معرفی
Daniel Scheeres is the University of Colorado Distinguished Professor and A. Richard Seebass Chair in the Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences at the University of Colorado. He directs the Colorado Center for Astrodynamics Research (CCAR), focusing on astrodynamics, spacecraft navigation, and asteroid dynamics. His research bridges theoretical orbital mechanics and practical mission design for planetary defense and asteroid exploration.
Education:
- PhD, Aerospace Engineering, University of Michigan (1992)
- MSE, Aerospace Engineering, University of Michigan (1988)
- BSE, Aerospace Engineering (summa cum laude), University of Michigan (1987)
- BS, Letters and Engineering, Calvin College (1985)
Research Interests: Scheeres pioneered dynamics of orbits around irregular celestial bodies, with applications to asteroid missions like Hayabusa2, DART, and Apophis reconnaissance. His work integrates granular mechanics, Hamiltonian dynamics, and autonomous navigation for spacecraft operations near small bodies. Current investigations include post-impact evolution of binary asteroids, low-thrust trajectory optimization, and cislunar infrastructure planning.
Scientific Awards:
- National Academy of Engineering Member (2017)
- AIAA Fellow (2013) & 6-time Best Paper Award winner
- American Astronautical Society Dirk Brouwer Award (2012)
- Asteroid (8887) Scheeres named in his honor
- NASA Group Achievement Awards (1998, 2002, 2014)
- Japan Society for Promotion of Science Fellowships (1999, 2005)
Labs & Teams: Leads CCAR, collaborating with NASA (DART, Hayabusa2), JAXA, and international partners on small-body exploration. Research emphasizes real-time orbit determination, impact physics modeling, and cislunar navigation autonomy.
