Controls, Autonomy, Estimation, and Learning for Uncertain Systems (CAELUS)
The CAELUS (pronunciation: KAE-loose) Laboratory focuses on research at the intersection of uncertainty quantification and data/information fusion to solve modern and future problems in dynamics and control.
Recent work focuses on problems in astronautics, hence the laboratory is named after the Roman god of the sky and is the root of the English word “celestial”.
- Space Situational Awareness (SSA) is knowledge of the space environment to inform a spacecraft operator’s decisions
- Current research focuses on space-object Detection, Tracking, Identification, and Characterization (DTIC); sensor tasking; and uncertainty quantification/propagation
- The research includes elements of estimation theory, controls, information theory, computational methods, astrodynamics, and other research disciplines
- Determine how we can achieve robust and/or reliable mission design for future space missions
- Previous research includes the development of mission design tools to enable robust maneuver planning for outer planets missions
- Research includes elements of spacecraft mission design, risk analysis, and uncertainty quantification
Small Satellite Systems and Missions
- Develop small satellites and mission concepts for on-orbit technology demonstrations
- Explore mission concepts for augmenting flagship missions with small satellites for improved spatio-temporal resolution