Prof. Erick Lansard
Nanyang Technological University , Singapore
Speech Title: Equatorial Sentinels for Environment”: An Innovative Small/Very Small Satellite Constellation to cope with Environmental Threats over Equatorial & Tropical Regions
Abstract: There is an urgent need to better understand the environmental phenomena that are threatening the populations that live in equatorial & tropical regions: Typhoons, floods, earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, wildfires, pollutions etc. due to climate change and geo-hazards are causing huge damages to the societies and huge financial losses to the economies. Forecast models are existing but with limited accuracy and available data have a poor sampling above equatorial regions, especially for fast-varying phenomena. To improve this situation, new data are mandatory to fill the current knowledge gap.Missing data could be provided by a constellation of environmental satellites in near-equatorial orbit - so-called Equatorial Sentinels - that would fully exploit the exceptional revisit time offered by this orbit (10 times better than polar orbit!). This would help to better understand extreme events and to mitigate their impact. On-board Equatorial Sentinels, all kind of space sensors and technologies might be considered, with emphasis on innovative small satellites and nanosatellite pathfinders: Cheaper and faster to develop, they disruptive potential can be assessed and optimized in terms of cost/benefit/risk.“Equatorial Sentinels” should not replace but complement the fleet of global environmental satellites owned by big space countries (e.g.: NASA, ESA, JAXA etc), with focus on filling the data gap above equatorial regions. “Equatorial Sentinels” would not only benefit the equatorial regions but also benefit the rest of the planet, by feeding regional and global models with unique high revisit time measurements.“Equatorial Sentinels” will also bring many business opportunities for the public and private stakeholders that will have invested in this concept. These new and quite unique equatorial data, with unprecedented revisit time, will trigger the sustainable development of new services and new applications for the benefit of governments and citizens.
Biodata: Erick LANSARD holds an Engineering Master degree in Aerospace (1983), a Master of Science in Fluid Mechanics (1983) and a PhD in Space Geodesy (1987). In 1987 he joined Alcatel Espace to start mission analysis activities and to manage several advanced studies in the field of radar observation, signal intelligence, telecommunication and navigation (GNSS2). In 1999 he was appointed Director of System Engineering of Alcatel Space Industries then Director of Architecture, Observation & Sciences Space Systems in 2000 (Optical; Infra-red; Hyperspectral; Radar). He has been successively Director of Research of Alcatel Space, then of Alcatel Alenia Space in 2005 and of Thales Alenia Space in 2007, with R&T teams in Toulouse, Cannes, Roma and Torino. In 2010, he was appointed VP R&T France and Director of Thales Research & Technology-France, the Thales Corporate Research Lab in Palaiseau. In October 2013, he was appointed VP Technical & Space Development at Thales Solutions Asia, based in Singapore (also in charge of Innovation). From 2017 to February 2022 he has been VP Innovation and R&T of Thales Defense Mission Systems (also in charge of open innovation collaborations worldwide). From March 2022 onwards, he is Full Professor at Nanyang Technological University with the mission to develop NTU Space Activities. Among other duties, Erick is distinguished life member of the Air & Space Academy and of the International Academy of Astronautics. Erick is also AIAA Fellow, Alcatel-Lucent/Nokia Bell Labs Fellow and AAAF Emeritus. He has also chaired the International Astrodynamics Committee of the International Astronautical Federation. He has been an active member of distinguished Boards & Committees (eg: Scientific Council of French CNRS; Executive Board of Toulouse University; Scientific Board of Midi-Pyrénées Observatory; Singapore Supercomputing National Board). Erick has published over 50 papers and holds several patents in the field of space system engineering (and in particular of satellite constellation design).
Prof. Wenhe Liao
Nanjing University of Science and Technology, China
Speech Title: Ultra-Lightweight Design and Manufacturing of Aerospace Multi-functional Structures
Abstract: The multi-functional aerospace structure has the characteristics of lightweight, intelligent and biochemical imitation, and is a kind of structure with "innovative configuration and advanced performance". It integrates the advantages of mechanical design, advanced materials and advanced manufacturing, breaking through the shackles of design thought of single structure configuration, material and function. Design and manufacturing of ultra-lightweight multi-functional aerospace structures have always been the eternal goal for high-end equipment structures. The present talk addresses the new advances in the design and additive manufacturing of ultra-lightweight multi-functional aerospace structures conducted in the Research Center for Additive Manufacturing of Difficult-to-Form Materials at NJUST. The focus is on the design of mechanical multi-functional lattice structures, design of multi-functional lattice structure with load bearing and wave-absorbing, additive manufacturing of multi-functional lattice structure, integrated manufacturing of 3D structural circuits.
Biodata: Liao, Wenhe is a professor of Mechanical Engineering at Nanjing University of Science and Technology. He is also the vice president of NJUST and the director of National Local United Engineering Laboratory for Digital Forming Technology and Equipment. He is a member of the Expert Committee of the Additive Manufacturing Alliance of China, a standing director of Chinese Society of Astronautics, a standing director of Chinese Society of Aeronautics and Astronautics. He has led the team to develop intelligent additive manufacturing technology integrating structural lightweight design, process optimization, online monitoring, manufacturing of 3D structural circuits. He has devoted to the construction of an intelligent AM system and its industrial application. To date, under his supervision, some hardware and software systems for AM have been developed together with the process parameter library, high efficiency AM process software, lightweight design software and molten pool monitoring system.
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Prof. Zheng Hong Zhu
York University, Canada
Speech Title: Swarm Spacecraft and Swarm Intelligence: Pioneering Strategies for Space Debris Removal
Abstract: Current methods for addressing the escalating challenge of space debris depend on highly sophisticated, centralized autonomous robotic systems designed to capture and deorbit unknown and uncooperative debris. In contrast, the swarm spacecraft presents a transformative alternative by using a collective of small, simple spacecraft (e.g., CubeSats, Nanosats) to achive robust, adaptable, and cost-efficient debris removal. Utilizing a behavior-based control strategy, this spacecraft swarm leverages swarm intelligence to enable a fully decentralized approach for capturing tumbling debris in orbit. This approach is inspired by natural swarm behaviors observed in ant colonies and bird flocks, integrating flocking behavior for coordinated maneuvering around debris surfaces and anti-flocking behavior to optimize CubeSat distribution, ensuring thorough surface coverage and effective encapsulation of debris shape before initiating capture. Each CubeSat is equipped with memory and local communication capabilities, facilitating macroscopic synchronization of the capture process through decentralized observations of key landmarks on the debris and local interactions with neighboring units. The swarm spacecraft operates as a fully decentralized, leaderless, self-organizing multi-agent network, with all CubeSats functioning interchangeably. This pioneering approach not only addresses the pressing issue of space debris but also establishes a new paradigm for autonomous space operations, demonstrating the significant potential of swarm intelligence to overcome complex, large-scale challenges.
Biodata: Dr. Zheng H. (George) Zhu received B.Eng. (1983), M.Eng. (1986), and Ph.D. (1989) degrees in Engineering Mechanics from Shanghai Jiao Tong University in China. He also received his M.A.Sc. degree (1998) in Robot Control from the University of Waterloo and Ph.D. degree (2004) in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Toronto in Canada. He is currently a Professor and Tier I York Research Chair in Space Technology with the Department of Mechanical Engineering at York University in Toronto, Canada. Before joining York University in 2006, he worked as a senior stress/structural engineer in Curtiss-Wright Indal Technologies in Mississauga, Canada. From 2019-2022, he served as the inaugural Academic Director of Research Commons at the Vice-President Research and Innovation Office. His research interests include dynamics and control of tethered space systems, spacecraft attitude dynamics, computational control, space robotics control, machine learning, and space debris removal. He has authored and co-authored more than 340 articles. Dr. Zhu is the Principal Investigator of two CubeSat missions for deorbiting space debris for sustainable use of space and measuring the environmental impact of permafrost thawing in Northern Canada. Dr. Zhu is an elected Member of the International Academy of Astronautics, College Member of the Royal Society of Canada, Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering, Fellow of the Engineering Institute of Canada, Fellow of the Canadian Society for Mechanical Engineering, Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Academician of International Academy of Astronautics, Associate Fellow of American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. He is the recipient of the 2021 York President’s Research Excellence award, the 2021 Robert W. Angus Medal by the Canadian Society for Mechanical Engineering, the 2019 PEO Engineering Medal in R&D by Professional Engineer Ontario, the 2013 & 2018 NSERC Discovery Accelerator Supplement awards, and ranked in the Top 2% Most cited Scientists of All Knowledge Fields Combined since 2020 by a Stanford University list.
Prof.
Lim Wee Seng
Nanyang Technological University , Singapore
Speech Title: NTU Space@Singapore - VLEO Satellite
Abstract: Nanyang Technological University's (NTU) Satellite Research Center (SaRC) is the birthplace of Singapore's designed satellites. The first satellite, XSAT, was launched in 2011. Since then, 13 nano- and micro-satellites have been designed, launched, and operated by the center. In 2013, the Singapore Office for Space Technology & Industry (OSTIn) was established, accelerating the nation’s space activities. A key current initiative is the Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) program, in which SaRC is leading the Singapore Space Consortium. The first prototype of the VLEO platform, the Extremely Low Earth Imaging Technology Explorer (ELITE), is currently undergoing evaluation before the Flight Model is constructed. This initiative is a significant driver for our future efforts in space sustainability.
Biodata: LIM, Wee Seng is the Executive Director of Satellite Research Centre, School of EEE in Nanyang Technological University (Singapore). He oversees the centre space program and is managing the university’s VELOX-series of nanosatellites. Prior to joining the university, he is a Senior Manager in Renesas, responsible for the microcontroller business unit, product marketing and R&D for embedded systems. He graduated from Nanyang Technological University with a bachelor degree (Hon) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering in 1996.
Prof. Wen-Hua Chen
Loughborough University, UK
Speech Title: Autonomous Forced Landing of Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Abstract: Unmanned aircraft systems are gradually penetrating into civil aviation, sharing airspace with manned aircraft. Safely is of paramount importance in future mixed aviation environment. Research has been carried out in addressing mid-air safety such as see and avoid, and safe separation, but much less on terminal operation and active contingence management. This talk focuses on autonomous landing particularly on forced landing in emergence. Different from a normal landing procedure consisting terminal area operation and autonomous taxiing, in an emergence situation such as engine-out or critical failure, a human pilot is trained to perform forced landing. It is essential to have similar functions on UAV to minimise the risk to the public and the damage of aircraft. We develop an autonomous forced landing function consisting of three layers: landing site selection, flight path planning and autopilot. Based on gliding performance and aircraft flight status, a reachability set approach is proposed to predict the maximum coverage of the aircraft. Then a decision-making tool is produced to identify and rank possible landing sites based on the likelihood of success landing and other factors. The path planning and autopilot design to cope with or exploit various wind conditions are considered under the recently proposed Goal-Oriented Control Systems framework.
Biodata: Wen-Hua Chen holds Chair in autonomous vehicles in the Department of Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering at Loughborough University, where he is also heading the Controls and Reliability Research Group. He is the Founding Director of Loughborough University Centre for Autonomous Systems specialised in unmanned aircraft systems and autonomous driving. He joined Loughborough as Lecturer in Flight Control Systems in 2000. Before that, he held teaching positions at the University of Glasgow, Scotland, and Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, China. Dr Chen has a considerable experience in advanced control and signal processing and their applications in aerospace and automotive engineering. In the last 20 years, he has been spending most of his effort in developing autonomous system technologies and their applications in transport, defence, agriculture and environment. Prof Chen is a Chartered Engineer, and a Fellow of IEEE, the Institute of Engineering and Technology and the Institute of Mechanical Engineers, UK. He has published about 340 papers with over 20,000 citations. Currently he also holds the Established Career Fellowship of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), the most prestigious award by the UK government funding agencies.
Prof.
Jinjun Shan
York University, Canada
Speech Title: Intelligent Autonomous Systems: Dynamics and Control
Abstract: Autonomous systems are broadly prevalent in many sectors, from manufacturing, agriculture, traffic management to medical industry. While tremendous progress has been made over the last decade in autonomous systems, many challenges still exist. This requires advances in many aspects of vehicle autonomy, ranging from design to control, perception, planning, coordination, and human interaction. The autonomous systems operating in complex, dynamic, and interactive environments require artificial intelligence that rapidly adapts to unpredictable situations. In this seminar, Prof. Shan will present some recent research outcomes on Intelligent Autonomous Systems (UAVs, UGVs and self-driving cars) from his research group, Spacecraft Dynamics, Control and Navigation Laboratory (SDCNLab) at York University. These topics include payload transportation using UAVs, UAV trajectory generation, game-theoretic decision making for autonomous driving vehicles.
Biodata: Prof. Jinjun Shan is an internationally recognized expert in the areas of dynamics, control and navigation. He is a Full Professor of Space Engineering at the Department of Earth and Space Science and Engineering, York University. Prof. Shan received his Ph.D. degree from Harbin Institute of Technology, China, in 2002. His research progress is demonstrated through over 200 peer-reviewed journal and conference publications and 2 issued patents. Prof. Shan’s accomplishments in research and engineering education have seen him recognized with prestigious recognitions such as the Fellow of Canadian Academy of Engineering (CAE), the Fellow of Engineering Institute of Canada (EIC), the Fellow of American Astronautical Society (AAS), and a member of European Academy of Sciences and Arts. He serves the profession as the Associate Editor for several field-leading journals including IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics, IEEE/ASME Transactions on Mechatronics, and the Journal of Franklin Institute, as well as numerous conference chairs.
Prof.
Peijin Liu
Northwestern Polytechnical University, China
Speech Title: Nonlinear Combustion Instability in Solid Rocket Motors
Abstract: TBA
Biodata: Dr. LIU Peijin received B.Eng. (1994), M.Eng. (1997), and Ph.D. (2002) degrees in Aerospace Propulsion Theory and Engineering from Northwestern Polytechnical University in China. He is currently a Professor in School of Astronautics and a Vice Director in National Key Laboratory of Solid Rocket Propulsion at Northwestern Polytechnical University in Xi’an, China. From 2012-2018, he served as the Vice Dean at the School of Astronautics. From 2019-2023, he served as the Vice Dean at the Institute of Science and Technology in the university. His research interests include combustion process of propellants, combustion instabilities in propulsion system, and controlled energy release from solid fuels. Dr. Liu is the Director of solid propulsion Professional Committee of China Aerospace Propulsion Federation, and ranked in the Top 2% Most cited Scientists in 2023 by a Stanford University list.
Prof. Olga L. Starinova
Samara National Research University, Russia
Speech Title: Nominal Control of Spacecraftwith Low Thrusters in the Asteroid Vicinity
Abstract: Studies of planetary satellites, asteroids, interplanetary and near-solar space provide an opportunity to get answers to many fundamental questions and use the achievements of cosmonautics in the development of virtually unlimited resources of the Solar system. The use of advanced electric propulsion systems (EPS) makes it possible to significantly reduce the consumption of the working fluid for flights and thereby increase the efficiency of research missions of spacecraft. However, the use of spacecraft from the EPS for missions to small bodies of the Solar System is hampered by the weak development of the methodology for the formation of nominal control in the vicinity of irregularly shaped bodies, which include many small bodies of the Solar System. The lack of a methodology for the preliminary formation of nominal control on an object-centered section of traffic leads to significant uncertainties in determining the fuel mass reserve required to fulfill the planned mission program. This work is devoted to solving this problem.The formation of a motion control program during mission planning is complicated by incomplete knowledge of the asteroid's gravity. As a mathematical model of the gravitational potential of an asteroid, a superposition of N attracting points rotating with the asteroid's own angular velocity at a constant distance is used. Nominal control for target maneuvers is formed on the basis of a combination of locally optimal control laws and a developed algorithm for relay switching between them with a dead zone and "hysteresis". The results of modeling the spacecraft motion in the vicinity of asteroid 433 Eros are presented.
Biodata:
O. L. Starinova is currently a
professor at the Department of Spacecraft at Samara State
Research University in Russia, head of the Department of Space
Vehicle Dynamics and Control. Before joining Samara State
Aerospace University in 1989, She worked as an
engineer-researcher at the Central Specialized Design Bureau of
Samara in the USSR. Her research interests include flight
dynamics and motion control of spacecraft with low thrust in
gravitational fields of complex configuration and flight
dynamics and motion control of spacecraft with solar sails. She
has authored and coauthored more than 250 articles.O. L.
Starinova is Member of International Academy of Navigation and
Motion Control, Member of Russian academy of Cosmonautics named
K.E. Tsiolkovsky, Member of Academy of Aeronautic and
Astronautic France, adviser to the Russian Engineering Academy.
She is the recipient of the 2012 Medal of Alexander Humboldt of
the European Academy of Natural Science, the 2015 Medal of
Sergey Pavlovich Korolev of the Cosmonautics Federation of
Russia, the 2015 Medal of Carl Friedrich Gauss of the European
Academy of Natural Science, the 2022 Badge Honored Worker in the
Youth Policy Field of the Science and Education Ministry of
Russian Federation.