Ares I-X

The Ares I-X rocket test flight required all of the project management skills Bilardo Associates now offers to its clients!

Photography courtesy of NASA

Photography courtesy of NASA

Project Background

Vince Bilardo managed the design/build of the Upper Stage Simulator (USS) for the Ares I-X ascent development test flight, which flew successfully in October 2009.

Vince recruited and managed an in-house team of over 200 engineers and manufacturing shop technicians and applied rigorous project management techniques in executing the design, manufacture, test, acceptance, shipment, and integration of the $58 million USS for the Ares I-X rocket test vehicle.

Vince coached, trained, and empowered project team members in key leadership roles, enabling several to obtain promotions in their next assignments.  He led USS team on-site at Kennedy Space Center during launch campaign and served on backup launch console for successful Ares I-X rocket launch in October 2009.

Publications and Citations:

  1. Bilardo, V.J., et.al. “Ares I-X Upper Stage Simulator Development,” 54th Joint Army-Navy-NASA-Air Force (JANNAF) Propulsion Meeting, Denver, CO, May 2007.

  2. Outstanding Leadership Medal, for Leadership of Ares I-X Upper Stage Simulator Project, NASA GRC, 2010.

  3. Exceptional Achievement Medal, for formulation and capture of Ares I-X Upper Stage Simulator project, NASA GRC, 2007.