F. R. ³Ray² Goodson of San Jose, CA , son of James and Nellie Goodson, passed away on Wednesday, August 24, 2005. He was 52.
Ray was a propellant chemist for Pratt & Whitney¹s solid rocket propulsion division (formerly known as the Chemical Systems Division of United Technologies Corp.) from 1982-2004. He received his degree in Chemistry from San Diego State University in 1980. While at Chemical Systems Division, Ray participated in the development of the booster separation motors for NASA¹s Space Shuttle and received many patents for his innovative designs.
Ray was a pioneer in modern model and high power rocketry. He was responsible for the modernization of propulsion technology for the Rocket Research Institute (RRI) and designed and built nozzleless HTPB-AP composite propellant motors that were flown to altitudes approaching 90,000 feet at Nevada¹s Smoke Creek Desert in the early ?80s.
Another of Ray¹s contributions to rocketry was the design of the ³C-slot² grain geometry that was subsequently adopted by a number of hobby rocket manufacturers. He also developed unique approaches to some of the chemical processes that challenged the early high-power rocket industry.
Ray was well-known for his unique personality and cantankerous sense of humor. He was a loving, caring and responsible husband, father & friend. Later in life, he took an interest in cooking and enjoyed walking his dog.
He is survived by his loving wife Suzanne, his son Andrew and daughter Kelly, his sisters Ada Van Daele and Judy Goodson.
Written by his friends and family.