Christopher Petersen
Papers
1
Total Citations
8
H-Index
1
About
Dr. Christopher Petersen is a researcher specializing in spacecraft relative motion maneuvering and the practical implementation of advanced control systems under severe computational constraints. His most-cited work, "Hardware implementation of Model Predictive Control for relative motion maneuvering" (2015, 8 citations), makes a pivotal contribution by bridging the gap between theoretical control algorithms and real-world space operations. In this study, Petersen experimentally implemented a Model Predictive Controller (MPC) on a robotic test-bed designed to emulate spacecraft proximity maneuvers. Critically, his work accounts for the harsh realities of on-board spaceflight hardware—limited computational power, restricted memory, and real-time processing demands—demonstrating that sophisticated control strategies can be executed reliably in orbit. This achievement is notable for proving that MPC, typically considered too computationally expensive for space applications, is viable for autonomous rendezvous and docking. Petersen’s research directly informs the design of future satellite servicing and formation-flying missions, offering a pragmatic blueprint for engineers. His focus on experimental validation over pure simulation underscores a commitment to operational readiness, making his contributions essential reading for students and researchers working at the intersection of control theory and spacecraft engineering.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1