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About

Beth Keer is a leading aerospace engineer whose work bridges the gap between robotic servicing, on-orbit assembly, and advanced space-based instrumentation. A key figure at NASA, her research centers on spacecraft modularity and the development of next-generation sensor technologies for orbital platforms. Her seminal 2015 paper on "Spacecraft Modularity for Serviceable Satellites" (15 citations) laid critical groundwork for extending satellite lifespans through robotic intervention, building directly on the legacy of the Hubble Space Telescope servicing missions and the assembly of the International Space Station (ISS). Keer’s impact is further demonstrated by her role as Principal Investigator for the Compact Thermal Imager (CTI), detailed in her 2019 paper (13 citations). This dual-band, strained-layer-superlattice (SLS) detector was installed on the ISS in 2018 as a pathfinder for future thermal imaging technologies, operating in conjunction with the Robotic Refueling Mission 3 (RRM3). By pioneering both the architectural principles for serviceable spacecraft and the compact, high-performance sensors needed for autonomous inspection, Keer has directly shaped the future of sustainable, long-duration space operations. Her work remains essential reading for engineers developing the next generation of resilient, upgradable orbital assets.