Title: Aerospace Systems Engineer (Retired)
Company: The NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Location: Pasadena, California, United States
Eric Schwartzbaum, retired aerospace systems engineer at The NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Engineers for dedication, achievements, and leadership in aerospace engineering.
With four decades of dedicated service, Mr. Schwartzbaum built a distinguished career in aerospace engineering, specializing in spacecraft telecommunication systems. He held a notable tenure with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, having served as an aerospace systems engineer from 1993 until his retirement in 2024. Prior to JPL he worked as a microwave engineer with Whittaker Corporation from 1980 to 1990, and more recently served as an adjunct professor at a private university from 2015 to 2022. He laid a solid educational foundation, earning a bachelor’s degree in molecular biology and a Master of Science in electrical and electronics engineering from California State University, Northridge, as well as a master’s degree in biblical studies from The King’s University.
Mr. Schwartzbaum specialized in designing, developing, and delivering hardware and software for spacecraft communication, ensuring seamless links between spacecraft and Earth tracking stations. His work included systems for relaying signals between orbiting satellites, such as those around Mars, and rovers on the planet’s surface. His expertise in managing long-distance communications across diverse technological platforms was pivotal to mission success. He takes pride in his contributions to numerous space missions, including multiple Mars endeavors, the Cassini mission to Saturn, and several Earth-orbiting missions.
Mr. Schwartzbaum led the development of the NASA Electra payload, a reprogrammable software-defined radio integrated into several Mars spacecraft. This advanced system transformed telecommunications by maximizing the volume of error-free data transmitted from spacecraft to Earth. For Martian rovers, where energy constraints are critical, Electra enabled efficient communication by relaying large volumes of data from the rover to orbiting satellites, which then transmitted the data back to Earth using larger antennas and more powerful transmitters. This approach significantly enhanced data transmission capabilities. Addressing spacecraft electromagnetic interference issues was another vital aspect of his work. The reprogrammability of the Electra Payload enabled in-flight modification of digital filtering to mitigate interference from spacecraft instruments sources resulting in increased data rates and improved resilience against signal disruptions.
In light of his impressive undertakings, Mr. Schwartzbaum has received multiple NASA-related awards recognizing his work on specific missions. He attributes his success to a combination of determination and intelligence, consistently striving for excellence and meaningful contributions. He credits much of his growth at JPL to the remarkable individuals and collaborative spirit that defined his experience. Working alongside bright, motivated colleagues with a shared vision for achieving great things has been profoundly inspiring. He views his achievements as a reflection of JPL’s collective efforts and legacy, emphasizing that his contributions are part of a broader tapestry woven by many dedicated professionals.
Looking to the future, Mr. Schwartzbaum envisions a return to teaching in a seminary or similar educational setting. He is currently, teaching a high school electronics course and sharing his NASA experience with interested students. Additionally, he is exploring the idea of investing in a franchise, specifically a tutoring center, which aligns with his passion for working with children and supporting their educational growth. While he acknowledges the effort required to establish such a venture, he sees the financial investment as manageable and is motivated by the potential to make a meaningful impact in this new chapter.
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