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Paul Friz

Title: Aerospace Systems Technologist, Aerospace Vehicle Design and Mission Analysis
Branch: Space Mission Analysis
Technical Focus Area: Contingencies and Aborts, Space Mission Analysis, Cost Estimation
Missions/Projects: Human Lander System (HLS) for Artemis III-V
Study Topics/Expertise: Contingencies and Aborts, Human Mars Entry Descent and Landing, The Space Superhighway, Technology Assessments, Independent Cost Estimation

Dr. Paul Friz is an engineer at NASA’s Langley Research Center within the Space Mission Analysis Branch, part of the Systems Analysis and Concepts Directorate (SACD). He is currently the Co-lead of the Human Lander System Contingencies and Aborts Team, whose goal is to ensure that for any off-nominal situation that should occur on the lander during the Artemis III-V missions, there is a plan to save the crew. 

Previously, Dr. Friz led the SACD Cost Estimation Team and worked with the Mars Architecture, Lunar Architecture, and Campaign Analysis Teams, providing systems and cost analysis for the Moon to Mars Program. His previous experience involved integrating vehicle sizing, trajectory analysis, and cost analysis tools to determine how changing one aspect of a technology, vehicle, or mission will affect the cost of an entire vehicle or mission.  

Awards
NASA Superior Accomplishment Award, 2024

Education/Professional Experience

  • PhD Aerospace Engineering: Missouri University of Science and Technology
  • M.S. Aerospace Engineering: Missouri University of Science and Technology
  • B.S. Physics: Truman State University

Publications
Google Scholar

Hobbies/Interests
Aviation (private pilot), pizza making (they call me Pizza Paul), photography, rock climbing, hiking, camping, travel, cats, and triathlons