Fabien Royer

Fabien Royer is Assistant Professor in the Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Cornell University, where he leads the Cornell Space Structures laboratory. He holds an M.Sc. from ISAE-SUPAERO (2016), M.Sc. from Caltech (2016), and Ph.D. from Caltech (2021).

His research develops novel space structures using ultra-thin fiber composites to create large-scale orbital systems (>50m) for applications like climate monitoring radars and space-based solar power. Key innovations include overcoming structural instabilities, developing in-space manufacturing techniques, and engineering active space structures.

Honors include Caltech's Ballhaus Prize for best doctoral dissertation, Sechler Memorial Award, and Keck Institute fellowship. His work contributed to NASA missions including AQUA, AURA, and the AAReST space telescope. Publications focus on thin-shell stability, deployable structures, and advanced space systems.