Innovative Space Technologies for LEO Missions & Beyond

Abstract

Because of its miniaturized and standardized form factor, CubeSat is becoming an ideal platform for conducting cost effective space science missions for limited durations. However, the emerging trend is to explore potential CubeSat applications for longer mission life cycles and beyond LEO, therefore enabling new mission opportunities, such as active debris removal, CubeSat constellation, and extraterrestrial exploration. The current rapid evolution of CubeSat development is a clear result of its expanding applications across a wide range of disciplines. The advent of micro/nano electronics and advanced space materials has enabled new capabilities for space mission designers that are otherwise not achievable. However, there are still critical needs to develop high-performance and cost-effective components and payloads that are best tailored for the CubeSat platform. In this seminar, Prof. Swei will highlight some of the current space research activities conducted at Khalifa University to support future space missions.

Speaker

Prof. Sean Swei is a Professor of Practice in the Department of Aerospace Engineering and Inaugural Director of Khalifa University Space Technology & Innovation Lab. Prior to joining KU, he spent 20 years as a Senior Research Scientist/Principal Investigator at NASA Ames Research Center, conducting advanced flight research in aeronautics and space exploration. Currently, Prof. Swei is leading a team of KU faculty and researchers in conducting advanced research in Lunar/Mars mobility vehicle concepts, SpaceRobotics, CubeSat constellation, Astro-Biomedical engineering, space structures/materials, and micro propulsion system. Prof. Swei received his BSc in Mechanical Engineering from National Taiwan University, MSc in Mechanical Engineering & Mechanics from Drexel University, and PhD in Aeronautics & Astronautics from Purdue University.