Alisha Bhanji
Papers
1
Total Citations
3
H-Index
1
About
Alisha Bhanji’s research sits at the intersection of space robotics, advanced materials, and debris mitigation, where she tackles one of the most pressing challenges in orbital sustainability: the safe capture of both cooperative and non-cooperative space debris. Her most cited work, “REACCH - Reactive electro-adhesive capture cloth mechanism to enable safe grapple of cooperative/non-cooperative space debris” (2020, 3 citations), introduces a groundbreaking end effector developed with USC’s Space Engineering Research Center and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Inspired by an octopus tentacle, the REACCH mechanism combines formable electro-adhesion with gecko-inspired adhesive capture cloth, enabling a robotic system to gently yet securely grasp debris of varying shapes and surface conditions—a critical advance over traditional rigid grippers that risk fragmentation or collision. This innovation directly addresses the growing orbital debris crisis, offering a versatile, low-impact solution for active debris removal. Bhanji’s work exemplifies how bio-inspired design and electro-adhesive materials can revolutionize space operations, and her collaboration with JPL underscores its real-world relevance. With her focus on safe, adaptive capture technologies, she is shaping the future of sustainable spaceflight and debris management.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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