Alvar Saenz Otero

Alvar Saenz Otero is an Associate Teaching Professor at the University of Washington's Department of Aeronautics & Astronautics, focusing on space systems engineering and avionics. Previously, he served as a Principal Research Scientist at MIT's Space Systems Laboratory and led the SPHERES program (2005-2019), which developed free-flying satellites for ISS-based research. His work emphasizes reusable satellite bus systems to reduce mission costs and modernize avionics using consumer-grade technology.

Education:

• Ph.D., Aerospace Systems, MIT (2005)
• MEng., Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, MIT (2000)
• S.B., Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, MIT (2000)
• S.B., Aeronautics & Astronautics, MIT (1998)

Research Interests: Dr. Saenz Otero seeks to bridge the gap between aerospace avionics and modern electrical engineering/computer science advancements. His work includes:

• Developing satellite buses that enable payload-focused research (e.g., SPHERES legacy)
• Modernizing avionics via embedded systems, ROS-based satellite operating systems, and radiation-tolerant COTS hardware
• Pioneering 'satellite in a chip' concepts and mission-critical software architectures

He advocates for space systems that evolve like consumer electronics, allowing iterative upgrades to payloads without redesigning entire buses.

Awards:

• 2015: Member of the Mexican Academy of Engineering

Advising & Community: At MIT, advised teams on projects like hybrid rover systems, modular spacecraft assembly, and electromagnetic formation flight. At UW, coordinates Capstone classes and mentors complex space system projects. Actively involved in STEM outreach through Zero Robotics (ISS-based student competition) and community organizations like the MIT Tech Model Railroad Club. Committed to supporting Latinx and LGBTQ+ communities at UW.

Labs & Teams: Formerly led SPHERES research at MIT’s Space Systems Laboratory, now transitioning efforts to UW to establish a robust satellite facility. Collaborates with NASA’s Astrobee project and contributed to planning for Mars Orbit Sample Return and DARPA initiatives (F6, Phoenix).