Dr. Alok Das, a member of the scientific and professional cadre of senior executives, is Senior Scientist for Design Innovation, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. As the laboratory\’s chief innovation officer he serves as the principal adviser to the commander in formulating, planning and implementing technology and process innovation strategies throughout the organization. He also leads the AFRL rapid reaction team that utilizes innovation and collaboration, providing near-term solutions to the warfighter\’s highest priority urgent needs.

Das started his career as a controls engineer at the Indian Space Research Organization, designing attitude control systems for some of India\’s initial earth observation satellites. In 1984 he joined the Air Force Rocket Propulsion Laboratory. As the technical lead for the emerging large space structures area, he developed it into the Defense Department\’s premiere facility for developing and demonstrating advanced technologies for modeling, and precise control of such systems. Later, working closely with the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, he was instrumental in the development and transition of the emerging smart structures technology, from conceptual laboratory demonstrations to applications in space systems, providing satellite designers with an array of space-proven technologies. He also worked with NASA on several initiatives, including the New Millennium Program.

Since 1997, Das has focused on exploring revolutionary space mission architectures, satellite designs and technologies to radically reduce the cost, while enhancing the capability and operating flexibility of space systems. Das has written more than 60 technical articles on space technologies.