We develop innovative sensing methodologies to discover, track, and characterize space objects — advancing the frontiers of space situational awareness, planetary defense, planetary science and exploration.
Addressing emerging sensing needs in the space domain, with a focus on the ability to detect, track, and characterize spacecraft under challenging observation conditions, such as low signal-to-noise ratio, closely spaced objects, high maneuverability, and high-uncertainty ephemeris. Our interests include the development of new search and detection algorithms, instrumentations, system architectures, and mission designs to advance state-of-the-art SSA capabilities.
Filling the gaps in current understanding of the distributions and properties of near-Earth objects (NEOs), including potentially hazardous asteroids (PHAs). We focus on the development of new strategies to improve the discovery, precovery, and follow-up of NEOs as well as methodologies to characterize their properties through remote and proximity sensing. Our approach includes enhancing the performance of existing and upcoming sensor systems through detection algorithm development and data fusion as well as developing new sensing concepts to enable new capabilities.
Developing new sensing technology and mission concepts to further expand our knowledge of the solar system and beyond. Our focus is on adapting emerging sensing technologies for space-based platforms and designing cost-efficient, multi-use missions to maximize science outputs and technology demonstration capabilities.
Finding harzardous asteroids before they find us
Detecting extremely faint space objects orders of magnitude faster than current approaches
Developing new approaches to quickly detect and track cislunar objects
Developing pipeline to generate inner and outer solar system objects in data from the TESS mission
Dr. Nguyen is an assistant professor in the department of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Maryland. Her research focuses on developing innovative sensing capabilities to detect, track, and characterize space objects to advance space domain awareness, planetary defense, and planetary science & exploration. Before joining UMD, she led multiple programs on advanced detection methodologies and space-based remote sensing instrumentation at MIT Lincoln Laboratory.
Ph.D. Space Systems, 2018
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
S.M. Aero/Astro, 2015
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
S.B. Aero/Astro & Physics, 2013
Massachusetts Institute of Technology