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National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Goddard Space Flight Center

Mission Engineering and Systems Analysis Division, Code 590

Guidance, Navigation, and Control & Mission Systems Engineering Branch (WFF)
Code 598

Mission

The Guidance, Navigation and Control and Mission Systems Engineering Branch (Code 598) does the full range of the MESA Division scope for the Wallops Flight Facility (WFF).  This includes GN&C and systems engineering for suborbital programs (aircraft, UAVs, balloons, and sounding rockets) as well as small spacecraft. Branch personnel develop resilient flight control systems, verify software, and test the hardware interface for balloon pointing systems and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems. Technology advancements in these areas as well as launch range enhancements such as the Automated Flight Safety System are an important part of the branch’s contributions.

Branch Head: Joel Simpson
Associate Head: Brett Vincent

Main Office: (757) 824-1560

Image: Test of the Automated Flight Safety System (AFSS) at the Wallops Flight Facility (WFF).

Test of the Automated Flight Safety System (AFSS) at the Wallops Flight Facility (WFF).