Faiz Mirza

Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology

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About

Faiz Mirza is a leading researcher in spacecraft systems autonomy, with a focus on developing intelligent frameworks that enable deep-space missions to operate with minimal human intervention. His most influential work, "FRESCO: A Framework for Spacecraft Systems Autonomy" (2021, 13 citations), addresses the critical need for flight systems capable of autonomous operations, including sensor-based retasking and complex robotic maneuvers—capabilities essential for future science exploration and defense goals. Mirza's research tackles the immense challenges of operating in extreme environments, as demonstrated in his 2024 study on a utility-driven approach to onboard scheduling for an autonomous Europa Lander mission. This work, which has already garnered attention in the astrobiology community, proposes novel solutions for managing uncertainty, limited energy, and sparse communication opportunities while searching for biosignatures on Jupiter's icy moon. By integrating utility theory with real-time decision-making, Mirza's contributions are paving the way for more resilient and adaptive spacecraft systems, directly supporting humanity's most ambitious exploration endeavors. His research stands at the intersection of artificial intelligence, robotics, and planetary science, offering practical pathways toward truly autonomous deep-space exploration.