SPEAKER INTERVIEW

Carmen Shafer, Staff Engineer Energetics Manufacturing, Northrop Grumman 

Carmen, you will deliver an interesting presentation titled “Achieving mission success through effective FOD prevention” at Space Tech Expo USA. What makes this discussion so crucial right now? 
 
As more companies and organizations across the globe get involved in spaceflight activities, attempting to launch and operate faster with lower operating costs, and as space becomes more crowded with satellites, spacecraft and orbital debris, it is imperative everyone involved in spaceflight and space operations understand and control their FOD and contamination risks.   

 
What can FOD and contamination events lead to? How can it affect spaceflight mission success? 
 
FOD and contamination events negatively affects both the safety and quality of spaceflight hardware, jeopardizing spaceflight mission success. These events frequently result in increased cost to launch due to rework, schedule delays, and shortened mission life. Some types of FOD and contamination events put manufacturing and GSE employees, astronauts, and the public at risk of injury or death.  For example, FOD and contamination in fuel lines have resulted in launch failures and failures of payloads to reach their required orbits, resulting in mission failure.  Similarly, contamination of satellite hardware components has resulted in shortened mission life, partial loss of service and mission failures.   
 
How does FOD prevention fit in the advancement of a more sustainable space industry? 

Preventing FOD and contamination contributes to sustainability by reducing scrap, reducing the risk of mission failure, reducing risk of damage or destruction of launch vehicles and ground equipment, and ensuring that spaceflight hardware continues to function as designed for the duration of its intended mission. 
  
Who is responsible for implementing such preventive measures? 

FOD and contamination prevention efforts begin at the design level and continues throughout the lifecycle of the product.  Everyone involved in the design, material procurement, manufacturing, integration and launch processes are responsible for preventing FOD and contamination.   
 
And finally, what are your expectations for attending and speaking at Space Tech Expo USA? 

I look forward to attending the conference to learn about new technology and processes that are being developed and networking with other industry professionals.   
 

See Carmen and more speakers in-person at our 2025 conference!