on the NG-18 Rocket Launch to the space center to refuel supplies there. I was sitting in the Range Control Center watching and listening to the launch sequence count down and experiencing the rocket launch up close. This was an amazing experience for me, and I do plan to sit in on more launches in the near future.
This year I will be conducting an audit on this Launch/Mission, and I am so excited to do so being that this was my first launch to space that I was able to see in person.
Kevin Heesh
Electro-Optical Engineer
Advanced Development Group (ADG)
Advanced Development Group (ADG)
At RD, I perform Optical and Fiber Optical system integration and testing, Optical Communication Terminal testing and integration, and Internal Research and Design for Compact Optical Laser Terminal (CoLT) UAV payload.
The diverse optical technical challenges is what attracted me to work at RD. Cutting edge optical technology and making things work keeps my work exciting.
The diverse optical technical challenges is what attracted me to work at RD. Cutting edge optical technology and making things work keeps my work exciting.
Dr. Michael Krainak
Chief Technology Officer
Advanced Development Group (ADG)
Advanced Development Group (ADG)
As Chief Technology Officer (CTO), I manage, develop and enhance the Internal Research & Development portfolio, people, projects, funding (won 10 SBIR grants > $3.5M), proposals, laboratories and equipment. Primary focus is the development of commercial optical communication terminals for use in terrestrial, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), High Altitude Platform (HAP) and satellite markets.
The type of work and opportunity to lead hardware product development efforts was one of the main attractions for me at RD.
The type of work and opportunity to lead hardware product development efforts was one of the main attractions for me at RD.
