Meet Rodney Rocha

Chief Engineer, Structural Engineering Division

Johnson Space Center

My favorite hobby is amateur astronomy . . .

Who I am and What I do

I am the chairperson and technical manager of the Space Shuttle Loads & Dynamics Panel. This panel provides for technical review and development of all externally induced structural loads and dynamic environments for the Space Shuttle Mated Vehicle and its major components, such as the orbiter, the external tank (containing the fuel & oxidizer), the shuttle main engines, and the solid rocket boosters and motors. The panel membership reflects engineering experts from several other NASA centers around the USA and from the major aerospace contractors supporting the Space Shuttle Program.

I am also the chief shuttle engineer representing the Structural Engineering Division. In this capacity, I review and help to approve all structures-related technical issues, problems or anomalies, mathematical model analyses, ground tests, and modifications of, or new designs or improvements to, the space shuttle orbiter.

Since 1978, I have been active as a volunteer speaker, supporting NASA-JSC's Office of Public Affairs (Speakers' Bureau and Education Outreach), which has sponsored my numerous presentations to the public and school classrooms. Since 1991, I have been supporting National Engineers Week by visiting schools to promote engineering, science, and mathematics as potential future careers for young students. I enjoyed serving as an "Email mentor" to students and have participated in educational programs in which high school students "spend a day with a NASA engineer." My latest activity involves JSC's programs called Electronic Classroom and Distance Learning Outpost where I give space and astronomy-oriented TV satellite linked talks to classes located very remotely from JSC.

Education and Career Path

I earned my AA degree from Del Mar College in Corpus Christi, Texas; my BS degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Texas at Austin; and my MS degree in physical sciences/space science from the University of Houston-Clear Lake.

From July 1, 1974 to present, I have been employed at the NASA Johnson Space Center as an aerospace engineer, in the Structural Engineering Division. I have served in several diverse duties involving the space shuttle orbiter, its cargoes and payloads (including the Hubble Space Telescope), early space station designs, and as a principal investigator & designer for a 1994 shuttle flight experiment. All these required technical expertise and analyses in the areas of structural dynamics and vibrations, rigid-body and elastic-body motions, development of structural loading environment, orbital mechanics, and aerodynamics. I also served as a test director and manager of structural and vibration test laboratories, and participated in structural tests of the first space shuttle orbiter (Columbia), prior to her maiden flight.

Personal

I am married to Robyn Morgan, and we have one daughter, Virginia, age 17.

Since my favorite hobby is amateur astronomy, I keep aware of current and future NASA space probes studying the solar system, and of upcoming celestial events such as lunar and solar eclipses, meteor showers, and discoveries of bright comets -- sharing such information at public talks. Other interests include music/art/film/theater appreciation, dance, study of languages, mathematics, physics, history, attending cultural events, reading books, the art of conversation and story-telling, teaching and mentoring, crossword puzzles, dinosaurs, board games, plus trying to learn something new every day!