Katherine McBryan

United States Naval Research Laboratory, University of Maryland, College Park

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Katherine McBryan is a robotics and space systems researcher whose work centers on in-space assembly (ISA), multi-arm robotic systems, and small satellite technologies. Her research addresses one of the most pressing challenges in modern space exploration: how to efficiently construct large, permanent orbital structures without relying on costly and hazardous extravehicular activities (EVAs). McBryan's most influential contribution, "Comparison between Stationary and Crawling Multi-Arm Robotics for In-Space Assembly" (2020, 6 citations), established a rigorous framework for evaluating robotic assembler configurations, demonstrating how the optimal robot design depends critically on the structure being assembled. Her subsequent work refined this analysis by examining how key design parameters influence assembly outcomes, and how robotic systems and structures can be co-optimized simultaneously to minimize weight and component count. An early standout, her 2014 paper on smallsat-based dexterous robotics (3 citations) explored cost-reduction strategies for satellite servicing by miniaturizing proven robotic systems — a prescient contribution given today's growing smallsat industry. Collectively, McBryan's research offers both aerospace engineers and mission planners practical tools for advancing autonomous assembly capabilities, positioning her as a thoughtful contributor to the future of orbital infrastructure development.