Dr. Seth Lacy, a member of the U.S. Air Force’s cadre of scientific and technical senior executives, is the Senior Scientist for Space Mobility and Precision Maneuver, Air Force Research Laboratory, Air Force Material Command, Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico. He serves as the Department’s principal scientific authority and independent researcher for the development of new technologies in support of space mobility and precision maneuver.
Dr. Lacy joined the AFRL, Space Vehicles Directorate in 2002. He has led teams to develop technologies in control theory, estimation, uncertainty management, large optical apertures, laser communications, rendezvous and proximity operations, communications and space sensing as well as championing rapid development and test of space technologies.
EDUCATION
1997 Bachelor of Science, Physics, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena
1997 Bachelor of Science, Engineering and Applied Science, Aerospace Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena
1999 Master of Science in Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
2002 Master of Science, Mathematics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
2002 Doctor of Philosophy, Aerospace Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
ASSIGNMENTS
1. September 2002–September 2005, Technical Lead, Large Deployable Optics Program, Space Vehicles Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M.
2. October 2005–September 2007, Technical Lead, Multi-Access Lasercom Program, Space Vehicles Directorate, AFRL, Kirtland AFB, N.M.
3. October 2007–September 2016, ANGELS Chief Scientist, Space Vehicles Directorate, AFRL, Kirtland AFB, N.M.
4. October 2016–September 2017, Sabbatical, Sandia National Laboratories, Kirtland AFB, N.M.
5. October 2017–September 2018, Blackjack Positioning, Navigation and Timing Lead, Space Vehicles Directorate, AFRL, Kirtland AFB, N.M.
6. October 2018–September 2019, Space Communications and PNT Mission Lead, Space Vehicles Directorate, AFRL, Kirtland AFB, N.M.
7. October 2019–September 2023, Lead Experimentalist for Small Satellites, Space Vehicles Directorate, AFRL, Kirtland AFB, N.M.
8. October 2023–present, Senior Scientist, Space Mobility and Precision Maneuver, AFRL, Kirtland AFB, N.M.
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
2011 Director’s Cup, Air Force Research Laboratory, Space Vehicles
2016 Rotary National Award for Space Achievement
(Current as of January 2024)