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AOE Advisory Board
  • M.S., Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Sciences, George Washington University,
  • B.S., Aerospace and Ocean Engineering, Virginia Tech
David Dress
  • 43 year aeronautics and space exploration career
  • Over 10 years as an advanced test techniques experimentalist and researcher with expertise in cryogenic wind tunnels, magnetic suspension systems, and dynamic stability
  • Managed and led wind tunnel complex at NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC)
  • Constellation Program Leader in Systems Engineering and Integration at LaRC and NASA Johnson Space Center
  • Space Technology and Exploration Leader at LaRC
  • Advanced Manufacturing Programmatic Leader at LaRC
  • Experienced leader of large matrixed teams of up to 166 personnel and supervisor of civil servant branch of 35 personnel
  • Next generation space station infrastructure and cargo carrier development at Gravitics, Inc.

Gravitics, Inc., Marysville, WA

  • Director of Civil Space,  7/1/24 - present

NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC), Hampton, VA

  • Special Assistant to the Center Director (SES),  11/2023 – 12/31/23
  • Director for Space Technology and Exploration (SES), 5/24/2020 – 11/2023
  • Associate Director for Space Technology and Advanced Development Programs (GS-15) Space Technology and Exploration Directorate (STED), 7/1/2017 – 5/23/2020
  • Acting Deputy Director, Space Technology and Exploration Directorate (GS-15), 1/1/2017 – 7/1/2017
  • Associate Director for Space Technology and Advanced Development Programs (GS-15) Space Technology and Exploration Directorate (STED), 4/1/2016 – 1/1/2017
  • Deputy Director for Space Technology in Space Technology and Exploration Directorate (GS-15), 10/1/2014 – 4/1/2016
  • Deputy Manager for Space Technology Projects Office (GS-15), 11/1/2010 – 10/1/2014
  • Manager, NASA Langley Constellation Project Office (GS-15), 9/1/2008 – 11/1/2010
  • Co-Lead for System Integration Plan (Constellation) (GS-15), 9/1/2007 - 9/1/2008
  • Assistant Deputy Director for Aerospace Testing/Wind Tunnel Transition Manager (GS-15), 11/1/2005 – 9/1/2007
  • Deputy Director/Chief of Operations for Experimental Research Services (GS-15) Center Operations Directorate, 3/1/2004 – 11/1/2005
  • Branch Head and Assistant Branch Head, Research Facilities Branch (RFB) (GS-15), Center Operations Directorate, 4/1/2003 – 3/1/2004
  • Facility Manager of 14 x 22 and UPWT, 4/1/1994 - 4/1/2003 (GS-14)
  • Research Engineer (GS-13), 4/1/1983 – 4/1/1994

Research Engineer, Kentron International, Hampton, VA, 7/27/1981 – 4/1/1983

  • Associate Fellow, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) 
  • Langley Representative for the Subsonic Aerodynamic Testing Association (SATA), 1995 to 2003. 
  • 2012 – NASA - Exceptional Service Medal - For exceptional leadership and contributions to Aeronautics and Human Exploration.
  • 2011 – NASA Group Achievement Award for Constellation SE&I Preliminary Design Review Team.
  • 2016 - NASA Group Achievement Award for Structural Carbon Nanotube Development Team.
  • 2008 – NASA Award for the creative development of technically significant software which has been accepted and approved by NASA, entitled “Software That Performs The Flow Parameter Calculations For Cryogenic Wind Tunnels Which Use Nitrogen As A Test Gas”.
  • 1996 to 1999 and 2001 to 2003 – NASA - Performance Awards for Outstanding Contributions as Facility Manager of the 14- by 22-Foot Subsonic Tunnel and support to the Research Facilities Branch.
  • 2003 – NASA - Superior Accomplishment Award for Significant Contribution to the Center in the Development of the Data and Description of Center Processes that Link Agency Mission and Program Requirements to Center Goals, Facilities and Workforce in Response to the Agency Real Property Mission Analysis.
  • 2003 – NASA – Superior Accomplishment Award for Outstanding Support as Facility Manager of 14x22 and for organizing a Highly Successful SATA Conference.
  • 2003 - NASA Group Achievement Award for Outstanding Engineering, Construction, and Commissioning Accomplishments in Replacing the Main Drive System of the 14- by 22-Foot Subsonic Tunnel.
  • 2000 – NASA - Superior Accomplishment Award for Outstanding Service as the Acting Assistant Head for the Research Facilities Branch and Group Achievement Award as a member of the 14- by 22-Foot Subsonic Wind Tunnel Drive System Replacement Project Team.
  • 2000 – NASA - Superior Accomplishment Award for Dedication and Teamwork in the Preparation of the JSF RFI/RFP which allowed NASA to Participate in the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) Phase of the JSF Program.
  • 2000 - NASA - Superior Accomplishment Award for Outstanding Contributions to the LaRC Y2K Project Team.
  • 2000 - NASA - Superior Accomplishment Award for Outstanding Service as the Acting Assistant Head for the Research Facilities Branch.
  • 1998 – NASA - Group Achievement Award for Recognition of Outstanding Contributions in Support of Vital Research Programs During the 7 day/week, 24 hour/day Operations at the 14- by 22-Foot Subsonic Tunnel
  • 1997 – NASA - Superior Accomplishment Award for Recognition of Outstanding Contributions in Support of Research Programs at the 14- by 22-Foot Subsonic Tunnel in the Research Branch\
  • 1996 – NASA - Group Achievement Award for Outstanding Accomplishments in Support of the Pegasus XL Program.
  • 1992-1993 – AIAA - Second Runner-Up in Young Professionals Paper competition for AIAA Hampton Roads Section.
  • 1987 – NASA – Special Achievement Award for the Successful Check-out, Calibration, and Initial Use of the Langley 13” MSBS for Aerodynamic Testing.
  • 1986 – NASA – Special Achievement Award for the Development, Implementation, and Documentation of an Active Gaseous Nitrogen Purge Insulation System for Cryogenic Wind Tunnels.
  • 1985 – NASA – Group Achievement Award to the Advanced Technology Airfoil Test Research Team for the Conduct of a Cooperative Study with the United States Transport Industry to Determine the Flight Equivalent Aerodynamic Characteristics of an Extensive Series of Advanced Technology Airfoils.