People

Faculty

Dr. Brian Gunter

  • Associate Professor, Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering
  • Director, Space Systems Design Laboratory (SSDL)
  • Courtesy Adjunct Appointment, School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
  • Affiliated with the Center for Space Technology and Research (CSTAR), and the Institute for Robotics and Intelligent Machines (IRIM)
  • See bio for more

Current

PhD Students

  1. Mohammed Nassif (2021-), Georgia Tech
  2. Kwonhee (Alex) Lee (2021-), Georgia Tech
  3. Alaric Gregoire (2021-), Georgia Tech
  4. Miles Turner (2021-), Georgia Tech
  5. Stef Crum (2021-), Georgia Tech
  6. Chimuka Cheepa (2020-), Georgia Tech
  7. Pradens Pierre-Louis (2021-), Georgia Tech
  8. Dario Tscholl (2022-), Georgia Tech
  9. Clifford Stueck (2023-), Georgia Tech
  10. Surya Venkatram (2023-), Georgia Tech

Masters Students

  1. Hannah Peter (2021-), Georgia Tech
  2. Jesse Samitas (2022-), Georgia Tech
  3. Vaishnavi Ramanan (2022-), Georgia Tech
  4. Christopher Walter (2022-), Georgia Tech
  5. Nikita Jagdish (2022-), Georgia Tech
  6. Alex Tyler (2023-), Georgia Tech
  7. Joseph Carragher (2023-), Georgia Tech
  8. Jordan Kalatchev (2023-), Georgia Tech
  9. Joseph Rouse (2023-), Georgia Tech
  10. Andrew Wood (2023-), Georgia Tech
  11. Samuel Luong (2024-), Georgia Tech
  12. Benjamin Barre (2024-), Georgia Tech
  13. Crispin Gambill (2024-), Georgia Tech

Former

Postdoctoral Researchers

  1. Natthachet Tangdamrongsub (2013-2015) “Multi-scale modelling of water resources in Northern China,” co-supervised by S. Steele-Dunne and P. Ditmar, TU-Delft.  Dr. Tandangrongsub is now at the University of Maryland (UMD), NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC).
  2. Rakia Meister (2013), “Long-term Antarctic surface elevation trends from satellite radar and laser altimetry,” TU-Delft, Dr. Meister was last at the National Space Institute, Technical University of Denmark.
  3. Riccardo Riva (2007-2010), “Improving Post-Glacial Rebound and Ice Mass Balance Models in Antarctica Using GRACE and ICESat Mission Data,” co-supervised with L.L.A. Vermeersen and R. Lindenbergh. Dr. Riva is currently an Associate Professor at TU-Delft.

PhD Students

  1. Byron Davis (2014-2021), “The Improvement of Multi-Satellite Orbit Determination Through the Incorporation of Intersatellite Ranging Observations,” Georgia Tech.  Dr. Davis is now at Aerospace Corporation.
  2. Olga (Engels) Didova (2012-2017), “Separating GIA and ice mass change signals in Antarctica using satellite data,” co-supervised by R. Riva and R. Klees, TU-Delft.  Dr. Engels is currently a postdoctoral researcher at Bonn University.

Masters Students

  1. Alex Mealey (2022-), “Space Object Tracking from CubeSats utilizing Low-Cost Software Defined Radios,” Georgia Tech
  2. Kundana Kalidindi (2021-2023), “Satellite Orbit Classification through Machine Learning,” Georgia Tech.
  3. Alex Bustos (2021-2023), “Development of an Open Source Data Visualization and Automated Testing Platform for CubeSat Subsystems,” Georgia Tech.  Now at GTRI.
  4. Luke Guyer (2021-2023), “Development of a Navigation and Guidance Loop for a Hypersonic Glide Vehicle with an Off-Axis Terminal Seeker,” Georgia Tech.  Now at Lockheed Martin.
  5. Luke Lawver (2022-2023), “Wireless Energy from Beamed Signals: A Case Study in Rapid CubeSat Design,” Georgia Tech.  Now at SpaceX.
  6. Gerald Schweiger (2022-2023), “A Survey and 3LE Generation Model of Megaconstellations in the Future LEO Environment,” Georgia Tech.  Now at Northrup Grumman.
  7. Miles Turner (2021-2023), “Trajectory Optimization of Satellites for Space Construction Using Direct Collocation Methods,” Georgia Tech. Now pursuing a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering at Georgia Tech under Prof. Brian Gunter.
  8. Ananya Kapoor (2021-2023), “Modal Analysis and GEO Simulation of Large Space Structures,” Georgia Tech.  Now at Collins Aerospace.
  9. Matthew Bouhall (2020-2022), “Line of Sight Observational and Inertial Sensing Requirements for Multi-UAV Tracking subject to GNSS Denial,” Georgia Tech.
  10. Daniel Sakson (2019-2022), “Impacts of Altitude on Expectation Maximization-based
    Data Association and Orbit Estimation,” Georgia Tech.  Now at Lockheed Martin.
  11. Kohei Kotani (2020-22), “High-speed, Low-power, Low-profile Design Fiber-optic Communication System for Cubesat,” Georgia Tech.  Now at AstroScale.
  12. Akshay Menon (2020-22), “Entry-vehicle conceptual design to enable multiple-payload delivery to Titan,” Georgia Tech.
  13. Brian Murphy (2020-22), “Development of an Optimized Spacecraft Attitude Profile Using Lexicographic Optimization Techniques” Georgia Tech
  14. Luke DiStasio (2020-22), “The Attitude Determination and Control Subsystem for the Orbital Calibration 2 (OrCa2) Small Satellite Mission,” Georgia Tech
  15. Ariel Tokarz (2021-22), “Considering the Effects of Radiation and the Space Environment on Small Satellites,” Georgia Tech.
  16. Daniel Nguyen (2020-21), “Simulating Magnetohydrodynamically-Controlled Aerocapture and Comparing to its Atmospherically Controlled Counterpart,” Georgia Tech.  Pursuing a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering at CU-Boulder.
  17. Chris Murphy (2019-2021), ““An Investigation into Inner Solar System Communications Infrastructures,” Georgia Tech.  Now at Ball Aerospace.
  18. Martin Davisson (2019-2021), “On-Orbit Assembly of Interlocking CubeSat Structures Using Free-Flying Rendezvous Techniques,” Georgia Tech.  Now at Northrup Grumman.
  19. Bhanu Kumar (2019-2021), “Computation and Analysis of Jupiter-Europa and Jupiter-Ganymede Resonant Orbits in the Planar Concentric Circular Restricted 4-Body Problem,” Georgia Tech.  Completed his Ph.D. in Mathematics at Georgia Tech under Prof. Rafael de la Llave and is now a post-doctoral researcher at JPL.
  20. Alaric Gregoire (2019-2021), “Utilizing Space-based Observers to Supplement Optical Ground Stations in Support of Space Domain Awareness,” Georgia Tech.  Now pursuing a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering at Georgia Tech under Prof. Brian Gunter.
  21. Richard Macke (2020-2021), “Analysis of Potential Collision Maneuver Guidelines for Future Space Traffic Management,” Georgia Tech.  Now at the USAF.
  22. Abhijit Harathi (2019-2021), “The Attitude and Determination Control Subsystem (ADCS) for the Tethering and Ranging Mission of the Georgia Institute of Technology (TARGIT),” Georgia Tech.  Now a GNC Engineer at Northrup Grumman.
  23. Will McNulty (2019-2021), “Evaluation of an Inexpensive Alternative to a Lidar-Based Aerial UAV Surveying Platform,” Georgia Tech.  Now at Sandia National Labs.
  24. Bhavi Jagatia (2020-2021), “Exploratory Study of Interplanetary Trajectories for a Twin-Spacecraft Mission to the Ice Giants”, Georgia Tech.  Now at Planet.
  25. Kwonhee (Alex) Lee (2019-2021), “Genetic Algorithms for Space Mission Design,” Georgia Tech.  Now pursuing a Ph.D. at GT-AE under Prof. Brian Gunter.
  26. Mohammed Nassif (2018-2020), “Gravity Science Requirements for Future Icy/OceanWorlds SmallSats Missions,” Georgia Tech.  Now pursuing a Ph.D. at GT-AE under Prof. Brian Gunter.
  27. Luke Renegar (2018-2020), “Optical Satellite Orbit Determination from Geographically Dispersed Sensors,” Georgia Tech.  Now a Systems Engineer at Northrup Grumman.
  28. Devin Wu (2018-2020), “SDA Visible Range Object Detection Performance Optimization Under Urban Environment,” Georgia Tech
  29. Stephen Hall (2018-2020), “A Survey of Free Space Optical Communications in Satellites,” Georgia Tech.  Now at L3Harris.
  30. Richard Hunter (2017-2020), “Optimal Phasing and Performance Mapping for Translunar Satellite Missions Across the Earth-Moon Nodal Cycle,” Georgia Tech.  Now a Guidance, Navigation and Control Engineer at Rocket Lab.
  31. Logan Bewley (2018-2019), “CubeSat Inter-satellite Tracking Using Remote Sensing and Trajectory Estimation,” Georgia Tech.  Now a Space Architecture Performance Analyst at Aerospace Corp.
  32. Joshua Ingersoll (2018-2019), “A Technical Evaluation of Integrating Optical Inter-Satellite Links into Proliferated Polar LEO Constellations,” Georgia Tech.  Now at Aerospace Corp.
  33. Brandon Henley (2019), “Lunar Laser Ranging from Low Earth Orbit,” Georgia Tech.  Now a Guidance, Navigation and Control Engineer at Lockheed Martin.
  34. Daniel Groesbeck (2017-2019), “Autonomous Control of Small Satellite Formations using
    Differential Drag,” Georgia Tech.  Now a Guidance, Navigation and Control Engineer at Lockheed Martin.
  35. Emily (Erin) Simmons (2017-2019), “Application of Self-Healing Materials to Leak Repair in Inflatable Structures,” Georgia Tech.  Now a Loads and Dynamics Engineer at Engineering, Research and Consulting (ERC).
  36. Jairus Elarbee (2017-2019), “Processing Strategy for GNSS-based Orbit Determination of
    Small Satellites,” Georgia Tech.  Now an Aerospace Engineer at Emergent Space Technologies, Inc.
  37. Rachmat Subagia (2017-2019), “Precise Tracking of UAVs using LiDAR and Computer Vision,” Georgia Tech
  38. Yanjie Guo (2017-2018), “Relative positioning and tracking of small spacecraft using optical sensors,” Georgia Tech. Currently pursuing a PhD at Georgia Tech.
  39. Austin Claybrook (2016-2018) “A Preliminary Assessment of the RANGE Mission’s Orbit Determination Capabilities,” Georgia Tech.  Now a Systems Engineer at Analytical Graphics, Inc. (AGI)
  40. Alexander Boisvert (2016-2018) “Attitude Dynamics of a Tethered CubeSat-Inflatable System in Low Earth Orbit,” Georgia Tech.  Now at Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems.
  41. Trevor Dahl (2017), “An Evaluation of Spacecraft Pointing Requirements for Optically Linked Satellite Systems”.  Currently a Developmental Engineer with the U.S. Air Force.
  42. Michael Herman (2015-2017),“Design and testing of a low-cost two-axis coarse sun sensor for nanosatellites,” Georgia Tech.
  43. Zachary Levine (2015-2016), “Development of an inter-satellite laser ranging system for nanosatellites,” Georgia Tech. Now a Modeling and Simulation Engineer at Epirus.
  44. Michel Lacerda (2014-2016) “Comparison of lidar, sonar and image-based topography from a UAV platform”, Georgia Tech.  Currently pursuing a PhD at Georgia Tech.
  45. Bolys Sabitbek (2015-2016), “Orbit Design for a Phobos/Deimos Cycler Mission,” Georgia Tech.  Currently pursuing a PhD at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University.
  46. Kevin Seywald (2013-2016), “Refinements to the General Methodology Behind Strapdown Airborne Gravimetry,” Georgia Tech.  Now a Controls Engineer at Binera.
  47. Ronald van Haren (2009-2011), “Observing the hydrology of China from space,” TU-Delft.  Went on to complete his PhD at the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI), and is now at the Netherlands eScience Center.
  48. Pedro Inacio (2008-2010), “A Sensitivity Study into Strapdown Airborne Gravimetry,” TU-Delft.  Currently pursuing a PhD at TU-Delft.
  49. Ramses Molijn (2008-2009), “ICESat full waveform signal analysis for the classification of land cover types over the cryosphere”, TU-Delft, co-supervised with R. Lindenbergh.  Now a post-doctoral research at TU-Delft.
  50. Ward Stolk (2007-2009), “An evaluation of the use of radial basis functions for mass change estimates at high latitudes,” TU-Delft, co-supervised with T. Wittwer.  Went on to complete a PhD at Utrecht University, and is now at Fugro.