Keynote Session: Alexander L. Weldon, PhD, Blue Origin: Millions of People Living and Working in Space to Benefit Earth—Enabled via Innovative Materials and Robust Processes
Alexander L. Weldon, PhD
Director – Blue Engines M&P
Blue Origin
Millions of People Living and Working in Space to Benefit Earth—Enabled via Innovative Materials and Robust Processes
Blue Origin’s vision is millions of people living and working in space, to benefit Earth. In that vein, Blue has a suite of rockets, rocket engines, as well as space infrastructure (in-space, lunar) at various stages of research, production, and operation. Mass is critical for these applications. Temperatures range from deeply cryogenic up through combustion temperatures, and environments range from immersion in highly aggressive fluid environments up through long durations in the depths of space. These and other constraints drive the utilization of cutting edge materials and fabrication techniques. Blue is committed to investing in high-impact materials and process technologies that serve our family of launch vehicles and achieve our long-term vision as quickly as possible. These technologies include metallic, nonmetallic, composite, thermal protection, additively manufacturing, and wrought product. These solutions span both the industry standard and those internally-developed. The Blue Origin team spans the nation and continues to grow, with its Kent, WA headquarters, Huntsville Engine Production facility, Florida Orbital Launch and Production site, West Texas test/launch site, as well as a number of smaller offices across the United States.