Steve Ulrich

Steve Ulrich is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Carleton University and Director of the Spacecraft Robotics and Control Laboratory. He holds a B.Eng. and M.A.Sc. in Electrical Engineering from Université de Sherbrooke and a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from Carleton University. His research focuses on spacecraft guidance, navigation, and control (GN&C), computer vision-based navigation systems, and space robotics. He has contributed to ESA’s PROBA-2 spacecraft systems and MIT’s space systems laboratory experiments.

Education:

• B.Eng, Electrical Engineering, Université de Sherbrooke (2004)
• M.A.Sc, Electrical Engineering, Université de Sherbrooke (2006)
• Ph.D, Aerospace Engineering, Carleton University (2012)

Research Interests:

• Spacecraft GN&C algorithms/software
• Proximity operations and formation flying
• Attitude dynamics and control
• Robotics and computer vision
• Solar drag and perturbation management

His recent work emphasizes deep learning for autonomous capture systems, real-time vision-based navigation, and adaptive control strategies for space robotics. Articles highlight advancements in obstacle avoidance, optimal guidance, and experimental validation of control algorithms. The Spacecraft Robotics and Control Laboratory develops technologies for on-orbit servicing and debris removal.

Advising focuses on graduate students in aerospace robotics and control systems. His lab collaborates with industry on projects like tether-based debris capture and CubeSat navigation systems.