Dunning Idle
About Dunning Idle
Dunning Idle is a Senior Space Control Analysis Subject Matter Expert at LMI, with extensive experience in aerospace engineering and space systems. He has held various positions in notable organizations, contributing to space protection tactics and operational support for the USAF.
Work at LMI
Dunning Idle has been employed at LMI as a Senior Space Control Analysis Subject Matter Expert (SME) since 2022. In this role, he operates in a hybrid work environment based in Colorado Springs, Colorado. His responsibilities include providing expert analysis and support in space control operations, leveraging his extensive background in aerospace engineering and systems analysis.
Previous Employment History
Before joining LMI, Dunning Idle held various positions in the aerospace sector. He worked at MIT Lincoln Laboratory as an Aerospace and Software Engineer from 2015 to 2022. Prior to that, he was a Systems Software Engineer at Braxton Technologies LLC for 11 months in 2014. He also served as a Senior Principal GN&C Engineer at Emergent Space Technologies, Inc. from 2012 to 2013, and spent a decade at Schafer Corporation as a Consulting Engineer/Scientist from 2002 to 2012.
Education and Expertise
Dunning Idle has a strong educational background in aerospace engineering. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Astronautical Engineering from the United States Air Force Academy from 1978 to 1982. He then obtained a Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Southern California between 1982 and 1984. He completed his academic journey with a PhD in Aerospace Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin, studying from 1985 to 1989. He also holds a USAF Professional Development Systems Planning, Research, Development, and Engineering Level III Certification.
Achievements in Aerospace Engineering
Dunning Idle has contributed significantly to various aerospace projects throughout his career. He provided study, simulation, field experiment, and operational support to USAF Directed Energy and Space Systems. He developed space protection and counter space tactics and techniques. Additionally, he acted as Principal Investigator for multiple simulation development Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) projects supporting ATL and XSS-11. His efforts in business development led to the acquisition of several million dollars in new contracts through SBIR and Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) proposals.
Technical Contributions
Dunning Idle has made notable technical contributions in the field of aerospace engineering. He supported AFSPC programs with mission planning, orbit analysis, and software sustainment. He developed a low observability attitude maneuver technique for spacecraft, known as Smart Attitude. His work has involved leading successful business proposals, including writing content and developing formats for various projects.