Alexander Wittig

Dr. Alexander Wittig is an Associate Professor in astronautics at the University of Southampton. He specializes in interdisciplinary research applying dynamical systems theory and advanced numerical methods like differential algebra and high-performance computing to astrodynamics, astronomy, and aerospace engineering. As Foreign Exchange Coordinator for Aeronautics and Astronautics, he oversees academic collaborations with European and U.S. universities. His work spans mission design, space debris management, and black hole simulations.

Education:

• Dual PhD in Mathematics and Physics, Michigan State University (2011)
• MSc in Physics, Michigan State University (2007)

Research Focus:

• Orbital mechanics and trajectory optimization
• Numerical methods for space mission analysis
• High-performance computing (HPC) applications
• Gravitational physics and black hole dynamics
• Development of CubeSat propulsion systems

Key Projects:

• Royal Society-funded research on space debris orbital predictions
• ESA-supported mission design for under-actuated systems
• UK Space Agency-funded HoloLens-based orbital visualization

Teaching:

• Module lead for Orbital Mechanics (SESA6076)
• Lectures in Advanced Astronautics (SESA3039)
• Supervises PhD students in astronautics and mission design

External Roles:

• Speaker at COMET OPS (2021) and Southampton Astronautics Symposium (2019)
• Contributions to European Space Agency’s Advanced Concepts Team