When
Thursday, October 22, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.
Kumar Ramohalli
Professor Emeritus
Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering
University of Arizona
"Orbital Debris: What We Know, and Need"
AME S212 | Zoom link
Abstract: The four "components" of the subject will be introduced. Obvious aspects, and predictions of debris path(s) are summarized from extensive well-publicized efforts. Several specific incidents/accidents will be presented. Implications to current and planned space missions are outlined. A practical solution, pioneered at the AME department is shown. Many parts of the space JUNK are in fairly pristine condition. These include solar panels, robotic mechanisms, some instruments and a few structural components. These will be retrieved and used, by our Autonomous Space Processor for Orbital Debris (ASPOD). ASPOD will grow with each retrieval and its final end-of-mission techniques will be mentioned. Economy and precision will be achieved through innovative materials that are inspired by true biological actuations (ATP-ADP). Displaying a few NASA Invention Awards will conclude the seminar.
Bio: Kumar Ramohalli earned his doctorate from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), with Tau Beta Pi honors. His distinguished career includes serving as a research fellow and senior research Fellow at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), technical manager at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), associate professor/professor and co-director of the Space Engineering Research Center (SERC) at The University of Arizona. His professional honors and recognitions include associate fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), induction into the International Academy of Astronautics and receipt of NASA’s Exceptional Service Medal. He has also been awarded 12 NASA Invention Certificates, each with a monetary award.