Emily Kiley

Papers

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About

Dr. Emily Kiley is a pioneering aerospace engineer whose work is reshaping how we think about satellite construction in space. Her primary research focuses on autonomous robotic assembly, small satellite systems, and in-space manufacturing—areas critical to reducing reliance on human intervention in orbit. Her most notable contribution, detailed in her 2020 paper “Optimization of On-Orbit Robotic Assembly of Small Satellites,” introduces a groundbreaking concept: using modularized CubeSat components assembled by robotic arms within a spacecraft locker, entirely without human-in-the-loop control. This innovation promises to lower costs, increase safety, and enable rapid, scalable satellite deployment for future missions. With 3 citations, this work has already sparked interest among researchers seeking to automate low-Earth orbit operations. Dr. Kiley’s achievements include advancing autonomous assembly algorithms and demonstrating that small, standardized satellites can be built on-orbit with minimal infrastructure. Her vision is paving the way for next-generation space architectures—from constellations to deep-space outposts—making satellite assembly faster, cheaper, and more resilient. For students and researchers, her work is a compelling example of how clever engineering can transform the final frontier.