Research Mission
XDLab promotes deep integration of space engineering and artificial intelligence, pushing the limits of space engineering methodology for efficient and sustainable space development. Our research focuses on learning and autonomy in orbital environments and space systems.
Core Research Areas
Our research is organized into three primary areas that drive innovation in space engineering and technology.
EFFICIENT SPACE SYSTEMS
Efficient Space Systems
Advanced optimization techniques for mission design, space sustainability, and orbital dynamics.
- Trajectory optimization and mission planning
- Space debris mitigation and sustainability
- Space object characterization and tracking
- Orbital dynamics and control systems
SPACE AI+
Space AI+
Integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning with space systems for autonomous operations.
- AI-enhanced autonomous space systems
- Machine learning for space data analysis
- Natural language interfaces for spacecraft control
- Predictive modeling and pattern recognition
ASI
Anthropology-Space Interaction
Study of human-space interactions and their socio-economic impacts on technology development.
- Human-space system interaction studies
- Socio-economic impact analysis
- Technology influence and transfer pathways
- Cross-disciplinary space research
Active Research Projects
Our laboratory is currently conducting high-impact research projects that advance the state-of-the-art in space engineering and AI integration.
APBench Development
Large Language Model Benchmarking
Comprehensive benchmarking framework for evaluating large language model performance in fundamental astrodynamics problems.
Status: In-press 2025
MOCAT Framework
Space Sustainability Analysis
Temporal analysis and quantification for space sustainability policies using advanced modeling frameworks.
Status: Best Pitch Award, AMOS 2024
Space Object Classification
Machine Learning Application
Early classification of space objects using astrometric time series data and advanced machine learning techniques.
Status: AMOS Conference 2024
Research Infrastructure
State-of-the-art facilities supporting our research in space engineering and artificial intelligence at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
High-Performance Computing
Advanced computational resources for space dynamics simulations, machine learning model training, and numerical analysis of complex space systems.
Data Analysis Laboratory
Specialized facilities for processing astrometric data, satellite tracking information, and space object characterization.
AI/ML Development Environment
Dedicated computing environment for developing and testing artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms for space applications.
Research Collaborations
Strategic partnerships with leading research institutions advancing space engineering and artificial intelligence.
Conference Participation
Active participation in AAS (American Astronautical Society) and AMOS (Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance) conferences.