Kristina's research focuses on the global optimization of low-thrust, asteroid tour missions. In her PhD work, she is developing a design space pruning methodology to quickly identify asteroid combinations, launch dates, and flight times that will result in low propellant consumption and flight time. Additionally, she is applying combinatorial optimization methods to find the optimum solution for the reduced design space.

Trajectory Design/Optimization, Ephemeris generation, Mission Design and High Performance Parallel Computing. Currently am working on designing a new ephemeris generation software which would provide order's of magnitude of speed increase over current software, during integration in wide range of trajectory design and optimization problems. I am also working on parallelizing my research code.

Eammon’s research interests involve evaluating the risk and reliability associated with current Mars exploration architectures. His focus is on developing a novel approach for characterizing both risk and reliability in the ascent and descent phases of missions.

Currently researching the endgame problem of entering scientific orbits from interplanetary trajectories with a focus on using V-infinity leveraging manuevers (VILMs) within the Jupiter and Saturn systems to reduce propellant requirements.

Joy’s research focuses on the notion of value in engineering system design and its usage as a decision making tool. It is an interdisciplinary area combining economics and system design and optimization, which is intended to challenge the traditional cost-centric mindset. This work is expected to augment the current drive for the expansion and sustainability of best practices in Space Acquisitions.

Jean-Francois is working on developing a framework for characterizing and analysing survivability and resiliency of spacecraft and space-based networks. Some parts of the research also focuse on updating satellite reliability models.

Zarrin's research involves the quantitative assessment of human EDL performance for space exploration systems. This work consists of developing computational human-in-the-loop trajectory simulations for comparative analysis to robotic systems, and aims to provide evidence for crew role and responsibilities during descent and landing. Zarrin is co-advised by Dr. Karen M. Feigh of the Georgia Tech Cognitive Engineering Center.  

Chris is investigating supersonic retropropulsion for planetary entry using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). This involves validating solutions for different configurations on a blunt reentry body against previous experimental data and against solutions from other CFD codes. The work will also involve a parametric study of nozzle orientation within the vehicle and the effects that has on the aerodynamics of the reentry body.

John’s research involves developing a three dimensional finite element based ablation and thermal analysis tool, and incorporating it into a Monte-Carlo analysis. The Monte Carlo analysis will allow probabilities of exceeding design specifications to be evaluated. These calculated probabilities then become the objective functions in an optimization scheme where the outcome is a more robust design. The goal of the research is to assess and improve the robustness of a heat shield features such as a compression pads.

Greg is developing a theoretical framework for adressing the question of Space Responsiveness, encompassing issues such as Technology Maturity and Obsolescence in spacecraft design and operation. One of the applications of this research is to identify ways to accelerate the Acquisition, Design, and Launch Cycles in the space industry. When applied to the Fractionated Spacecraft concept, such a framework should prove relevant to understand how to affect or even disrupt these present dominant cycles.

Current research involves entry, descent, and landing trajectory reconstruction for Mars missions, such as Phoenix and the upcoming MSL mission.

Mike is developing a conceptual design framework for high-performance, slender entry vehicles required for the Conventional Prompt Global Strike mission. His research focuses on developing the ability to perform simultaneous trajectory and vehicle design for conceptual studies. His efforts focus on rapid trajectory optimization and rapid hypersonic aerodynamic characterization of these guided entry vehicles.

Thomas' current research involves statistical data analysis and proposes to identify trends and cyclical patterns in the space industry. Some parts of the research also focus on specializing satellite reliability models to functions of the orbit.

Supersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerators (IADs)

Ashley’s research focus is supersonic retropropulsion for planetary entry applications, specifically at Mars.  This includes both systems-level modeling/analysis and the development of computational fluid dynamics approaches for simulating the effects of supersonic retropropulsion on blunt-bodied entry vehicle aerodynamics and aerothermodynamics.

Jarret’s research focused on developing a comprehensive systems engineering framework for evaluating flexible space systems.  This frame work will be applied to an Orbital Sciences/IBM/JPL/Georgia Tech proposal for the DARPA Systems F6 fractionated spacecraft concept.

Greg is working on space trajectory optimization using differential dynamic Programming. The goal is to build an in-house tool capable of solve a wide range of space trajectory problems. He is also working on developing autonomous optimal trajectories for landing on asteroids.                                                                         

Demyan's research currently focuses on efficient high-fidelity gravity modeling for trajectory estimation and optimization, especially as it applies to lunar mission concepts and design. Other interests and future work include constellation design and novel space mission concepts.

Milad's research involves developing an inverse parameter estimation tool used for reconstruction of aerothermal environment and Thermal Protection system (TPS) response based on temperature and recession measurements. Ultimately, this tool will be used with the flight data from upcoming MSL mission. The results will improve our understanding of aeroheating and TPS performance uncertainties for future missions.

Scott's primary research areas include aerodynamic, aerothermodynamic, and thermal protection system (TPS) analysis for hypersonic vehicles. His current focus is developing a tool to predict the windward centerline heating profile for re-entry vehicles. This research will enable more accurate heating and TPS mass estimates for vehicles of arbitrary geometry during initial design phases and optimization.

Katie is currently in the student-lead Nanosat competition as the structural design engineer. She is also coordinating the integration and testing process for the nanosat as they start to purchase and assemble the satellite compenents. Katie is a TA for the space senior design class.

Richard is currently pursuing a PhD in Aerospace Engineering and a MS degree in Computer Science. He has already obtained a MS degree in AE. His work has included the design and development of the Planetary Entry Systems Synthesis Tool (PESST) currently in use at JPL for the conceptual design of entry vehicles. His interests include: multidisciplinary design optimization, global trajectory optimization, automatic problem decomposition and artificial intelligence.

Brandon's current research involves Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator design and testing for Earth and Mars atmospheric entry.

Brad's research efforts focus on conceptual design of entry, descent, and landing (EDL) systems emphasizing guidance, navigation, and control. His principal research area is in the development of robust guidance algorithms for pinpoint landing (sub-100m landed accuracies).

Aeroelastic analysis of supersonic inflatable aerodynamic decelerators (IADs), experimental aerodynamics of IADs

John's current research involves the development of methods for hypersonic entry aeroshell shape optimization in order to increase landed mass capability. Configurations that maximize drag-area while satisfying a specified lift-to-drag ratio requirement will be determined. Trade studies will also include considerations for stability, aerothermodynamics, payload packaging, and mass estimation for both blunt and slender bodies.

Bob Thompson is researching methodologies for designing space transportation architectures. He is interested in developing techniques for probabilistic optimization of complex architecture design problems for use at the conceptual stage of design.

Nathalie is working with Prof. Spencer on the R3 mission to develop algorithms able to detect thermal features of interest on the Earth.

Luke serves as the Project Manager for the Rapid Reconnaissance and Response (R^3) Mission, Georgia Tech's entry in the University Nanosat Program. He is responsible for the coordination of engineering and programmatic efforts for the student-led satellite mission, as well as systems engineering analysis and decisions.

Research interests include space systems engineering and trajectory reconstruction. Accurate post-flight reconstruction of a vehicle's trajectory during entry into a planetary atmosphere can produce a wide array of valuable information. The data collected through the reconstruction of entry, descent, and landing system performance enables the quantification of performance margins for future systems. Beyond the engineering knowledge gained through trajectory reconstruction, the results may also be used by planetary scientists to generate an accurate atmospheric profile.

Cubesat Reentry project (RICE), GNC controllers, spacecraft design.

TPS Honeycomb Architecture Concept Testing.

Recovery of Inspace CubeSAT Experiments: energy absorption and parachute sizing

Stephanie is a member of the Recovery of In-Space Cubesat Experiments (RICE) project team. She is currently working on the payload sizing, service module design, and launch vehicle interface aspects of the project.

I am currently working with Dr. Saleh on fitting C3 curves for launch vehicles used for interplanetary missions and reliability analysis of spacecraft that have electrical propulsion and how that compares with those that have traditional propulsion systems.