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Current Research Interests
Spaceflight mechanics / astrodynamics
Numerical methods applied to astrodynamics (fast, robust, high-order)
Efficient software implementation (parallel computing, GPU computing)
Orbit estimation/ filtering theories/ applications
Optimal control of nonlinear systems
Third-body and manifold dynamics (low energy transfers, captures, and escapes)
Periodic orbits and general orbit stability (high-fidelity repeat ground track design, constellation design, cyclers, planetary moon trajectories)
General trajectory designs for spacecraft missions to low-Earth-orbit, Geo-stationary, the Moon, libration points, Mars, comets, asteroids, and the Jupiter and Saturn moon systems
Brief Bio
R.P.R. began his professional career as a member of the Guidance, Navigation, and Control Section at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory where he was involved as mission designer and orbit determination analyst for a variety of space flight projects. He also worked on proposals and advanced concepts for space missions to Earth, the Moon, Mars, comets, asteroids, and the moons around Jupiter and Saturn. He further supported internal research on developing technologies such as low-thrust trajectory optimization and science orbit design at planetary moons. From 2007-2011, RPR was on the faculty at the Georgia Institute of Technology, creating a research program focused on a variety of theoretical and applied areas in astrodynamics.
R.P.R. has authored or co-authored dozens of journal, conference, and other technical publications; and has been a recipient of several NASA, JPL, AIAA, AAS, and other awards.
Software
Gravity Field Computation (global mascon models)
Example Orbit Movies
Resource Management for Satellite Catalogue Tracking
Ganymede Science Orbit (.avi) (.mpg) (.mov)
Enceladus Science Orbit (top view, 3D view)
V-infinity globe with free return locations
RTBP periodic orbit family evolution example (credit: Martin Lara)
Other Links
Space Systems Design Lab (SSDL) at Georgia Tech http://www.missionanalysis.org/ Orbit Mechanics Students at UT: Drew R. Jones
Paper on Experimenting with Algorithms found on The ACM Transactions on Mathematical Software (TOMS) website:
D.S. Johnson, A Theoretician's Guide to the Experimental Analysis of Algorithms, in Proceedings of the 5th and 6th DIMACS Implementation Challenges, M. Goldwasser, D. S. Johnson, and C. C. McGeoch, Editors, American Mathematical Society, Providence, 2002.
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WELCOME!
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Orbital Mechanics Discipline Area |
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Department of Aerspace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics |
