Scott Palo

Scott Palo is the Victor Charles Schelke Endowed Professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences at the University of Colorado Boulder. He holds dual affiliations with the Colorado Center for Astrodynamics Research (CCAR) and the College of Engineering and Applied Science. His professional experience includes roles as Associate Dean for Research (2014–2017), Associate Chair for Undergraduate Affairs (2011–2014), and academic ranks from Assistant to Full Professor since 2001.

Education:

• Ph.D., Electrical Engineering, University of Colorado (1994)
• M.S., Electrical Engineering, University of Colorado (1990)
• B.S., Electrical and Computer Engineering, Clarkson University (1987)

Research Focus: Design and deployment of small satellite systems, remote sensing of the thermosphere/ionosphere, meteor radar networks, and Arctic/Antarctic unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Recent projects include the SWARM-EX CubeSat mission for atmospheric studies and the CubIXSS solar spectrometer mission.

Key Trends in Publications: Focus on space weather dynamics, small satellite technology innovations, and atmospheric wave analysis. Recent work explores volcanic eruption impacts on the mesosphere, signal utilization from mega-constellations, and advanced clock systems for deep-space navigation.

Awards:

• 2023: Fellow, AIAA
• 2019: Distinguished Engineering Alumni Award
• 2005: NSF CAREER Award

Advising & Grants: Supervised numerous CubeSat missions (e.g., MinXSS, CIRBE) and led interdisciplinary projects like the Zephyr MIMO Meteor Radar Network. Active in curriculum development for space systems engineering.

Labs & Teams: Leads the CCAR’s CubeSat development programs and collaborates with institutions globally on meteor radar networks and space weather research initiatives.