John V. Breakwell Student Award Recipients

2025, Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, Kaua'i, HI

• Felipe Giraldo-Grueso, University of Texas Austin, "Optimal Grid Point Sampling for Point Mass Filtering"
• Ruthvik Bommena, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, "Path-Constrained Optimal 6-DOF Motion for Multi-Agent In-space Servicing and Assembly"
• Yuri Shimane, Georgia Institute of Technology, "Multi-Sensor Tasking for Ground-Based Space Situational Awareness via Job-Shop Scheduling Problem"
• Beom Park, Purdue University, "Numerical Assessment of intermediate Models in a Frequency-Based Hierarchy for The Cislunar Domain"
• Jannik Graebner, Princeton University, "Global Search for Optimal Low Thrust Spacecraft Trajectories using Diffusion Models and the Indirect Method"

2024, Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, Broomfield, CO

• Gavin Brown, University of Colorado Boulder, "Behavior of the Lunar Gateway's Planned Orbit in the Sun-Earth-Moon System"
• Naoya Kumagai, Purdue University, "Sequential Chance-Constrained Covariance Steering for Robust Cislunar Trajectory Design Under Uncertainties"
• Sharad Sharan, The Pennsylvania State University, "A Multi-Order Shooting Scheme Applied yo Low-Thrust Trajectory Optimization"
• William Brandenburg, University of Texas at Austin, "Pathfinding for Pump-Down Flyby Tours at Saturn using Directed Graphs"

2023, Astrodynamics Specialist Conference

• Grant Hecht, University At Buffalo, "Q-law Control With Sun-angle Constraint For Solar Electric Propulsion"
• Giuliana Miceli, University Of Colorado at Boulder, "Clustering Approach To Identifying Low Lunar Frozen Orbits In A High-fidelity Model"
• Yanis Sidhoum, Purdue University, "Low-thrust Trajectory Optimization For Enceladus Exploration Using Indirect Forward-backward Shooting"
• Woosang Park, Texas A&M University, "Dynamic Model Fidelity Effects On Covariance Based Track Association"

2023, Space Flight Mechanics Meeting

• Yuji Takubo, Georgia Tech, "Automated Tour Design In The Saturnian System"
• Siddarth Kaki, The University of Texas at Austin, "Kinematic Batch Filter Formulation For Angular Velocity Estimation With Covariance Bounds"
• Oliver Boodram, University of Colorado at Boulder, "Restricting Spacecraft Uncertainty Evolution With Modified Hamiltonian Constraints In Non-conservative Systems"
• Keziban Saloglu, Auburn University, "Existence Of Infinitely Many Optimal Equal-DeltaV Trajectories In Two-body Dynamics"

2022, Astrodynamics Specialist Conference

• Kyle Craft, Texas A&M University, "Optimal Nonlinear Particle Flow Using Stein Variational Gradient Descent"
• Shota Takahashi, University of Colorado at Boulder, "Autonomous Rendezvous With Small Temporarily Captured Orbiters"
• Kaushik Prabhu, Texas A&M University, "Distributed Absolute And Relative Estimation Of Spacecraft Formations"
• Jean-baptiste Bouvier, University Of Illinois Urbana-champaign, "Resilience Of Orbital Inspections To Partial Loss Of Control Authority Of The Chaser Satellite"

2021, Astrodynamics Specialist Conference

• Marielle Pellegrino, University of Colorado at Boulder, "Loitering Of Breakup Event Debris Near Nominal GNSS Orbits"
• Sehyun Yun, The University of Texas at Austin, "Kernel-based Ensemble Gaussian Mixture Filtering For Orbit Determination With Sparse Data"
• Sandeep Singh, Texas A&M University, "Eclipse-conscious Transfers To Lunar Gateway Using Ephemeris-driven Terminal Coast Arcs"
• Hermann Kaptui Sipowa, University of Colorado at Boulder, "6DOF Nonlinear Guidance For Spacecraft Formation Flying"

2021, Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, Virtual Meeting

• Gunner Fritsch, Missouri University of Science & Technology, "Nonlinear Filtering with Intrinsic Fault Resistance"
• Vishala Arya, Texas A&M University, "Spacecraft Trajectory-Propulsion Co-Optimization Using Enhanced Regularized Indirect Methods"
• Spencer Boone, University of Colorado at Boulder, "Optimal Maneuver Targeting Using State Transition Tensors with Variable Time-Of-Flight"
• Simone Servadio, University of Texas, "Estimation of the Conditional State and Covariance with Taylor Polynomials"

2020, Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, Virtual Meeting

• Hang Woon Lee, Georgia Institute of Technology, "Binary Integer Linear Programming Formulation for Optimal Satellite Constellation Reconfiguration"
• Kari Ward, Missouri University of Science & Technology, "A Square-Root Factorized Multiplicative Extension to the Particle Flow Filter"
• Alex Davis, University of Colorado at Boulder, "A Covariance Study for Gravity Estimation of Binary Asteroids"
• Damien Gueho, Pennsylvania State University, "Data-Driven Sparse Approximation for the Identification of Nonlinear Dynamical Systems: Application in Astrodynamics"

2019, Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, Portland, ME

• Marcelino Almeida, University of Texas, "Time-varying feedback for attitude regulation in prescribed finite-time"
• Vishal Ray, University of Colorado at Boulder, "High-fidelity drag coefficient models for orbit determination"
• James Brouk, Missouri University of Science & Technology, "Uncertainty Analysis of a Generalized Coning Algorithm for Inertial Navigation"
• Alex Friedman, Purdue University, "Observability and Estimability Analysis of the Orbit Problem"

2019, Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, Ka'anapali, Maui, HI

• Ahmed Atallah, San Diego State University, "Analytical Radial Adaptive Method for Spherical Harmonics Gravity Models"
• Francisco Franquiz, Embry Riddle University, "Optimal Range Observability Maneuvers for Angles-Only Navigation in Elliptic Orbits"
• Lauren Schlenker, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, "Simultaneous Localization and Mapping for Satellite Rendezvous and Proximity Operations Using Random Finite Sets"
• Justin Mansell, Purdue University, "Swarm Optimization of Lunar Transfers from Earth Orbit with Radiation Dose Constraints"

2018, Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, Snowbird, UT

• Daniel Brack, University of Colorado at Boulder, "An Investigation of Natural Dynamical Processes on Asteroid Surfaces Using a Combined Asteroid Surface-Boulders Model"
• Kenshiro Oguri, University of Colorado at Boulder, "SRP-based orbit control with application to small body landing"
• Stoian Borissov, Texas A&M University, "X-Ray Pulsar Navigation Optimization Using Spherical Partitions"

2018, Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, Kissimmee, FL

• Costantinos Zagaris, Naval Postgraduate School, "Applied Reachability Analysis for Spacecraft Rendezvous and Docking with a Tumbling Object"

2017, Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, Columbia River Gorge, Stevenson, WA

• Ashley Biria, University of Texas, "Analytical State Propagation of Oblate Spheroidal Equinoctial Orbital Elements for Vinti Theory"
• Stijn DeSmet, University of Colorado at Boulder, "Dynamics and Stability of Sun-Driven Transfers from LEO to GEO"
• James McCabe, Missouri University of Science & Technology, "Decentralized Fusion with Finite Set Statistics for Landing Navigation"
• Ricardo Restrepo, University of Texas, "Patched Periodic Orbits: A Systematic Strategy for Low Energy Transfer Design"

2017, Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, San Antonio, TX

• Nicola Baresi, University of Colorado at Boulder, "Design of Bounded Relative Trajectories in the Earth Zonal Problem"
• Joseph Hughes, University of Colorado at Boulder, "Rapid Charged Geosynchronous Debris Perturbation Modeling of Electromagnetic Disturbances", "Spacecraft Electrostatic Force and Torque Expansions yielding Appropriate Fidelity Measures"
• Bharat Mahajan, Texas A&M University, "Exact Normalization of the Tesseral Harmonics", "Analytic Solution of Perturbed Relative Motion With Zonal and Tesseral Harmonics"
• Suwat Sreesawet, Wichita State University, "A Novel Methodology for Fast and Robust Computation of Low-Thrust Orbit-Raising Trajectories"

2016, Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, Napa, CA

• Noble Hatten, University of Texas, "A Smooth and Robust Harris-Priester Atmospheric Density Model"
• Stefaan VanWal, University of Colorado at Boulder, "The Lift-Off Velocity on Solar System Small Bodies"
• Vivek Vittaldev, University of Texas, "Space Object Collision Probability via Monte Carlo on the Graphics Processing Unit"
• Sungpil Yang, University of Texas, "Dynamically Scaled Immersion and Invariance Approach for Spacecraft Attitude Tracking Control"

2015, Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, Vail, CO

• Trevor Bennett, University of Colorado at Boulder, "Continuous-Time Modeling and Control Using Linearized Relative Orbit Elements"
• Hyun Chul Ko, University of Colorado at Boulder, "Maneuver Detection with Event Representation using Thrust-Fourier-Coefficients"
• Ann Dietrich, University of Colorado at Boulder, "Autonomous Observation Planning with Flash LIDAR around Small Bodies"
• Robyn Woollands, Texas A&M University , "Parallel Generation of Extremal Field Maps for Optimal Multi-Revolution Continuous Thrust Orbit Transfers"

2015, Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, Williamsburg, VA

• Natasha Bosanac, Purdue University, "A natural autonomous force added in the restricted problem and explored via stability analysis and discrete variational mechanics"
• Kiichiro Deluca, University of Colorado at Boulder, "Divergence Characteristic of the Exterior Spherical Harmonic Gravity Potential"
• Lauren McNair, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, "Characterization of Self-Excited, Asymmetric, Spinning Rigid-Body motion as an Oblate Epicycloid"
• Timothy Murphy, Georgia Institute of Technology, "Particle and matched filtering using admissible regions"

2014, Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, Santa Fe, NM

• Paul Anderson, University of Colorado at Boulder, "Longitude-Dependent Effects of Fragmentation Events in the Geosynchronous Orbit Regime", "Characterizing Localized Debris Congestion in the Geosynchronous Orbit Regime"
• Maximilian Schadegg, University of Texas at Austin, "Jovian Orbit Capture and Eccentricity Reduction Using Electrodynamic Tether Propulsion"

2013, Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, Hilton Head, SC

• Kathryn Schubert, University of Florida, "Low-Thrust Trajectory Optimization Using a Legendre-Gauss-Radau Orthogonal Collocation Method"
• Donghoon Kim, Texas A&M University , "A Homotopy Method for Optimal Actuator Failure Control"
• Divya Thakur, University of Texas, "Adaptive Attitude-Tracking Control of Spacecraft with Uncertain Time-Varying Inertia Parameters", "Coordinated Control of Autonomous Vehicles in Three-Dimensional Rotating Formations"

2013, Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, Kauai, HI

• Sonia Hernandez, University of Texas at Austin, "Lyapunov-Based Guidance Schemes for In-Plane Rendezvous Using Levi-Civita Coordinates"
• Mar Vaquero, Purdue University, "Leveraging Resonant Orbit Manifolds to Design Transfers Between Libration Point Orbits in Multi-body Regimes"

2012, Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, Charleston, SC

• Matthew Harris, University of Texas at Austin, "Optimal Solutions and Guidance for Quasi-planar Ascent over a Spherical Moon"
• Laura Stiles, University of Colorado at Boulder, "Effective Coulomb Force Modeling in a Space Environment"

2011, Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, Girdwood, Alaska

• Nitin Arora, Georgia Institute of Technology, "Fast, Efficient And Adaptive Interpolation Of The Geopotential"
• Julie Parish, Texas A&M University , "Estimation Strategies For Dynamical Systems With Equality Constraints"
• Carl Seubert, University of Colorado, "Operational Analysis Of A Tethered Coulomb Structure For Close Proximity Situational Awareness"

2011, Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, New Orleans, LA

• Erik Hogan, University of Colorado, "Linear Stability and Shape Analysis of Spinning Three-Craft Coulomb Formations"
• Michael Norman, Cornell University, "In-Orbit Inertia and Momentum Actuator Alignment Parameter Estimation"
• Travis Mercker, University of Texas at Austin, "Rigid-Body Attitude Tracking with Vector Measurements and Unknown Gyro Bias"

2010, Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, San Diego, CA

• Stefano Campagnola, University of Southern California, "A Fast Tour Design Method Using Non-Tangent V-Infinity Leveraging Transfers"
• Troy Henderson, Texas A&M University, "Learning Adaptive N-Impulse Orbit Transfer and Rendezvous"
• Joseph Gangestad, Purdue University, "Analytical Expressions That Characterize Propellantless Capture With Electrostatically Charged Spacecraft"

2009, Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, Pittsburgh, PA

• Andrew Klesh, University of Michigan, "Dynamically Driven Helmholtz Cage for Experimental Magnetic Attitude Determination"
• Christopher Scott, Pennsylvania State University, "Families of Transfer Trajectories to Distant Retrograde Orbits - Parts 1 and 2"
• Shuquan Wang, University of Colorado, "Nonlinear Coulomb Feedback Control of a Two Spacecraft Virtual Structure", "Coulomb Feedback Control of a Triangular 3-Vehicle Cluster"

2009, Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, Savannah, Georgia

• Adam Brinckerhoff, Georgia Institute of Technology, "Pathfinding and V-Infinity Leveraging for Planetary Moon Tour Missions"
• Evan Gawlik, California Institute of Technology, "Invariant Manifolds, Discrete Mechanics, and Trajectory Design for a Mission to Titan"
• Drew Woodbury, Texas A&M University, "Tracking Objects with Unknown Dynamics"

2008, Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, Galveston, Texas

• Josh Ellis, Virginia Tech, "Numerical Model Development and Verification for the Dynamics of an Electrodynamic Tether System"
• Julie Bellerose, University of Michigan, "Mission to Binary Asteroids: 1999 KW4 as a Case Study"
• Manoranjan Majji, Texas A&M University, "Higher Order Methods for Estimation of Dynamic Systems", "Quaternion Constrained Kalman Filter", "Time Varying Eigensystem Realization Algorithm with Repeated Experiments"

2007, Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, Mackinac Island, Michigan

• Jean-François Hamel, Université de Sherbrooke, "Fuel-equivalent Relative Orbit Elements Space", "Linearized Dynamics of Formation Flying Spacecraft on a J₂-Perturbed Elliptical Orbit", "Neighbouring Optimum Feedback Control Law for Earth-Orbiting Formation Flying Spacecraft"
• Rajnish Sharma, Texas A&M University, "A Series Solution Method for the solution of the Hamilton Jacobi Isaacs Equation and its Applications to Aerospace Systems"
• Chit Hong Yam, Purdue University, "Saturn Impact Trajectories for Cassini End-of-Life"

2007, Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, Sedona, Arizona

• Lindsay D. Millard, Purdue University, "Control of Interferometric Satellite Arrays for (u,v) Plane Coverage in Multi-Body Regimes"
• Oier Peñagaricano Muñoa, University of Michigan, "A Perturbation Theory for Hamilton's Principal Function: Applications to the Two-Point Boundary Value Problem"

2006, Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, Tampa, Florida

• Jeffery S. Parker, University of Colorado, "Families of Low-Energy Lunar Halo Orbit Transfers"
• Leonel Rios-Reyes, University of Michigan, "Solar Sail Navigation: Estimation of Force, Moments, and Optical Parameters"
• Prasenjit Sengupta, Texas A&M University, "Formation Design and Geometry near a Keplerian Orbit with Arbitrary Eccentricity", "Peridic Relative Motion Near a General Keplerain Orbit with Nonlinear Differential Gravity"

2005, Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, Lake Tahoe, Nevada

• Stephen B. Broschart, University of Michigan, "Lyapunov Stability of Hovering Spacecraft in Time-Invariant Systems"
• Hui Yan, Texas A&M University, "Three-Axis Magnetic Attitude Control Using Pseudospectral Control Law"

2005, Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, Copper Mountain, Colorado

• Samantha I. Infield, Stanford University, "Design Optimization Method for Libration Point Mission Trajectories"
• Marci E. Paskowitz, University of Michigan, "OrbitMechanics About Planetary Satellites Including Higher Order Gravity Fields"
• Scott Zimmer, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, "Incorporating Observability Into Trajectory Optimization"

2004, Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, Maui, Hawaii

• John W. Hartmann, University of Illinois, "Optimal Counter-Intuitive Solar Sail Escape Trajectories"
• Jana L. Schwartz, Virginia Tech, "Unscented Kalman Filtering for Spacecraft Attitude State and Parameter Estimation", "System Identification of a Spherical Air-Bearing Spacecraft Simulator"
• Andrew J. Sinclair, Texas A&M University, "Application of the Cayley Form to General Spacecraft Motion", "Automatic Generation and Integration of Equations of Motion by Operator Over-Loading Techniques"

2003, Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, Big Sky, Montana

• Deok-Jin Lee, Texas A&M University, "Sigma Point Kalman Filters for Efficient Orbit Estimation"
• Rodney Anderson, University of Colorado, "Navigation in the Three-Body Problem"

2003, Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, Ponce, Puerto Rico

• Shane D. Ross, California Institute of Technology, "Design of a Multi-Moon Orbiter"
• Hideaki Yamato, Pennsylvania State University, "Numerical Investigation of Perturbation Effects on Orbital Classifications in the Restricted Three-Body Problem"
• Mischa Kim, Virginia Tech, "Control of a Rotating Variable-Length Tethered System"

2002, Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, San Antonio, Texas

• Matthew Berry, Virginia Tech, "The Generalized Sundman Transformation for Propagation of High-Eccentricity Elliptical Orbits"

2001, Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, Quebec City, Canada

• Timothy Cichan, Pennsylvania State University, "Optimal Trajectories for Non-Ideal Solar Sails"

2001, Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, Santa Barbara, California

• Jason Tardy, University of Missouri, "Estimation and Prediction of Orbital Debris Reentry Trajectories"

2000, Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, Clearwater, Florida

• Weiduo Hu, University of Michigan, "Spacecraft Motion About Slowly Rotating Asteroids"

1999, Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, Girdwood, Alaska

• Brian T. Barden, Purdue University, "Dynamical Issues Associated With Relative Configurations of Multiple Spacecraft Near the Sun-Earth/Moon L₁ Point"

1999, Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, Breckenridge, Colorado

• Maruthi Akella, Texas A&M University, "Adaptive Realization of Linear Closed Loop Tracking Dynamics in the Presence of Large System Model Errors"