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Lab Book: Orbital Power Plant
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Meet John Mankins

Lead Contributor to Orbital Power Plant

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John Mankins' 25-year career at NASA and CalTech's Jet Propulsion Laboratory ranged from flight projects and space mission operations, to systems level innovation and advanced technology research-and-development management.

For 10 years, he was the manager of Advanced Concepts Studies at NASA and was the lead on critical studies of space solar power, highly reusable space transportation, affordable human exploration approaches, and other topics.

He was the creator or co-creator of numerous novel concepts, such as the MagLifter electromagnetic launch-assist system, the Solar Clipper interplanetary transport vehicle and the Sun Tower space solar power system. In recognition of his accomplishments, he has received numerous awards and honors, including the prestigious NASA Exceptional Technology Achievement Medal.

Now employed as an independent consultant on space research and development, Mankins continues to work alongside academics on research into novel space concepts.