Ernie Bell is a multi-disciplinary expert in science operations; geophysical field research of planetary analogs; human spaceflight & EVA planning, training, and mission execution; human analog mission studies (includes flight control, traverse planning, and crew activities); and test operations engineering.
His experience includes 1) performing human spaceflight operations planning, training, and mission execution (flight controller) specializing in extravehicular activity (EVA); 2) conducting planetary surface analog field testing and development of concepts of operations; and 3) performing geophysical fieldwork in multiple planetary surface analog environments. His geophysical field research is specialized in seismic and magnetic studies of terrestrial volcanic environments as planetary analogs.
Geophysical Exploration of Planetary Analogs
Dr. Bell's research involves the application of geophysical field techniques and tools to planetary exploration through the study of planetary analogs on Earth from both geologic and operational perspectives. The aim is to better understand geologic problems on other planetary bodies while simultaneously addressing the operational needs for performing field geology/geophysics in locations such as the Moon and Mars. His geophysical expertise includes magnetic and seismic studies of various volcanic terrain including lava tubes, volcanic craters, and lava flows.
Human Lunar Mission Science Support Team Development
Additionally, Dr. Bell's interests relate to the operational methodologies; team architecture, roles, and responsibilities; communications; protocols; procedures; data requirements; and console tools necessary for a science support team (also known as a science evaluation room (SER) to integrate into a human mission flight control team and provide support to astronauts on the lunar surface.
Human Lunar (and Planetary) Surface Exploration Operations
This portion of Dr. Bell's research interest uses terrestrial field geophysics & geology studies to develop methodologies and concepts of operations for performing similar field research on other planetary surfaces. These include examining human, robotic, and coordinated human-robotic strategies; and understanding the deployment types, modes, and methods used for various data sets types.
Dr. Bell is the SSERVI GEODES Theme Lead for Exploration activities. GEODES uses geophysical techniques to investigate relevant analog environments to study planetary questions and to refine methodologies for exploring the lunar surface. Additionally, the field based research is used to develop analytical models to characterize the surfaces of planetary targets.
2021
-
Present
Post-doctoral Research Associate, NASA SSERVI GEODES
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, University of Maryland, Department of Astronomy, CRESST II,
Greenbelt, MD
· Plan and execute geophysical fieldwork, using various instrumentation, on volcanic features such as lava flows, lava tubes, volcanic ash, and magma bodies as analogs for lunar surface exploration.
o Specific instrumentation used includes seismometers, magnetometers, ground penetrating radar, gravimeters, 3-D laser (LiDAR) scanners, GPS, time synchronizers, and as well as other methods.
o Develop computer models and analyze terrestrial field data to characterize the sub-surfaces of these sites and extrapolate the results to lunar surface investigations.
· Investigate operational concepts and strategies for the efficient geologic exploration of the planetary surfaces by planning, conducting, and analyzing data from geophysical studies on terrestrial analogs.
o Determine tactics for optimizing hardware and crew asset management tracking.
o Use these studies to inform the requirements for hardware technologies and operational strategies needed for astronauts, enhanced mobility hardware, and robotic assets for lunar surface exploration.
o Examine field data from these lunar analogs to provide recommendations for mission control science team approaches for providing timely and applicable direction for facilitating real-time mission operations.
2015
-
2021
Graduate Research Assistant
University of Maryland, Department of Geology,
College Park, MD
· Performed collaborative near-surface geophysical research on terrestrial lunar analogs including volcanic fields and lava tubes.
· Conducted extensive fieldwork with multi-disciplinary teams of scientists and engineers.
o Performed geophysical surveys on remote volcanic fields, lava flows, and lava tubes.
o Operated applicable instrumentation; such as seismometers, magnetometers, ground penetrating radar, gravimeters, 3-D laser (LiDAR) scanners, GPS, and time synchronizers; to gather geophysical data sets at remote field sites.
· Developed and applied innovative computer codes and modeling techniques to study geologic features and processes.
o Analyzed geophysical data sets including seismic and magnetic field measurements.
o Used geophysical properties and principles to form models for understanding near-surface geologic features, geologic evolutionary processes, and geomorphology.
· Applied terrestrial geophysical studies to the exploration of similar locations on the Moon.
o Examined the operational aspects of terrestrial field geophysical techniques for application to human lunar exploration and prospecting operations.
2003
-
2015
Space Station & Space Shuttle Flight Control Officer & Astronaut Trainer
NASA Johnson Space Center (SGT, Inc. & United Space Alliance),
Houston, TX
· MISSION OPERATION CERTIFICATIONS:
o Certified EVA Flight Controller (2012)
o Certified EVA Maintenance Flight Controller (2009)
o Certified EVA Systems Flight Controller (2007)
o Certified EVA Systems Instructor (2006)
· EXTRAVEHICULAR ACTIVITIES FLIGHT CONTROLLER & INSTRUCTOR DUTIES:
o Flight Control Officer for spacewalk, spacesuit, and airlock operations.
o Provided real-time technical expertise for EVA systems and tasks operations plus problem recognition, troubleshooting, and resolution, to the Mission Control Center Flight Director during the execution of EVAs and maintenance activities.
o Support on-orbit EVA operations in the Mission Control Center Multi-Purpose Support Room.
o Author and review flight notes, technical requests, anomaly reports, flight rules, and crew procedures.
o Provided pre-mission cross-discipline planning and team coordination in preparation for on-orbit crew activities including the development of spacewalk procedures, generation of technical documentation, and advanced logistics planning.
o Provide crew and flight controller training on spacesuits, airlocks, EVA hardware, and EVA tasks using various simulators and part-task trainers including ISS mockups, vacuum chambers, Virtual Reality Laboratory, and Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory, to certify them for mission operations.
· MISSION ASSIGNMENTS:
o U.S. EVA 22, Radiator Grapple Bar Lead (2013)
· Led EVA team in the coordination with program offices and mission operations for the EVA task planning and crew training for the International Space Station (ISS) Radiator Grapple Bar U.S. EVA.
· Provided realtime coordination, within Mission Control, to the Flight Director during execution of the EVA.
o International Space Station Expedition 28 EVA Lead (2011)
o Space Shuttle Mission STS-133 EVA backup (2009-2011)
o International Space Station Expedition 19 EVA Systems Lead (2008-2009)
o Space Shuttle Mission STS-123 EVA Systems Lead (2007-2008)
o Space Shuttle Mission STS-117 Lead EVA simulations instructor (2006-2007)
o Space Shuttle Mission STS-116 EVA Systems Backup (2006)
o International Space Station Expedition 12 EVA Systems Trainee (2004-2006)
· ADDITIONAL ASSIGNMENTS:
o NASA Desert Research and Technologies Studies (Desert RATS) (2009 to 2012)
§ Mission Operations Lead (2010 and 2011)
§ Coordinated Mission Operations team architecture, procedures, flight rules, and protocol inputs with multiple organizations to develop test scenarios for field test campaigns simulating human space exploration missions, to the Moon and asteroids, to demonstrate techniques, mission architecture, and conceptual vehicles.
§ Deployed to the San Francisco Volcanic Field, AZ in 2009, 2010, and 2011 to support lunar analog field testing of space exploration mission scenarios and conceptual vehicles and hardware.
o Flight controller part-task simulators
§ EVA Branch technical liaison for development and currency of flight controller trainer lesson plans.
§ Provide technical expertise to incorporate EVA training into various part task flight controller simulations.
o ISS Testbed for Analog Research (ISTAR)
§ EVA Branch technical liaison for testing delayed communications operations concepts for future space exploration.
2003
-
2003
Space Station Systems Integration Engineer
NASA Johnson Space Center (United Space Alliance),
Houston, TX
· Member of Vehicle Integration, Performance, Environments, & Resources (VIPER) group in the Space Station Program Office.
· Performed technical assignments to categorize impacts to Space Station systems.
1998
-
2001
Test Facilities Operations Engineer
NASA Glenn Research Center (QSS Group, Dynacs Engineering Company, & NYMA),
Cleveland, OH
· Cryogenic rocket propellant vacuum research facility test operations engineer
o Directed and assisted with modifications, maintenance, and operation of the facility and the installation of test articles.
o Conducted design, buildup, and operation of experiment hardware, including authoring test procedures.
· Microgravity test engineer: Designed research hardware and conducted experiments onboard NASA reduced gravity aircraft.
1997
-
1998
Design and Development Engineer
Oceaneering Space Systems,
Houston, TX
· Developed and tested hardware and procedures to evaluate zero gravity methods for space station research hardware use.
· Coordinated scientific requirements and test results between the customer and development team.
Teaching Assistant, Department of Geology – University of Maryland, 2016
· Conduct geology labs in fundamentals of geology, geophysics, and geomorphology.
NASA Extravehicular Activities Trainer – NASA Johnson Space Center, 2003 to 2015
· Conduct astronaut and flight controller training on spacesuits, airlock systems, and techniques for conducting spacewalks.
· Operate space station and space shuttle systems simulators to train, evaluate, and mentor new instructors and flight controllers.
· Create, review, and update lesson plans.
NASA Reduced Gravity Education Program Mentor – NASA Johnson Space Center, 2008 to 2015
· Evaluated flight experiment proposals, and provided expertise to university teams in the design of experiment hardware.
· Assist in the execution of experiments onboard reduced gravity aircraft flights.
Teaching Assistant, Mechanical Engineering – Carnegie Mellon University, 2001-2002
· Organized and conducted class recitations, labs, and design projects for heat transfer and fundamentals of engineering.
PhD, Geology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 2021
Dissertation title: Geophysical Exploration of Terrestrial and Lunar Volcanic Fields
MAS, Space Studies & Aerospace Management, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Houston, Texas, 2008
Graduate research project: Evaluation of the Benefits of Skills Based Training for Extravehicular Activity (spacewalks).
MS, Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 2002
Graduate project work: Experimental work to determine the coefficient of thermal expansion of biological cryopreservation fluids.
BS, Mechanical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, Erie, PA, 1996
Pennsylvania State University Honors Certificate, 1994
· NASA Review Panel, 2022
· NASA Lunar Surface Science Workshop, Science Enabled by Mobility, Session Assistant, 2020
· American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting, Analog Environments Session, Co-chair, 2020
· NASA Review Board, Executive Secretary, 2016
· University of Maryland Ann G. Wylie Dissertation Fellowship, 2019
· Geologic Society of America, Travel Grant to present at Cordilleran Section Meeting, 2018
· Lunar and Planetary Institute Career Development Award, 2016
· Multiple Space Shuttle and International Space Station Group Achievement Awards 2005–2015
· NASA Agency Team Award for Research into Autonomous Crew Mission Operations, 2013
· United Space Alliance, Quest for Excellence Award for Technical Achievement, 2013
· NASA ‘Go the Extra Mile (GEM)' Award, 2011
· Space Shuttle STS-123 Mission Plaque hanging - EVA team, 2008
· NASA Glenn Research Center, Facilities and Test Engineering Division Award, 2001
· Dynacs Company Performance Award, 2000
GEOPHYSICAL & GEOLOGIC FIELDWORK, and SPACEFLIGHT MISSION ANALOG TESTS
· 2022, Yellow Cat, UT; NASA SSERVI TREX; Provided science operations expertise and support to conduct synchronized astronaut and autonomous rover field operations at a planetary analog in coordination with remote science team oversight.
· 2022, NASA Johnsons Space Center, TX; Joint EVA Test Team (JETT-3) Science Team member testing Artemis lunar surface EVAs science operations using analog simulations containing flight-like operational scenarios, tools, and scientific objectives.
· 2022, Hawaii, HI; NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Goddard Instrument Field Team; Magnetic field studies of vertical cliff faces of volcanic features. Coordinated geomorphologic and magnetic studies of volcanically formed features.
· 2022, Lava Beds National Monument, CA; NASA SSERVI GEODES; Proof of concept demonstration of geophysical studies of vertical cliff faces. Studies on lunar surface science concepts of operations.
· 2022, Lava Beds National Monument, CA; NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Goddard Instrument Field Team; Magnetic fields studies and magnetic susceptibility mapping of lava tubes and lava flows.
· 2022, Potrillo Volcanic Field, Kilbourne & Hunts Hole, NM; NASA Goddard Space Flight Center & University of Maryland; NASA SSERVI GEODES & RISE2; Active seismic study of Kilbourne Hole maar crater. Analog geophysical lunar EVA simulations.
· 2021, Potrillo Volcanic Field, Kilbourne Hole, NM; University of Maryland: NASA SSERVI GEODES terrestrial lunar analog field studies of co-located geophysical data sets (seismic, GPR, magnetic, & sample analysis).
· 2019, San Francisco Volcanic Field, AZ; University of Maryland: PSTAR-2015, Seismic array studies of volcanic cinder deposits and magnetic survey of lava tubes simulating geophysical exploration of analog lunar features.
· 2019, Hawaii, HI; NASA Planetary Volcanology Field Workshop: Immersive field study of volcanic features analogous to those on the Moon and Mars.
· 2017, San Francisco Volcanic Field, AZ; University of Maryland: PSTAR-2015, Seismic and magnetic surveying of subsurface volcanic field features including potential fault following feeder dikes and sills.
· 2018, 2017, Lava Beds National Monument, CA; University of Maryland: PSTAR-2015, TubeX; Investigated strategies for lava tube characterization and exploration using magnetometry, geophones, ground penetrating radar, and LiDAR.
· 2016, San Francisco Volcanic Field, AZ; University of Maryland: PSTAR-2015, Analog Field Deployments of Seismic Arrays; Investigated volcanic field features and planetary exploration techniques using seismic, GPR, and magnetometry.
· 2011, 2010, 2009, San Francisco Volcanic Field, AZ; NASA Johnson Space Center: NASA Desert Research and Technology Studies; Conducted crewed analog planetary surface missions as mission operations support and mission operations lead.
· 2011, Los Alamos, NM; NASA Johnson Space Center Volcanology and Field Mapping Workshop: Volcanology and geologic mapping field course tailored for planning, training, and executing lunar exploration surface science missions.
· 2023 NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) Wilderness First Aid
· 2023 NOLS CPR and AED
· Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Private Pilot License
· PADI Open Water SCUBA certification
· Former member: United States Coast Guard Auxiliary - Air Observer rating (active 2004 – 2010)
· Performed ~50 hours Neutral Buoyancy Lab suited extravehicular activity (spacewalk) simulations
· Conducted zero-gravity experiments onboard 27 reduced gravity aircraft flights (800+ parabolas)
Refereed
Bell, E., N. Schmerr, R. Porter, et al. 2022. "Active seismic exploration along a human lunar mission traverse analogue in the San Francisco volcanic field."
The Leading Edge,
41
(10):
690-699
[10.1190/tle41100690.1]
Bell, E., N. Schmerr, K. Young, et al. 2022. "Field Mapping and Modeling of Terrestrial Lava Tube Magnetic Anomalies as an Analog for Lunar Lava Tube Exploration and Prospecting."
Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets,
127
(6):
[10.1029/2021je007140]
Esmaeili, S., S. Kruse, S. Jazayeri, et al. 2020. "Resolution of Lava Tubes with Ground Penetrating Radar: The TubeX project."
Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets,
[10.1029/2019je006138]
Hörz, F., G. E. Lofgren, J. E. Gruener, et al. 2013. "The traverse planning process for D-RATS 2010."
Acta Astronautica,
90
(2):
254-267
[10.1016/j.actaastro.2012.02.008]
Bell, E. R., V. Badillo, D. Coan, et al. 2013. "Mission control team structure and operational lessons learned from the 2009 and 2010 NASA desert RATS simulated lunar exploration field tests."
Acta Astronautica,
90
(2):
215-223
[10.1016/j.actaastro.2012.11.020]
Non-Refereed
Whelley, P., C. N. Achilles, A. M. Baldridge, et al. 2021. "The Importance of Field Studies for Closing Key Knowledge Gaps in Planetary Science."
Vol. 53, Issue 4 (Planetary/Astrobiology Decadal Survey Whitepapers)
53
(4):
[10.3847/25c2cfeb.0a087f9f]
