Richard McCourt
Department of National Defence, University of British Columbia
Papers
3
Total Citations
45
H-Index
2
About
Richard McCourt is a robotics researcher whose work centers on autonomous satellite capture and the control of deployable manipulator systems for space applications. His key research areas include model-based predictive control, real-time control systems, and space robotics. McCourt’s major contribution is the development and experimental validation of control strategies for the Multi-module Deployable Manipulator System (MDMS), a robot designed for space platform-based operations. His most-cited paper, "Autonomous Robotic Capture of a Satellite Using Constrained Predictive Control" (2006, 41 citations), demonstrates how predictive control can enable a manipulator to capture a moving satellite—a critical capability for on-orbit servicing and debris removal. This work stands out for its combination of computer simulations and ground-based experiments, bridging theory and practice. McCourt’s research has direct implications for future autonomous space missions, where robotic systems must handle unpredictable targets. While his citation counts are modest, his focus on practical, real-time control implementation (as seen in his 2004 paper on RTX) highlights his commitment to deployable, functional robotics. His work remains relevant to engineers tackling the challenges of autonomous space manipulation.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1
- 2Control of a multimodule deployable manipulator using RTX2 citations · 2004
- 3