FACULTY NEWS
s NASA SBIR Phase II: RIDDANCE: Dr. Daewon Kim (Embry-Riddle Share: $408,494) The NASA SBIR Phase II RIDDANCE project is developing a promising solution to the growing challenge of orbital debris. At its core is a dual-net capture system designed to autonomously approach, slow, stabilize and securely contain irregular and tumbling debris before guiding it to controlled deorbit. The process works in two stages: the first net reduces the debris’ motion to make it more manageable, while the second net provides secure containment. The system is designed to be scalable, cost-effective and largely autonomous, allowing it to handle debris of different sizes with minimal human involvement while reducing the risk of in-orbit collisions. Overall, RIDDANCE represents an important step toward more sustainable space operations and a cleaner, safer orbital environment for future missions.
s NSF ERI: Dr. David Canales Garcia ($200K) This NSF Engineering Research Initiation (ERI) project establishes a new framework for analyzing and designing chaotic engineering systems by combining higher-dimensional modeling, knot theory and human-in-the-loop reinforcement learning. Addressing challenges in domains such as space mission trajectory design, where small uncertainties can lead to dramatically different outcomes, the work moves beyond traditional low-dimensional simplifications to reveal the true structure of complex dynamics. By leveraging topological representations and immersive visualization tools, including augmented reality, the project enables engineers to identify stability boundaries, uncover previously inaccessible design solutions and make more informed decisions in uncertain environments. A key innovation is the integration of symbolic insights from chaos theory into adaptive learning systems as well as improving decision efficiency, interpretability and design quality. Beyond its technical contributions, the project also emphasizes STEM engagement through K–12 curriculum development and interactive learning experiences, broadening access to advanced concepts in dynamical systems and engineering design.
s DARPA CIDAR Challenge Grant: Dr. Hever Moncayo ($200K)
Eagle-Passive Imaging (Eagle-PI) is an innovative framework developed for the Computational Imaging Detection and Ranging (CIDAR) Challenge by the Advanced Dynamics and Control Laboratory at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. The CIDAR Challenge was created by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and is organized in three stages: White Paper Competition, Semifinal and Final. Through this initiative, the agency seeks to advance machine learning, computer vision and artificial intelligence solutions for long-range passive detection and ranging in tactical and civil applications, with the goal of achieving high-accuracy, low- latency distance measurements that match or exceed the performance of today’s active range measurement systems. Eagle-PI, under the direction of faculty member Dr. Hever Moncayo and the leadership of Ph.D. candidate Gabriela Gavilanez, earned a $200,000 award in the White Paper Competition as one of the top five university- and small-business- led groups selected for initial funding. It later received an additional $50,000 in the semifinal stage after ranking among the nation’s top performers in ranging accuracy.
DEPARTMENT OF AEROSPACE ENGINEERING | 13
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