Russ Bardos has over 40 years of experience in management and                                                      coordination of complex, multi-discipline, high visibility technical programs in space, energy systems and defense.  He has held key positions in government and the private sector that have given him a broad understanding and experience in aerospace research, development, production, marketing, strategic planning and technology commercialization. His experience in these positions has helped him develop a keen understanding of government contracting, as well as the legislative, appropriation and regulatory process.

Prior to his retirement from NASA in 1998, Russ served as the Deputy Director of the Space Shuttle Program in the Office of Space Flight.  He also served as Director of NASA’s $3 billion Advanced Solid Rocket Motor Program, Director of the Office of Chief Engineer and Director of Shuttle Propulsion during his 17 year NASA career.  Following the Space Shuttle Challenger accident, Russ was named as NASA’s liaison with the National Research Council Solid Rocket Motor Redesign Oversight Committee. 

From 1998 to 2003 Russ served as Vice President for Government Relations for SPACEHAB, Inc. where he provided advice and guidance to top management on business development, legislative and Administration policy matters. 

Russ has also held program management and leadership positions in several national weapons laboratories, as well as the Department of Energy (DOE).  At the DOE he was the Resource Manager for all coal gasification commercialization activities at the time of the energy crisis in the 1970’s. 

Russ Bardos graduated from the Carnegie Institute of Technology with a BS degree in Chemical Engineering and was in the George Washington University program for a MS in Engineering Administration.  Russ was a charter member of the Senior Executive Service and has been the recipient of numerous awards including the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal, the Exceptional Service Medal and the Exceptional Performance Award.  In addition to being nominated for the Presidential Rank Award he has received numerous commendations from members of Congress and other government officials.  He has authored over 20 papers and has served as an invited speaker at over 30 international and national conferences and meetings. 

 Russ is currently using his experience and knowledge to provide consultant services to support companies pursue space business opportunities.