1. Curriculum Vitae: Dr. Francis M. Curran
Overview: After receiving his B.S. in Chemistry (Michigan, 1977) and Ph.D.
(Michigan State, 1983), Dr. Curran went to work for NASA and led arcjet system
development arcjet from benchtop research to flight. The arcjet has now been the
state-of-the-art on Lockheed Martin satellites for over 20 years. He assumed
responsibility for NASA’s NSTAR ion system hardware when the program was in
technical distress, led the root-cause analysis and recovery efforts, and assured
delivery of a product that has set in-space records on both the Deep Space 1 and
Dawn missions. With NASA, he served as a Science and Technology Agent for
SDIO/BMDO and became familiar with the Department of Defense working mainly
with the Air Force. After leaving NASA, Dr. Curran continued his work with the
military as Program Manager for the Shafer Corporation’s contract with BMDO’s
Innovative Science and Technology Program. He came to Huntsville in 2000 and
became a Vice President at SAIC where he managed multiple technical programs for
NASA. He had similar responsibilities with both the University Space Research
Association and the Aerojet Corporation. Since semi-retirement, he has served as a
consultant for multiple proposal development and technical review efforts for large
business, small business, and NASA. He has extensive experience in technology
evaluation and market assessment, effective program management, and proposal
development. For his technical efforts, he won the AIAA’s Wyld Award for lifetime
achievement in rocket propulsion in 2006.
Recent Professional Experience: As a senior aerospace consultant, Dr. Curran
provides technical support for multiple customers through proposal writing and
technical proposal evaluation. Recent examples (with references) include:
1. Served as the propulsion lead for Teledyne Brown Engineering (TBE) for
their proposal to develop the CubeSat propulsion system for NASA’s
Flashlight flight program. Also provided significant support for TBE’s
management section. Contact Bruce Morris (256-714-1404) for details.
2. Provided extensive proposal development support for a response to NASA’s
Request for Proposal for the MSFC Acquisition and Business Support Services
Contract. This proposal was submitted by a Woman-Owned Small Business
and support was provided through Whitespace Innovations – a local Small
Business specializing in marketing. Contact Austin Boyd (256-679-0689) for
details.
3. Supported proposal review/analysis for the NASA Space Technology Mission
Directorate’s Small Spacecraft Technology Program. Contact Ron Litchford
(256-544-1740) for details.
Dr. Curran also provides seminars and lectures to local organizations (NASA MSFC,
the University of Alabama, and the AIAA Chapter of Greater Huntsville (AIAA) on a
fairly frequent basis and will conduct a workshop on Proposal Writing at the AIAA’s
Young Professionals Symposium, October 2016. Contact Kurt Polzin (256-544-
5513) for details. He is also a founding member of the Electric Rocket Propulsion
Society serving on the Board of Directors in multiple, active roles.

2. “Pre-Retirement” Professional Experience:
November 2011 – August 2013: Aerojet-Rocketdyne Director for Program
Development with responsibility for developing Solar Electric Propulsion system
business for both NASA and the Department of Defense.
August 2009- September 2011: Science Applications International, Huntsville -
Vice President for Space Systems. Dr. Curran had responsibility for program
development, proposal writing, technical support for NASA programs and Division
Operations, and NASA program troubleshooting.
July 2007 – July 2009: Director, Huntsville Operations, Universities Space Research
Association with responsibility for all Earth Science, Space Science, and Exploration
activities under USRA Huntsville vehicles. Also responsible for program
development and proposal writing including one successful role as capture manager
and two major roles in key proposals.
September 200 – July 2007: Science Applications International, Inc. – Vice
President, Manager, Technology Decisions Division, and Deputy Operations
Manager, Space Technologies Operation, responsible for the direction of multiple
NASA and other contracts. As PM for multiple contracts, Dr. Curran had
responsibility for managing on the order of 100 engineering, scientific, and clerical
personnel at SAIC and via subcontracts with large aerospace primes, small
businesses, and universities. He had extensive proposal writing responsibilities
aligned with his business development activities. During this time Dr. Curran also
served as a key member of the Dawn Independent Assessment Team (IAT) and as a
senior technology advisor to the NRC review team performing a major review of
NASA’s Beyond Einstein program.
2002 – 2004: Instructor in the University of Alabama (Huntsville) Professional
Development Program (Course title: “In-Space Propulsion Fundamentals”).
1998 – 2000: Schafer Corporation - Senior Systems Analyst and Manager of the
prime SETA support contract for the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization’s
Innovative Science and Technology Program. Responsibilities included oversight
and troubleshooting for multiple technology and flight projects, direction and
support for systems analysis addressing technology impacts, and personnel
management.
1983 – 1992 and 1993 - 1998: NASA Lewis Research Center (now the Glenn
Research Center) – Served in continuously increasing roles/responsibilities
including senior research engineer, program manager, and Branch Chief in the areas
of in-space electric and low-thrust chemical propulsion. Dr. Curran became an
internationally recognized expert in electric propulsion and holds a patent for work
in arcjet propulsion systems development. He has received numerous NASA and

3. industry awards in recognition of his significant technical and programmatic
achievements in in-space propulsion including his 2006 award by the AIAA as the
Wyld Propulsion award winner. Major technical responsibilities included 1) serving
as NSTAR Deputy Program Manager for LeRC with the responsibility for ion thruster
hardware and power processor development for the Deep Space 1 spacecraft and 2)
serving as the lead for the team that was responsible for all in-house and contracted
efforts that developed and demonstrated first flight-type arcjet thrusters. As Branch
Chief he managed a group of 15 to 20 engineers and scientists.
1995 – 1998: Spacecraft Area Lead – Joint NASA/DOD Integrated High-Payoff
Rocket Propulsion Technology Program (IHPRPT).
1991 – 1992: NASA Headquarters; Detailed as Program Manager for On-Board (In-
Space) propulsion programs in Code R.
1987 – 1995: Strategic Defense Initiative/Ballistic Missile Defense Organization -
Science and Technology Agent for Advanced Propulsion. Directed basic R&D
programs and hardware development culminating in first flight of a Hall thruster
system in NRO/NRL/BMDO/NASA/LMCO program.
1986: Visiting Professor of Chemistry, Oberlin College.
Technical Society Roles:
1997 – Present: Electric Rocket Propulsion Society - Founding member and current
Vice President on governing board.
1998: Associate Fellow, AIAA.
1993 – 1995: Chairman, AIAA Electric Propulsion Technical Committee.
1988 – 1993: Member, AIAA Electric Propulsion Technical Committee.
1991 – Present: Instructor, AIAA Short Course on Electric Propulsion.
Major Conference Roles:
1999: International Chairman, 26th International Electric Propulsion Conference,
Kita-Kyushu, Japan.
1997: General Chairman, 25th International Electric Propulsion Conference,
Cleveland, Ohio.
1989: Arrangements Chairman, 21st International Electric Propulsion Conference,
Orlando, FL.

4. Awards/Patents/Honors/Appointments:
2006: AIAA Wyld Propulsion Award for outstanding achievement in the
development or application of rocket propulsion systems
2005: Member of In-Space Team that was selected for One NASA Peer Award (In-
Space Propulsion)
2004: Turning Goals into Reality Award for NASA for outstanding contributions to
NGLT Systems Analysis Project Team and exceptional progress toward Mission Risk
Assessment
1999: Turning Goals into Reality Award for NASA for contributions to the Deep
Space 1 Ion Engine Program
1996: SKYNET Apogee Award for Outstanding Contribution for Arcjet Subsystem
Performance Improvements for Telstar 402R.
1996: U.S. Patent # 5,540,046, “Method and Apparatus for Pressure Pulse Arcjet
Starting.”
1996: NASA Group Achievement Award, Arcjet Technology Team.
1996 – 2001: National Research Council - Aeronautics and Space Engineering
Board Panel to review AFOSR Proposals.
1996 – 1998: Member of the NASA LeRC Research Advisory Board
1995: Selected - Ad Astra Top 25 Rising Stars in Space
1993: EDI Innovation Award for Arcjet Technology

5. Publications:
Curran, F.M., et al., “Propulsion Technology Assessments within NASA’s Integrated
Technology Assessment Center,” AIAA-2001-3518, July 2001.
Course materials for University of Alabama (Huntsville) Professional Development
Course entitled “In-Space Propulsion Fundamentals” – first published in March,
2002.
Co-author of AIAA Short Course on Electric Propulsion, Introduction, Conclusion,
and Section on Electrothermal Propulsion.
Author/co-author of over 40 programmatic and technical articles published at
conferences and/or in technical journals. Included are invited papers at JPC, IEPC,
IAF Conferences and an invited technical article in the IEEE Transactions on Plasma
Sciences. Selected publications:
Curran, F. M., “Electric Propulsion Activities in U.S. Industry,” IEPC 99-001,
September 1999.
Oleson, S.R., Myers, R.M., Kluever, C.A., Riehl, J.P., and Curran, F.M., “Advanced
Propulsion for Geostationary Orbit Insertion and North-South Station Keeping,”
Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, Vol. 34, No. 1, Jan. - Feb. 1997. Also AIAA-95-
2513 and NASA TM-107018.
Bennett, G.L., Curran, F.M., Brophy, J.R., Bankston, C.P., and Brandhorst, H.W.,”The
Synergy of Spacecraft Electric Propulsion and Power,” Presented at the 1997 STAIF
Meeting, Albuquerque, NM, January 1997.
Callahan, L.W., Curran, F.M., and Wickenheiser, T.J., “On-Board Propulsion for
Communications Satellites,” AIAA-96-1142, February 1996.
Bennett, G.L., Brandhorst, H.W., Curran, F.M., Brophy, J.R., and Bankston, C.P.,
“Spacecraft Power and Propulsion: A Synergism of Technologies,” AIAA-96-0121,
January 1996.
Curran, F.M. and Wickenheiser, T.J., “Electric Propulsion Applications and Impacts,”
IAF-95-S.3.02, October 1995.
Curran, F.M. and Callahan, L.W., “The NASA Electric Propulsion Program,” IEPC-95-
133, NASA TM-107102, September 1995.
Oleson, S.R., Curran, F.M., and Myers, R.M., “Electric Propulsion for Geostationary
Orbit Insertion,” NASA TM-106942, August 1995.
Curran, F.M., Schreiber, J.G., and Callahan, L.W., “Electric Power and Propulsion: The
Future,” IECEC-95-366, August 1995.

6. Curran, F. M. and Callahan, L.W., “The NASA On-Board Propulsion Program,” AIAA-
95-2379, NASA TM-107036, July 1995.
Curran, F.M., et al., “Spacecraft Power/Propulsion Synergies,” IECEC-94-3984,
August, 1994.
Bennett, G.L., Curran, F.M., et al., “Thrusting Toward Application: An Overview of
NASA’s Electric Propulsion Program,” IECEC-94-4136, August 1994.
Myers, R.M., Oleson, S., and Curran, F.M., “Small Satellite Electric Propulsion
Options,” IECEC-94-4137, August, 1994.
Sankovic, J.M. and Curran, F.M., “A Low Erosion Starting Technique for High-
Performance Arcjets,” AIAA-94-2876, July 1994.
Bennett, G.L., Curran, et al., “Enhancing U.S. Competitiveness: The NASA Electric
Propulsion Program,” AIAA-94-2735, June 1994.
Curran, F.M. and Caveny, L.H., “Hydrogen Arcjet Technology Status,” IEPC-93-215,
September 1993.
Curran, F.M and Byers, D.C., “New Developments and Research Findings: NASA
Hydrazine Arcjets,” AIAA-94-2463, NASA TM-106695, June 1994.
Curran, F.M., Sovey, J.S., and Myers, R.M., “Electric Propulsion: An Evolutionary
Technology,” Acta Astronautica, Vol. 29, No. 9, 1993. (Also IAF-91-241, 11/91).
Bennett, G.L., Curran, et al., “An Overview of NASA’s Electric Propulsion Program,”
IEPC-93-006, September 1993.
Curran, F.M., et al., “The NASA Low Thrust Propulsion Program,” AIAA-92-3703, July,
1993.
Caveny, L. H., Curran, F.M., and Brophy, J.R., “BMDO Electric Space Propulsion
Program,” AIAA-93-1934, June 1993.
Curran, F.M., Brophy, J.R., and Bennett, G.L., “The NASA Electric Propulsion
Program,” AIAA-93-1935, June 1993.
Curran, F.M. and Haag, T.W., “Extended Life and Performance Test of a Low-Power
Arcjet,” J. Spacecraft and Rockets, Vol. 29, No. 4, July-August 1992.
Curran, et al., “An Overview of the NASA Advanced Propulsion Concepts Program,”
AIAA-92-3216, July 1992.

7. Sovey, J.S., Curran, F.M., et al., “Development of Arcjet and Ion Propulsion for
Spacecraft Stationkeeping,” IAF-92-0607, August-September 1992.
Turchi, P.J., Curran, F.M., et al., “Electric Propulsion: The Future is Now,” Aerospace
America, July 1992.
Wilbur, P.J., Jahn, R.G., and Curran, F.M., “Space Electric Propulsion Plasmas,” IEE
Transactions on Plasma Science, Vol. 19, No. 6, December 1991.
Haag, T.W. and Curran, F.M., “High Power Hydrogen Arcjet Performance,” AIAA-91-
2226, June 1991.
Sankovic, J.M. and Curran, F.M., “Arcjet Thermal Characteristics,” AIAA-91-2456,
June 1991.
Curran, F.M., et al., “An Overview of the NASA Electric Propulsion Program,” IEPC-
91-002, October 1991.
Curran, F.M., Manzella, D.H., and Pencil, E.J., “Performance Characterization of a
Segmented Anode Arcjet Thruster,” AIAA-90-2582, NASA TM-103227, 7/90.
Curran, F.M. and Sarmiento, C.S., “Low Power Arcjet Performance,” AIAA-90-2578,
NASA TM-103280, June 1990.
Curran, F.M. and Manzella, D.H., “The Effect of Electrode Configuration on Arcjet
Performance,” AIAA-89-2722, NASA TM-102346, July 1989.
Curran, F.M., Sovie, A.J., and Haag, T.W., “Arcjet Nozzle Design Impacts,” NASA TM-
100942, May 1989.
Patterson, M. J. and Curran, F.M., “Electric Propulsion Options for 10 kW Class Earth-
space Missions,” NASA TM-102337, May 1989.
Curran, F.M., Haag, T.W., and Raquet, J.F., “Arcjet Cathode Phenomena,” NASA TM-
102099, December 1988.
Curran, F.M. and Haag, T.W., “An Extended Life and Performance Test of a Low
Power Arcjet Thruster,” AIAA-88-310, NASA TM-89867, July 1988.
Curran, F.M., Hardy, T.L., and Haag, T.W., “A Low Power Arcjet Cyclic Lifetest,” NASA
TM-100233, December 1987.
Hardy, T.L. and Curran, F.M., “Low Power dc Arcjet Operation with
Hydrogen/Nitrogen/Ammonia Mixtures,” AIAA-87-1948, NASA TM-89876, July
1987.

8. Curran, F.M. and Whalen, M.V., “In-Situ Analysis of Hydrazine Decomposition
Products,” AIAA-87-2122, NASA TM-89916, June 1987.
Curran, F.M. and Haag, T.W., “Arcjet Components through a Multistart Test,” AIAA-
87-1060, NASA TM-89857, May 1987.
Haag, T.W. and Curran, F.M., “Arcjet Starting Reliability: A Multistart Test on
Hydrogen/Nitrogen Mixtures,” AIAA-87-1061, NASA TM-89867, May 1987.
Knowles, S.C., Smith, W.W., Curran, F.M., and Haag, T.W., “Performance
Characterization of a Low Power Hydrazine Arcjet,” AIAA-87-1057, May 1987.
Simon, M.A., Knowles, S.C., Hardy, T.L., and Curran, F.M., “Low Power Arcjet Life
Issues,” AIAA-87-1059, May 1987.
Curran, F.M., and Nakanishi, S., “Low Power D.C. Arcjet Operation with
Hydrogen/Nitrogen Propellant Mixtures,” AIAA-86-1505, NASA TM-87279, June
1986.
Curran, F.M., “An Experimental Study of Energy Loss Mechanisms and Efficiency
Considerations in the Low Power dc Arcjet,” AIAA-85-2017, NASA TM-87123,
October 1985.
Hardy, T.L. and Curran, F.M., “Hollow Cathodes in High Pressure Arc Discharges,”
NASA TM-87098, October 1985.
Curran, F.M., “Fundamental Studies and Analytical Applications of the Dual Laser
Ionization Technique,” Dissertation for the Degree of Ph.D., Michigan State
University, 1983.
Curran, F.M., Lin, K.C., Leroi, G.E., Hunt, P.M., and Crouch, S.R., “Energy
Considerations in Dual Laser Ionization Processes in Flames, Analytical Chemistry,
55, 1983.
Curran, F.M., VanDijk, C.A., and Crouch, S.R., “Dual Laser Ionization in Flames: A
Search for Electrical Interferences,” Applied Spectroscopy, Vol. 37, No. 4, 1983.
VanDijk, C.A., Curran, F.M., Lin, K.C., and Crouch, S.R., “Two-Step Laser-Assisted
Ionization of Sodium in a Hydrogen-Oxygen-Argon Flame,” Analytical Chemistry, 53,
1981.