Dr. Frank Curran Joins USRA
July 26, 2007
Dr. Francis (Frank) Curran joined the Universities Space Research Association (USRA), this Tuesday, July 24, 2007. USRA's President and CEO, Dr. Frederick A. Tarantino, has appointed Curran as Director, USRA Huntsville Operations and Director, Advanced Technology and Analysis.
Curran will be responsible for all USRA efforts at Marshall Space Flight Center and within the Huntsville Space Community, as well as managing the USRA Huntsville Business Office. Because of his advanced technology expertise, he will also be a key contributor to program development activities across USRA.
Says Tarantino, "Over his nearly 30-year career in space, Frank has demonstrated a passion for space science and exploration, making substantial contributions to the tools we use for such exploration. As a leader and manager of people, he has consistently demonstrated a commitment to the development and well-being of others, and a concern for their families. I am delighted Frank has joined USRA."
Curran is an expert and leader in the field of on-board (in-space) propulsion. He comes to USRA following a very successful career. He worked on the Innovative Science and Technology Program for the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization, served as Chief of the On-Board Propulsion Branch at NASA's Lewis Research Center, was a Spacecraft Area Lead with the Joint NASA/DOD Integrated High-Payoff Rocket Propulsion Technology Program. During his time with NASA, he worked on multiple systems that have flown successfully including arcjet thrusters, the Deep Space 1 ion propulsion system, pulsed plasma thrusters, and Hall thrusters.
Most recently, Curran has served as Vice President and Manager of the Technology Decisions Division, and Deputy Operations Manager of Space Technologies Operation at SAIC,Inc. While there he was responsible for the direction of multiple contracts, where he led broad efforts in the assessment of advanced space technology for future NASA science missions.
Curran is a member of several technical societies, has played roles in major propulsion conferences, has authored or co-authored over 50 papers and course materials, and has won multiple awards including the 2006 AIAA 2006 Wyld Propulsion Award.
