Jump to content
Join the Alien Search, login or register FREE on Aliens and Space Forum
Members Can Post Anonymously On This Site

Emerging Engineering Leader Basil Baldauff Emphasizes Osage Values

NASA

By NASA
in NASA

 Share

Recommended Posts

  • Publishers
NASA Mentor

NASA

Posted
  • Publishers
Posted

Basil Baldauff knew early in his tenure at NASA’s Johnson Space Center that he wanted to become a leader within the agency and make an impact on the future of space exploration.

As a contract electrical design and test engineer working within Johnson’s Energy Systems Test Area, Baldauff had an opportunity to lead small teams in performing battery testing. Exposure to the test director role inspired him to pursue a more permanent leadership position, and today he is the lead facility engineer for the Battery Systems Test Facility. The facility supports hundreds of abuse, performance, and flight tests of batteries and cells for applications ranging from laptops and satellite phones used by astronauts to life-saving equipment used in spacesuits and backup power supplies. Baldauff ensures all battery testing is performed properly and safely while managing facility resources and maintaining the functionality of all test support systems.

Official headshot of Basil Baldauff.
Official portrait of Basil Baldauff.
NASA

To date, one of his favorite projects at Johnson involved serving as test director for thermal runaway testing of the Artemis III Orion Crew Module battery. This test was an engineering evaluation to validate and certify that the battery’s design met requirements for handling a possible internal short circuit and preventing such an event from causing battery failure.

“Being able to lead a team of engineers and technicians to help fulfill NASA’s mission at such an early part of my career is an achievement I take pride in,” he said.

Baldauff is also a proud member of the Osage Nation. “I try to demonstrate some of the Osage core values daily in the workplace such as compassion, cooperation, honesty, and respect,” he said. He has been involved with the American Indian Science and Engineering Society since he was in high school, helping the organization support Indigenous students and professionals in STEM fields. He believes that NASA can further promote diversity by continuing to highlight and celebrate the many different groups and cultures within the agency’s workforce.

Basil Baldauff poses with a friend at a ceremonial indigenous tribal dance.
Basil Baldauff attends Osage I’n-Lon-Schka, a ceremonial tribal dance that takes place each June.
Image courtesy of Basil Baldauff

Reflecting on his three years at Johnson, Baldauff highlighted the value of mentorship. “Finding or having a mentor early on in your career who can help you navigate unencountered situations or lend advice when needed is crucial,” he said. “It is vital to learn as much as you can from your mentor or supervisor, since they have most likely walked in your exact footsteps at some time.” Baldauff noted that challenges can arise in any job. “Staying positive and keeping an open mind when searching for solutions can go a long way,” he said.

Baldauff is excited to see humanity’s return to the Moon and establishment of a long-term presence on the lunar surface. “I look forward to seeing how what I achieved in my career at NASA helped to make that future a reality.” He also encourages the Artemis Generation to never stop learning. “I hope to pass on the eagerness to always keep learning, no matter how old or where you are in your career,” he said.

View the full article

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Similar Topics

    • NASA
      NASA Gathers Experts to Discuss Emerging Technologies in Astrophysics
      By NASA
      2 min read
      Preparations for Next Moonwalk Simulations Underway (and Underwater)
      Nemanja Jovanovic, lead instrument scientist at Caltech, presents at the Emerging Technologies for Astrophysics workshop, held at NASA’s Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley. The workshop brought together experts in astrophysics to discuss how advanced technologies could impact future mission planning.NASA/Donald Richey The future of astrophysics research could unlock the secrets of the universe, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, quantum sensing, and advanced materials may hold the key to faster, more efficient discovery. Advancements and implementations of new technologies are imperative for observational astrophysics to achieve the next level of detection.
      NASA’s Emerging Technologies for Astrophysics workshop brought together subject matter experts from industry, government, and academia to explore the state of new and disruptive technologies. The meeting was an effort to identify specific applications for astrophysics missions and better understand how their infusion into future NASA space telescopes could be accelerated.
      The workshop took place at NASA’s Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley,. supporting the agency’s efforts to make partnership with public and private industry and collaborative mission planning possible.
      “The profound questions about the nature of our universe that astrophysics at NASA answers require giant leaps in technology,” explained Mario Perez, chief technologist for the Astrophysics Division at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “Spotting potential in early-stage tech by encouraging discussions between imaginative researchers helps expand the scope of science and lessen the time required to achieve the next generation of astrophysics missions.”
      Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence can support the design and optimization of future missions, and participants focused efforts on combining technologies to push research further. “Cross-pollination” of advanced materials like composites with advanced manufacturing, metamaterials, and photonic chips could support advancement in imaging missions beyond existing mechanical stability needs.
      The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has dubbed 2025 the “International Year of Quantum Science and Technology” in recognition of a century of quantum mechanics. Workshop participants discussed how quantum sensing could enable more precise measurements, achieve “super resolution” by filling in missing details in lower resolution images, and provide greater capabilities in forthcoming space telescopes.
      “This gathering of experts was an opportunity to find ways where we can increase the capabilities of future space instrumentation and accelerate technology development for infusion into NASA astrophysics missions,” said Naseem Rangwala, astrophysics branch chief at NASA Ames. “We can speed up the process of how we develop these future projects by using the emerging technologies that are incubated right here in Silicon Valley.”
      The findings from this workshop and ongoing discussions will support efforts to study and invest in technologies to advance astrophysics missions with greater speed and efficiency.
      About the Author
      Tara Friesen

      Share
      Details
      Last Updated Apr 29, 2025 Related Terms
      Ames Research Center Astrophysics Astrophysics Division General Science Mission Directorate Explore More
      3 min read Help Classify Galaxies Seen by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope!
      NASA needs your help identifying the shapes of thousands of galaxies in images taken by…
      Article 2 hours ago 3 min read In the Starlight: Jason Phillips’ Unexpected Path to Johnson Procurement
      Article 6 hours ago 2 min read How Are We Made of Star Stuff? We Asked a NASA Expert: Episode 58
      Article 20 hours ago Keep Exploring Discover More Topics From NASA
      Missions
      Humans in Space
      Climate Change
      Solar System
      View the full article
    • NASA
      NASA Engineering Sparks Innovative New Battery 
      By NASA
      2 min read
      Preparations for Next Moonwalk Simulations Underway (and Underwater)
      EnerVenue’s batteries don’t require energy-consuming temperature control or maintenance and can be stored anywhere, including in the company’s “EnerStation” battery station, pictured here.Credit: EnerVenue, Inc. Battery technology that has powered the International Space Station, the Hubble Space Telescope, and numerous satellites is now storing energy on Earth, enabling intermittent renewable energy sources to provide steady power. 

      These extremely durable batteries were made more affordable for the average consumer by California-based EnerVenue Inc., which was able to bring down the cost of the technology by removing the need for expensive platinum, making terrestrial applications more feasible. With the cost-saving innovations, the batteries could be used for power plants, businesses, and homes.  

      NASA first used nickel-hydrogen batteries in 1990 for the Hubble Space Telescope — the technology’s debut in low-Earth orbit on a major project. It was the primary power system for the International Space Station for more than 18 years before eventually being replaced by lithium-ion batteries. 

      Each nickel-hydrogen cell consists of a nickel cathode — the positive electrode — and a hydrogen-catalyzed anode, which typically uses expensive platinum. Charging the battery generates hydrogen inside the highly pressurized vessel, which then gets reabsorbed on discharge. 

      Dr. Yi Cui , EnerVenue Chief Technology Advisor, developed a technique to remove platinum from these batteries, dramatically reducing costs of technology that had grown more sophisticated over decades of NASA adapting it to high-level missions. Much of the groundwork for EnerVenue’s batteries was laid by NASA.
       
      Having laid the foundation and tested it in space, NASA paved the way for a durable power source that is now available for several applications on Earth.  
      Read More Share
      Details
      Last Updated Apr 24, 2025 Related Terms
      Technology Transfer & Spinoffs Spinoffs Technology Transfer Explore More
      2 min read NASA Tech Developed for Home Health Monitoring  
      Article 2 weeks ago 2 min read NASA Cloud Software Helps Companies Find their Place in Space 
      Article 4 weeks ago 2 min read NASA Expertise Helps Record all the Buzz
      Article 1 month ago Keep Exploring Discover Related Topics
      Missions
      Technology Transfer & Spinoffs
      Hubble’s Cultural Impact
      Solar System
      View the full article
    • NASA
      NASA Offers Free High School Engineering Program This Summer
      By NASA
      This summer, NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland is offering a free summer STEM program for high school students in their junior and senior years.Credit: NASA NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland is launching the NASA Glenn High School Engineering Institute this summer. The free, work-based learning experience is designed to help high school students prepare for a future in the aerospace workforce.
      Rising high school juniors and seniors in Northeast Ohio can submit applications for this new, in-person summer program from Friday, April 11, through Friday, May 9.
      The NASA Glenn High School Engineering Institute will immerse students in NASA’s work while providing essential career readiness tools to help them in future science, technology, engineering, and mathematics-focused academic and professional pursuits.
      Throughout the five-day institute, students will use authentic NASA mission content and work alongside Glenn’s technical experts to gain a deeper understanding of the engineering design process, develop practical engineering solutions to real-world challenges, and test prototypes to answer questions in key mission areas:
      Acoustic dampening – How can we reduce noise pollution from jet engines? Power management and distribution – How can we develop a smart power system for future space stations? Simulated lunar operations – Can we invent tires that don’t use air? Program Dates
      Selected students will participate in one of the following week-long sessions.
      Session 1: July 7 – 11, 2025 Session 2: July 14 – 18, 2025 Session 3: July 21 – 25, 2025 Eligibility and Application Requirements
      To be eligible for this program, students must:
      Be entering 11th or 12th grade for the 2025-2026 academic year Have a minimum 3.2 GPA, verified by their school counselor Submit a letter of recommendation from a teacher Additional application requirements are outlined in the Supplemental Application.
      How to Apply:
      To be considered for this opportunity, complete and submit the NASA Gateway application and the Supplemental Application by Friday May 9.
      Questions pertaining to the NASA Glenn High School Engineering Institute should be directed to Gerald Voltz at GRC-Ed-Opportunities@mail.nasa.gov.
      For information about NASA Glenn, visit:
      https://www.nasa.gov/glenn
      -end-
      Debbie Welch
      Glenn Research Center, Cleveland
      216-433-8655
      debbie.welch@nasa.gov
      Explore More
      3 min read NASA Science Supports Data Literacy for K-12 Students
      Data – and our ability to understand and use it – shapes nearly every aspect…
      Article 19 hours ago 3 min read University High Triumphs at JPL-Hosted Ocean Sciences Bowl
      Article 1 week ago 2 min read Students Explore Technical Careers at NASA
      Article 3 weeks ago View the full article
    • NASA
      Engineering Reality: Lee Bingham Leads Lunar Surface Simulation Support for Artemis Campaign
      By NASA
      If you design a new tool for use on Earth, it is easy to test and practice using that tool in its intended environment. But what if that tool is destined for lunar orbit or will be used by astronauts on the surface of the Moon?

      NASA’s Simulation and Graphics Branch can help with that. Based at Johnson Space Center in Houston, the branch’s high-fidelity, real-time graphical simulations support in-depth engineering analyses and crew training, ensuring the safety, efficiency, and success of complex space endeavors before execution. The team manages multiple facilities that provide these simulations, including the Prototype Immersive Technologies (PIT) Lab, Virtual Reality Training Lab, and the Systems Engineering Simulator (SES).

      Lee Bingham is an aerospace engineer on the simulation and graphics team. His work includes developing simulations and visualizations for the NASA Exploration Systems Simulations team and providing technical guidance on simulation and graphics integration for branch-managed facilities. He also leads the branch’s human-in-the-loop Test Sim and Graphics Team, the Digital Lunar Exploration Sites Unreal Simulation Tool (DUST), and the Lunar Surface Mixed-Reality with the Active Response Gravity Offload System (ARGOS) projects.

      Lee Bingham demonstrates a spacewalk simulator for the Gateway lunar space station during NASA’s Tech Day on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Image courtesy of Lee Bingham Bingham is particularly proud of his contributions to DUST, which provides a 3D visualization of the Moon’s South Pole and received Johnson’s Exceptional Software of the Year Award in 2024. “It was designed for use as an early reference to enable candidate vendors to perform initial studies of the lunar terrain and lighting in support of the Strategy and Architecture Office, human landing system, and the Extravehicular Activity and Human Surface Mobility Program,” Bingham explained. DUST has supported several human-in-the-loop studies for NASA. It has also been shared with external collaborators and made available to the public through the NASA Software Catalog.  

      Bingham has kept busy during his nearly nine years at Johnson and said learning to manage and balance support for multiple projects and customers was very challenging at first. “I would say ‘yes’ to pretty much anything anyone asked me to do and would end up burning myself out by working extra-long hours to meet milestones and deliverables,” he said. “It has been important to maintain a good work-life balance and avoid overcommitting myself while meeting demanding expectations.”

      Lee Bingham tests the Lunar Surface Mixed Reality and Active Response Gravity Offload System trainer at Johnson Space Center. Image courtesy of Lee Bingham Bingham has also learned the importance of teamwork and collaboration. “You can’t be an expert at everything or do everything yourself,” he said. “Develop your skills, practice them regularly, and master them over time but be willing to ask for help and advice. And be sure to recognize and acknowledge your coworkers and teammates when they go above and beyond or achieve something remarkable.”

      Lee Bingham (left) demonstrates a lunar rover simulator for Apollo 16 Lunar Module Pilot Charlie Duke. Image courtesy of Lee Bingham He hopes that the Artemis Generation will be motivated to tackle difficult challenges and further NASA’s mission to benefit humanity. “Be sure to learn from those who came before you, but be bold and unafraid to innovate,” he advised.
      View the full article
    • European Space Agency
      Inner space engineering
      By European Space Agency
      Image: Inner space engineering View the full article

  • Check out these Videos

×
×
  • Create New...