Space Situational Awareness UROP

Space Situational Awareness UROP

Project Information

The MIT Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics and the MIT Lincoln Laboratory have partnered with the Air Force Research Laboratory to support a new undergraduate research opportunity (UROP) for space situational awareness (SSA). 

Participating UROP students will join a group a mixed-discipline team of researchers to develop AI systems, learn about the data and methods used to estimate satellite orbits, and develop AI approaches to identify unexpected satellite behavior.

Project Description 

The UROP will take place in three phases over the Fall 2019 semester:

1. Phase 1: Learning the Basics (September 23 to October 21)
   1. Get up to speed on the space systems topics you will need to understand and develop research questions SSA
   2. Work in teams to develop tools and practice your skills
2. Phase 2: Main Challenge (October 28 to November 25)
   1. Put your knowledge to the test by working in teams to analyze satellite data and diagnose strange or unexpected behavior on orbit
   2. Get advice from AeroAstro and Lincoln Lab researchers 
3. Phase 3: Presentation and Final Report (December 2)
   1. Share your results with SSA experts from the U.S. Air Force
   2. Prepare a final presentation and short report

How to Apply:

To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to spacetraffic@mit.edu by 11:59 pm on Friday, September 19. Be sure to also submit an Online UROP Application by the UROP Office deadline (also Friday, September 19). This UROP opportunity is available to all students, including those receiving credit for their research, those pursuing direct-funding, and volunteers.