MIKE’S BIOGRAPHY

Mike Conroy is an engineer, mentor and project manager with the Florida Space Institute (FSI). Work includes developing and managing Institute projects, integrating Florida university capstone design programs with Institute and NASA needs, developing multi team, multi generation capstone projects, creation of the Research and Education RASSOR robot system and serving as the architect for the Simulation Interoperability Standards Organization (SISO) Simulation Smackdown. Mike also developed and manages a fabrication lab for Student projects at the Institute.

Mike’s Capstone Projects (Bachelors and Masters) focus on Space Exploration needs identified by NASA, the Institute and the Universities involved. While traditional Capstone formats are ill suited for large projects, he coordinates between universities and project sponsors to define and execute projects across multiple cohorts to meet program, sponsor and Institute needs. Examples include open-source rover management software, research focused rovers, low-cost microgravity systems, lunar ejecta visualization and analysis software, integrated simulation environments, robotic arms and integration of AI tools during system development. A product of these efforts is the Research and Education Regolith Advanced Surface Systems Operational Robot (RE-RASSOR). RE-RASSOR is a predominantly 3D printed, open source, wheeled rover suitable for use on the Moon and Mars. The design is based on licensed NASA RASSOR technology with the rover system re-developed to leverage commodity electronics. RE-RASSORS have been built a several universities, with the newest rovers being built as a STEAM experience by 5th grade teams classroom teams.

Mike is the past technical chair, and current architect, for the annual SISO Sim Smackdown. This is an International STEM/STEAM initiative with students, industry, professional associations, faculty and students cooperating to simulate future space colonies. As the architect, he integrates NASA Artemis exploration systems and goals into the simulation, while deconflicting concepts and plans and maturing the overall infrastructure.

Project management duties include satisfaction of short-term and long-term program needs. Examples include revitalizing and re-homing the Exolith Lab from an 800 sq foot storage unit to a 5,500 sq foot, air-conditioned open plan lab. This required novel approaches to leasing, in university partnerships and agreements across multiple line organizations. Other projects include; facility upgrades, the RE-RASSOR robotic systems, design and development of the 10 Meter Regolith Bin, a Gravity Offload system design for the Exolith Lab Regolith Bin and pilot / outreach projects supporting STEAM education.

Mike’s NASA career spanned Crewed and Un-Crewed Vehicles, System development (Concept, Certification, Operations), System Engineering and Program Management. He led Modeling and Simulation for the Constellation Program as a part of the System Engineering and Integration team and founded the NASA Kennedy Information Technology Advanced Concepts Lab (ITACL). ITACL pioneered the use of game technology to support complex system design with ITACL’s Distributed Observer Network (DON), earning two runner-up awards in NASA’s Software of the Year competition. While at Kennedy, Mike led the creation of a partnership with the State of Florida to capture and perform Orion Spacecraft assembly and integration at Kennedy Space Center, ensuring NASA schedules were met and retaining critical industry skills and capabilities. Mike received numerous honors and awards including NASA’s Outstanding Leadership Medal during his career and retired in 2018 after holding multiple program, project and leadership positions.

Mike relaxes as a High Performance Driving Instructor, coaching new and experienced drivers on vehicle dynamics, safety and high speed driving on closed courses.