Space Engineering & AI Research Laboratory
Promoting deep integration of space engineering and artificial intelligence for efficient and sustainable anthropogenic space development
XDLab is a space engineering and artificial intelligence research laboratory at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Our work advances computational methods, autonomous systems, space sustainability, mission design, and AI-enabled approaches for understanding and improving the future of space operations.
Our laboratory is positioned at the intersection of space engineering, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and the solid foundations in computation, numerical methods, optimization, dynamics, and control.
Efficiency is increasingly critical in space system design, operation, and research. We innovate in key areas including Numerical Methods (Koopman Operator), Feature Generations (Proper Elements), Dynamical System (Chaos and Manifold Dynamics), and improve Space Sustainability and enable Space System Design.
Learn More →Artificial Intelligence built for Space offers substantial potential for all space applications. We innovate in key areas of GAI application in Space, providing PSA (problem set astrodynamics) Benchmark for LLM, develop reinforcement agent exploring space launching policy, building blocks towards a balanced Space AI+.
Learn More →We innovate in ASI, the study of how humans interact with space, and what are the socio-economical impact of such interaction, and the influence on science and technology systematically.
Learn More →We connect technical space environment modeling with policy-informed approaches to support long-term orbital sustainability, responsible space operations, space traffic coordination, and decision-making for increasingly complex space systems.
Learn More →XDLab develops computational, AI-enabled, and policy-aware approaches to improve the safety, sustainability, and efficiency of space systems.
Modeling the long-term evolution of the orbital environment and evaluating strategies for debris mitigation, space traffic coordination, and sustainable space operations.
Developing benchmarks, tools, and AI-enabled methods for evaluating large language models and intelligent systems in space engineering and astrodynamics problems.
Applying numerical methods, dynamical systems theory, and optimization techniques to improve mission planning, trajectory design, and space system performance.
Connecting technical modeling with policy development to support decision-making for orbital debris, emerging space systems, responsible operations, and future space governance.
XDLab is actively engaged in conferences, workshops, and research events connecting space engineering, artificial intelligence, astrodynamics, space sustainability, commercial space, and policy.
Whistler, British Columbia
XDLab will present research at the AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, contributing to technical discussions in astrodynamics, orbital dynamics, mission design, and space systems analysis.
View Related Publications →Maui, Hawaii
XDLab will present work related to space situational awareness, orbital debris modeling, space sustainability, and policy-informed approaches to understanding the long-term orbital environment.
View Related Publications →Hosted by XDLab and SRGE
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach
The ASTRA Workshop brings together students, researchers, industry professionals, government stakeholders, and academic leaders to explore artificial intelligence, space technology, robotics, autonomy, sustainability, commercial space, national security, and policy.
Visit ASTRA Website →Orlando, Florida
XDLab will engage with leaders across the space economy to discuss commercial space, sustainability, emerging technologies, workforce development, and the connection between research and industry needs.
Connect With Us →Orlando, Florida
XDLab will connect with commercial, government, and research stakeholders focused on space infrastructure, operations, sustainability, and space-enabled innovation.
Connect With Us →Orlando, Florida
XDLab will join the broader aerospace research community to share work related to space systems, artificial intelligence, astrodynamics, sustainability, and next-generation aerospace technologies.
View Related Publications →Our interdisciplinary team brings together expertise from aerospace engineering, artificial intelligence, dynamics, control systems, space policy, and operational aerospace experience.
Principal Investigator
Assistant Professor at ERAU AE and Director of XDLab. Dr. Wu received his PhD from UC San Diego advised by Aaron Rosengren and worked as a Postdoc at MIT advised by Richard Linares.
Graduate Student
PhD Student Candidate in Aerospace Engineering. He holds a BSc and MSc in Space Engineering, graduating with highest honors from Politecnico di Milano. He also served as an analog astronaut in two international analog missions (EuroMoonMars and Asclepios).
Graduate Student
Master Student in Aerospace Engineering. She holds a Bachelor in Computer Science from Ahmedabad University, and has worked in Indian Institute of Science and Digantara as research interns.
Graduate Student
Master of Space Operations student at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Idaho State University, with research interests emphasizing space policy, space sustainability, orbital debris mitigation, and the connection between policy development and space systems engineering.
Undergraduate Student
Bachelor’s student in Aerospace Engineering at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He is also a Crew Chief on the A-10 in the United States Air Force, bringing operational aircraft maintenance experience to his work in aerospace systems, space sustainability research, and technical development within XDLab.
Visiting Scholar
Visiting Scholar from Harvard University, working on global optimization of interplanetary and halo-orbit transfer trajectories.
Our research findings are published in leading journals and presented at international conferences.
Scientific Reports
In-press 2025
AMOS
Best Pitch Award, September 2024
AMOS
September 2024
XDLab welcomes motivated students and collaborators interested in space engineering, artificial intelligence, dynamics, mission design, and space sustainability. Prospective students are encouraged to connect with the lab through the student contact portal.
Student Contact Portal