This project addresses emerging challenges in robotic satellite missions, including rendezvous and proximity operations, on-orbit servicing, modular self-assembly, and interaction with both passive and active resident space objects (RSOs). The postdoctoral researcher will contribute to the development and experimental validation of a multi-layered control framework that integrates Extremum Seeking Control (ESC), impedance-based interaction control, and noncooperative game-theoretic strategies for robust operation under uncertainty.

The work will combine rigorous theoretical development with hands-on experimentation using a precision leveled granite table and free-floating spacecraft simulators (FFSS) equipped with robotic arm manipulators and air-bearing suspension, enabling high-fidelity emulation of orbital dynamics.

Research Objectives

The postdoctoral researcher will contribute to one or more of the following thrust areas:

• Development of Extremum Seeking Control (ESC) methods for real-time trajectory optimization during close-proximity spacecraft operations.

• Design and analysis of impedance and interaction control strategies for autonomous spacecraft and robotic manipulators engaging passive, non-actuated targets.

• Integration of game-theoretic control frameworks (e.g., Nash equilibrium seeking) for interactions with active or non-cooperative agents.

• Robustness analysis and controller design under model uncertainty, disturbances, and sensing limitations, including disturbance observers and distributed control schemes.

• Experimental validation of control algorithms using free-floating spacecraft simulators in a frictionless laboratory environment representative of orbital conditions.

References

B. Ingalls, Q. Nelson, M. Fry, I. Hussain, M. Majji, and L. R. Garcia Carrillo, "Hardware Demonstration of Tensegrity-based Multi-Agent Formation Control", the 48th Rocky Mountain AAS GN&C Conference, Breckenridge, CO, Feb. 2026.

B.J. Russell, N. Wolfe, G. Gutow, L.R. Garcia Carrillo, C. Danielson, and R. Fierro, "A Multi-Robot Experimental Platform for Emulating Autonomous On-Orbit Servicing", Session: Guidance, Navigation, and Control Architectures for Autonomous Systems III, pp. 2026-2373. AIAA SCITECH 2026 Forum, Jan 2026.

M. Cleal, T. McKenna, M. Jew, J. Rholl, and L.R. Garcia Carrillo, "Robotic Satellite Self-Assembly via Inverted Serial Kinematics", IEEE Conference on Control Technology and Applications (CCTA), San Diego, CA, August 2025.

Extremum Seeking Control (ESC); impedance-based interaction control; noncooperative game-theoretic strategies

citizenship

Open to U.S. citizens

level

Open to Postdoctoral and Senior applicants

Additional Benefits

relocation

Awardees who reside more than 50 miles from their host laboratory and remain on tenure for at least six months are eligible for paid relocation to within the vicinity of their host laboratory.

health insurance

A group health insurance program is available to awardees and their qualifying dependents in the United States.