March 6: Xiaoli Bai, Rutgers
- 1:30 p.m.
- 3100 Torgersen Hall
- Host: Yao Fu
"State and Parameter Estimation for Autonomous Proximity Operations under Long-Term Sensing Gaps"
Abstract: Autonomous proximity operations require accurate estimation of a target’s motion and physical properties, particularly when interacting with non-cooperative space objects. In practice, estimation relies heavily on onboard vision sensing, which can experience extended measurement loss during eclipse or other sustained visibility outages. Under such long-term sensing gaps, classical physics-based estimators can degrade rapidly due to loss of observability and accumulated model error.
This seminar presents a physics-informed, learning-enhanced estimation framework designed to maintain prediction fidelity during extended periods without measurements. The approach integrates a nonlinear filtering backbone with structured data-driven models that capture intrinsic characteristics of rigid-body motion. Numerical studies demonstrate substantial performance improvements over conventional estimators during prolonged sensing gaps. The framework is further extended toward more realistic scenarios involving coupled translational and rotational motion.
The seminar concludes with a discussion of future research directions for advancing reliable autonomous space systems through integrated modeling, learning, uncertainty quantification, and experimental validation.
Bio: Dr. Xiaoli Bai is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. She received her Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from Texas A&M University. Her research spans astrodynamics and space situational awareness, spacecraft guidance and control, space robotics, and the prediction of thermospheric density.
Dr. Bai was elected an Associate Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) for the Class of 2021. Her honors include the 2019 NASA Early Career Faculty Award, the 2016 Air Force Office of Scientific Research Young Investigator Research Program Award, the 2018 Outstanding Young Aerospace Engineer Award from Texas A&M University, the 2018 A. Walter Tyson Assistant Professor Award from Rutgers, and the Amelia Earhart Fellowship.