Abstract
This presentation seeks to convey the thrill and joy of imagining and engineering systems to overcome the challenges, and realize the opportunities, of space through exemplar technology development projects. The first example will introduce a novel concept and associated technologies for observing Earth from a unique, robotically enabled platform, aimed at understanding the complex interactions of natural phenomena on our planet. The second will showcase robotic technologies in support of the search for extraterrestrial life in the distant reaches of space. The third will delve into robotic mobility and manipulation on the Moon and Mars. Time permitting, the final example will examine the role of robotic systems in enabling sustainable space exploration. Throughout, the discussion will underscore the intricate relationship between hardware and software design, autonomy, artificial intelligence, and modeling and simulation, all set against the backdrop of the unique challenges presented by the space environment.
About the Speaker
Dr. Rudranarayan (Rudra) Mukherjee is the institutional lead for In-space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (ISAM) and a robotics technologist at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory managed by California Institute of Technology. For almost two decades, he has been principal investigator for various technology development activities for space and terrestrial applications on behalf of NASA, NOAA, JPL, DARPA, CDC, and other sponsors. He has led significant community activities such as the Space SMART Think Tank, which contributed heavily to US policy on ISAM. Dr. Mukherjee was also an elected member of the ASME Technical Committee on multibody dynamics and nonlinear systems in the Design Engineering Division. When he is not advancing technology, you can find him seeking inspiration from uncommon beauty in common places.
Host: Professor Sam Tawfick