Pablo Machuca Varela

Dr. Pablo Machuca Varela is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at San Diego State University (SDSU), affiliated with the College of Engineering. His primary research focuses on deep-space exploration, astrodynamics, trajectory design, and autonomous guidance systems for spacecraft. He holds a Ph.D. from Cranfield University (UK), an M.S. from Purdue University (USA), and a Bachelor’s from Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (Spain).

Research Interests:

• Cislunar space exploration (Earth-Moon region)
• Asteroid/comet fly-by mission design
• Autonomous navigation and attitude control systems
• Small-spacecraft mission analysis
• Space debris modeling and mitigation

His recent publications emphasize cost-effective CubeSat missions for asteroid exploration, comet interceptor mission design, and advanced trajectory optimization techniques. He is actively engaged in advising students interested in space systems design and maintains an office in Building A, Room 101.