Keith LeGrand

Keith LeGrand is an Assistant Professor in the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics at Purdue University, part of the Cislunar Space Initiative. He holds a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from Cornell University (2022), an M.S. (2015), and a B.S. (2014) in Aerospace Engineering from Missouri University of Science and Technology.

His research focuses on multi-object tracking, spacecraft navigation, space domain awareness, and intelligent sensor control. Key projects include developing probabilistic filters for cislunar space object tracking and information-driven autonomy systems. LeGrand leads the Sensing, Controls, and Probabilistic Estimation (SCOPE) Group, which advances space surveillance and autonomous systems.

Notable awards include the 2025 AFOSR and ISIF Young Investigator Awards, 2023 AMOS Best Paper Award, and the E.F. Bruhn Teaching Award for excellence in undergraduate instruction.

LeGrand advises a diverse group of graduate and undergraduate students in astrodynamics and space applications. His work is supported by grants from AFOSR, ISIF, and partnerships with institutions like Sandia National Laboratories and Draper Labs. The SCOPE lab collaborates on projects such as lunar landing navigation, satellite proximity operations, and multi-sensor fusion for space surveillance.