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Prof. Daniel E Hastings

Cecil (1923) and Ida Green Professor in Education

Primary DLC

Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics

MIT Room: 33-207
(617) 253-0906

Assistant

Frances Marrone
(617) 253-4885
franm@mit.edu

Areas of Interest and Expertise

Spacecraft-Environmental Interactions
Power Generation in Space
Space Systems Engineering
Space Policy
Rocket Propulsion
Advanced Space Power and Propulsion Systems

Research Summary

Professor Hastings is a recognized leader whose research spans laser material interactions, fusion plasma physics, spacecraft plasma environment interactions, space plasma thrusters, and space systems analysis and design. Throughout his tenure he has taught courses in space environment interactions, rocket propulsion, advanced space power and propulsion systems, space policy and space systems engineering. In recognition for his special service of outstanding merit performed for the Institute, he was presented with MIT’s Gordon Billard Award in 2013.

Hastings has had an active career of service outside of MIT, and from 1997 to 1999, served as chief scientist of the Air Force. In this role, he was the chief scientific adviser to the chief of staff and the secretary and provided assessments on a wide range of scientific and technical issues affecting the Air Force mission.

Recent Work

  • Video

    2024 MIT R&D Conference: Track 1 - Space - Whither the Space Enterprise - A View from the Lens of Technology and Policy

    November 19, 2024Conference Video Duration: 37:45
    Whither the Space Enterprise - A View from the Lens of Technology and Policy
    Daniel E. Hastings
    Interim Vice Chancellor, MIT
    Cecil and Ida Green Education Professor, of Aeronautics and Astronautics, MIT AeroAstro

    The space enterprise is changing dramatically. Entrepreneurial space has increased dramatically, as has international space activity. The talk will review the critical space policy issues based on a recent class in this area. Next, it will outline the issues in space technology and architecture from the perspective of the AIAA and then turn to what research work in space is going on in the MIT AeroAstro Department. The talk will finish with some of the demographic challenges for the space enterprise.

    Hastings-Japan-1.22.2021

    January 22, 2021Conference Video Duration: 26:10
    Daniel E. Hastings
    Department Head, MIT Aeronautics and Astronautics
    Cecil and Ida Green Education Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics

Related Faculty

Prof. Karen E Willcox

Visiting Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics

Mr. Andrew Owens

Graduate Student

Dr. Jingyao Dai

Research Affiliate