Conor P. Safbom

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Dr. Conor P. Safbom is a pioneering aerospace engineer whose work centers on autonomous in-space servicing and small satellite diagnostics. His most significant contribution is the conceptualization and development of the Autonomous Mobile On-orbit Diagnostic System (AMODS), a groundbreaking framework that leverages CubeSats for autonomous inspection and repair of conventional spacecraft. This innovative system, detailed in his highly cited 2016 paper, proposes a multi-CubeSat architecture where a self-propelled transport vehicle, BRICS, delivers diagnostic sensors to assess spacecraft health, potentially revolutionizing satellite longevity and reducing space debris. While his citation count remains modest, Safbom’s work at the United States Naval Academy has established foundational concepts for autonomous orbital operations, influencing subsequent research in proximity operations and small satellite swarms. His research directly addresses critical challenges in space sustainability, offering a scalable, cost-effective alternative to traditional manned servicing missions. For students and researchers, Safbom exemplifies how focused, technically rigorous work on a single visionary concept—autonomous on-orbit diagnostics—can open new frontiers in spacecraft maintenance and autonomy.