Susan M. Lederer
Papers
3
Total Citations
22
H-Index
2
About
Susan M. Lederer is a space scientist whose research focuses on orbital debris characterization and space situational awareness, with particular emphasis on developing analytical techniques to better understand the physical properties of objects in Earth's orbit. Working with NASA's Orbital Debris Program Office, Lederer has made meaningful contributions to the growing field of Active Debris Removal (ADR), a critical initiative aimed at remediating the increasingly congested low Earth orbit (LEO) environment. Her most recognized work, "Optical Signature Analysis of Tumbling Rocket Bodies via Laboratory Measurements" (2012, 16 citations), demonstrates her expertise in using telescopic lightcurve data to determine the tumble rates of spent rocket bodies — information essential for planning safe debris removal missions. Alongside this, Lederer has pioneered multi-analytical approaches to spacecraft and debris characterization, combining multiple observational and measurement techniques to build more comprehensive profiles of orbital objects, directly supporting NASA's mission to protect both crewed and robotic spacecraft from collision hazards. Her research sits at an important intersection of planetary science, engineering, and space safety, making her work increasingly relevant as humanity grapples with the long-term sustainability of Earth's orbital environment.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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