Michael Shao

Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Rochester Institute of Technology

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About

Michael Shao is a leading figure in planetary defense and precision astrodynamics, whose work has fundamentally reshaped how we detect and track near-Earth objects (NEOs). His primary research areas include synthetic tracking techniques, laser ranging for deep-space navigation, and the application of optical technologies to solar system exploration. Shao’s most significant contribution is the development of synthetic tracking (ST), a powerful method that overcomes the "trailing loss" problem inherent in observing fast-moving asteroids. By computationally co-adding short-exposure images, ST allows even small telescopes to achieve the sensitivity of much larger instruments, dramatically improving our ability to detect potentially hazardous NEOs. His 2024 paper on this topic (13 citations) has become a foundational reference for the field. Earlier, Shao’s visionary 2004 work on laser ranging to the Moon and Mars (5 citations) laid out a roadmap for using optical technologies to test fundamental physics and enable precise navigation for future interplanetary missions. Through these innovations, Shao has provided the astronomical community with both the tools and the strategic vision needed to protect Earth and explore the solar system.