Kan Yang: Instrument Design Laboratory Team Lead
Kan Yang is a renowned Team Lead of the Instrument Design Laboratory (IDL) at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. As a Technical Manager, he’s dedicated to designing space flight instrument concepts and collaborating with scientists and engineers to translate scientific visions into tangible technical designs. With an impressive academic background, including a Bachelor’s in Science and Engineering from the University of Michigan (2008) and a Master’s in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Maryland (2010), Kan Yang brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role.
Key Highlights
Kan Yang’s contributions to NASA’s missions are remarkable. His thermal analysis of the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) satellite and the Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer (LADEE) satellite temperatures showcased his exceptional skills. Notably, he played a pivotal role in troubleshooting overheating issues on LADEE while it traveled to the Moon during a government shutdown, demonstrating his dedication and problem-solving abilities.
His involvement in the James Webb Space Telescope project was equally significant. Over six years, he conducted extensive thermal analyses, ensuring the telescope could operate at -240 degrees Celsius for testing. Despite Hurricane Harvey’s challenges, including power outages and liquid nitrogen delivery issues, Kan Yang’s resilience and determination enabled the project to succeed.
Kan Yang: Instrument Design Laboratory Team Lead
Role and Interests
Kan Yang is a passionate and accomplished engineer who leads the Instrument Design Laboratory (IDL) at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. With a background in science and engineering, Kan specializes in designing and analyzing space flight instruments. He collaborates closely with scientists and engineers to translate scientific visions into feasible technical designs.
Key Highlights
Throughout his career at Goddard, Kan has made significant contributions to various space missions. He conducted thermal analyses for the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) satellite, ensuring its optimal performance in measuring rainfall from space. During the Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer (LADEE) mission, Kan analyzed satellite temperatures and helped troubleshoot overheating issues.
Kan played a pivotal role in the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) project. For six years, he led thermal analyses to ensure the telescope’s cryogenic cooling system would operate at -240 degrees Celsius. Despite challenges posed by Hurricane Harvey, Kan and his team successfully navigated power outages and liquid nitrogen delivery issues.
Instrument Design Laboratory (IDL)
As Team Lead of the IDL, Kan oversees the design and development of a wide range of space flight instruments. Under his leadership, the team has designed instruments for Artemis Moon missions, next-generation space telescopes, climate monitoring satellites, and even an astronaut-operated instrument for the International Space Station (ISS).
Collaboration during Pandemic
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kan and his team successfully maintained a collaborative work environment through virtual meetings and communication channels. They adapted to a hybrid work model, ensuring seamless project execution.
Instrument Design
Kan’s expertise extends to a diverse portfolio of instrument designs. He has led the development of astronaut-deployed instruments for Artemis Moon missions, enabling astronauts to conduct scientific investigations on the lunar surface. The team has also designed next-generation large space-based telescopes, pushing the boundaries of space exploration.
Climate monitoring instruments designed by the IDL contribute to our understanding of Earth’s climate system. An astronaut-operated ISS instrument allows astronauts to study the effects of microgravity on human physiology. The team has also developed a chemical sensor for Saturn’s atmosphere probe, providing insights into the planet’s composition.
Leadership
Kan is an active member of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Employee Resource Group. As Vice-Chair, he advocates for diversity in leadership, addresses challenges faced by AANHPI employees, and showcases the group’s cultural heritage.
Outreach
Kan is passionate about promoting diversity and inclusion in STEM fields. He encourages individuals from all backgrounds to pursue careers at NASA, emphasizing passion over specific academic disciplines. He believes that NASA’s mission to explore space requires a diverse workforce with different perspectives.
Personal Life
Outside of work, Kan enjoys being a father and seeing the world through his son’s eyes. He is an avid traveler and loves exploring new cultures. Kan’s “six-word memoir” is “Be kind and do great things,” capturing his personal philosophy and his commitment to making a positive impact on the world.
Conclusion
Kan Yang is an exceptional engineer and leader who has made significant contributions to the field of space exploration. His passion for science, collaboration, and diversity drives his work at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. As Team Lead of the Instrument Design Laboratory, Kan continues to push the boundaries of space instrument design, enabling groundbreaking scientific discoveries and inspiring future generations of engineers.