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.

MIT Logo

MIT

Harvard Logo

Harvard University

UC San Diego Logo

UC San Diego

Conference Participation

Active participation in AAS (American Astronautical Society) and AMOS (Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance) conferences.

Join Our Research Team

We are seeking motivated and technically strong PhD students interested in space engineering, dynamics, mission design, and artificial intelligence.

Student Contact Portal