Research
My research is in astrodynamics and space navigation. Recent work has focused on Eulierian orbit dynamics, that is, the propagation of orbital density, for example, from a fragmentation. This involves the determination of the Lambert solution for orbits between the fragmentation point and all points in space. Numerous publications and videos have resulted from this work. I also conduct research in the lifetimes of very low earth-orbiting satellites. I have developed Tellurion, software which wraps the Orekit astrodynamics library. This provides students with easy access to precise solutions against which they can check their knowledge and build further inside by application of known techniques. It provides a very fruitful way to conduct research in astrodynamics as well.
Academic and research positions
- Senior Lecturer | Aerospace Engineering Department, University of Maryland
- Associate Editor | Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics (AIAA)
- Research Physicist | Spacecraft Engineering Division, Naval Research Laboratory
Publications
Education
- Ph.D., Physics, University of Maryland
- M.S., Physics, University of Maryland
- A.B., Physics, Harvard University