CURRENT POSITION
Research Fellow in Astrodynamics and Mission Design 6/2012-Present
Advanced Concepts Team, European Space Agency (ESA-ESTEC), The Netherlands
EDUCATION
Doctorate of Philosophy, Aeronautics and Astronautics 5/2012
Purdue University, IN GPA: 4.0/4.0
Dissertation: “Exploration of the Region near the Sun-Earth Collinear Libration Points for the Control of Large Formations.”
Major: Astrodynamics and Mission Design
Minor: Dynamics and Control
Advisor: Dr. Kathleen C. Howell
Master of Science, Aeronautics and Astronautics 6/2007
University of Washington, WA GPA: 3.82/4.0
Thesis: “Study of a Formation Flying on a Halo Orbit near the L2 Lagrangian Point of the Sun-Earth System.”
Major: Dynamics and Control
Advisor: Dr. Mehran Mesbahi
Engineering Diploma, Aeronautical Systems 6/2006
National School of Civil Aviation (ENAC), France
Major: Satellite-based Communication, Navigation and Surveillance
RESEARCH INTERESTS
· Astrodynamics and Space Mission Design
· Trajectory Control and Optimization
· Applied Mathematics and Dynamical Systems Theory
· Spacecraft Formation Flying
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Research Fellow in Astrodynamics and Mission Design 6/2012-Present
Advanced Concepts Team, European Space Agency (ESA-ESTEC), The Netherlands
· Implemented global optimization techniques for multiple gravity-assist interplanetary trajectories with low-thrust controllers and impulsive maneuvers (mga-1dsm) using the Keplerian toolbox, PyKEP (with the Sims-Flanagan module), in association with PyGMO (Parallel Global Multi-objective Optimizer).
· Investigated low-energy resonant transfers between planetary moons using surfaces of sections (multi-body dynamics).
Ariadna Program: 10/2012-Present
ESA program in cooperation with universities to work on interdisciplinary projects
Advanced Concepts Team, European Space Agency (ESA-ESTEC), The Netherlands
· Explored low-energy transfers via resonant gravity-assists using Keplerian maps.
· Proposed an interdisciplinary research project to use computer vision algorithms to detect features in maps for resonant transfers in the Jupiter system.
Ariadna proposal: “Automatic Extraction and Characterization of Structures in Area-Preserving Maps.”
Global Trajectory Optimization Competition: GTOC6 9/2012-10/2012
International competition aims to solve a global optimization problem
Advanced Concepts Team, European Space Agency (ESA-ESTEC), The Netherlands
Team 6: ESA-ACT + Honk Kong University of Science and Technology (Rank: 2nd).
· Developed evolutionary techniques to solve a multiple gravity-assist global optimization problem using low-thrust controllers and impulsive maneuvers.
Problem statement:Global mapping of Galilean moons.
Research Assistant, Multi-Body Dynamics Research Group 8/2008 - 5/2012
Purdue University, IN
Advisor: Dr. Kathleen C. Howell
· Explored natural dynamics in multi-body regimes, particularly the libration point regions (periodic and quasi-periodic orbits, unstable and stable manifolds).
· Investigated the relative motion of multiple spacecraft placed at a large distance from each other (large formation flying).
· Designed trajectories in multi-body regimes using low-thrust controllers as well as impulsive maneuvers.
Research Assistant, Distributed Space Systems Lab 9/2006 - 6/2008
University of Washington, WA
Advisor: Dr. Mehran Mesbahi
· Investigated diverse control strategies for formation flying including linear quadratic regulators, nonlinear optimal controllers and Lyapunov controllers.
· Acquired knowledge in distributed space systems and network theory.
Summer Space Science Program 8/2009
Alpbach, Austria
Organized by the Aeronautics and Space Agency of Austria and European Space Agency
· Worked in an international environment to design in team an innovative mission concept aiming to increase our knowledge of extra solar planets.
Mission design: Study to place an astrophysical observatory in an orbit near the Sun-Earth/Moon L2 libration point.
Graduate Research Project 9/2005 - 6/2006
University of Washington, WA
· Investigated spacecraft dynamics and control system theory.
· Developed an integrated navigation system INS/GPS.
Research project: Formulation and simulation of an integrated navigation system INS/GPS.
Undergraduate Research Project 12/2004 - 6/2005
National School of Civil Aviation, France
· Acquired knowledge in electronic systems of communication, navigation and surveillance.
· Investigated GPS signals in indoor area.
Research project: Identification and suppression of intercorrelation of GPS signals in the indoor area.
PUBLICATIONS
Journal Publications
· Héritier, A., Howell, K. C., “Dynamical Evolution of Natural Formations in Libration Point Orbits in a Multi-Body Regime,” Acta Astronautica (submitted).
· Héritier, A., Howell, K. C., “Natural Formation in the Restricted Three-Body Problem: an Application for Formation Flight near Libration Points,” Journal of Advances in Space Research (submitted).
· Héritier, A., Howell, K. C., “Natural Regions near the Sun-Earth Libration Points Advantageous for Space Observations with Large Formations,” Journal of the Astronautical Sciences (submitted).
Conference Papers
· Héritier, A., Howell, K. C., “Dynamical Evolution of Natural Formations in Libration Point Orbits in a Multi-Body Regime,” 7th International Workshop on Satellite Constellations and Formation Flying, Lisbon, Portugal, March 2013 (recommended for publication in the Special Issue of Acta Astronautica).
· Izzo, D., Simoes, L. F., Yam, C. H., Martens, M., Héritier, A., De Croon, G.,“Search for a Grand Tour of the Jupiter Galilean Moons,” Genetic and Evolutionary Computation Conference, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, June 2013 (accepted, nominated for best paper award).
· Izzo, D., Luis, Simoes, L. F., Martens, M., De Croon, G.,Héritier, A., Yam, C. H., So, T. Y., Chu, K. C., Leung, K. Y., Heimonen, H., Chan, K. L., Wong, K. Y. M., “6th Global Trajectory Optimisation Competition: Results of Team 6,” 23rd International Symposium on Space Flight Dynamics,Pasadena, California, October 2012.
· Héritier, A., Howell, K. C., “Regions near the Libration Points Suitable to Maintain Multiple Spacecraft,” AIAA/AAS Astrodynamics Specialists Conference, Minneapolis, Minnesota, August 2012. Paper No. AIAA 2012-4666.
· Héritier, A., Howell, K. C., “Natural Regions near the Sun-Earth Libration Points Suitable for Space Observations with Large Formations,” AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialists Conference, Girdwood, Alaska, August 2011. Paper No. AAS-11-493.
Theses and Dissertations
· Héritier, A., “Exploration of the Region near the Sun-Earth Collinear Libration Points for the Control of Large Formations,” Ph.D. Dissertation, Purdue University, Indiana, May 2012.
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Teaching Assistant, Engineering Education 9/2011 - 5/2012
Purdue University, IN
· Developed lesson plans, homework and exams for first-year engineering students.
Lead Teaching Assistant, Aeronautics and Astronautics 8/2008 - 12/2011
Purdue University, IN
· Coordinated teaching team, graduate TAs and graders for two classes.
· Helped sophomore students during office hours.
Lab Instructor, Astronomy 9/2007 - 6/2008
University of Washington, WA
· Taught lab sessions twice a week for approximately 60 freshmen students.
· Developed lesson plans for the lab sessions.
· Graded 60 copies per week.
· Helped students during office hours.
Graduate Teaching Assistant, Aeronautics and Astronautics 9/2006 - 6/2007
University of Washington, WA
· Graded 20 copies per week.
· Helped graduate students during office hours.
PRESENTATIONS
ESA-ESTEC Advanced Concepts Team Science Coffee 4/2013
Noordwijk, The Netherlands
· Presentation: “The Circular Restricted Three-Body Problem and its Application to Low-Energy Transfers.”
7th International Workshop on Satellite Constellations and Formation Flying 3/2013
Lisbon, Portugal
· Presentation of the conference paper:
Héritier, A.,Howell, K. C., “Dynamical Evolution of Natural Formations in Libration Point Orbits in a Multi-Body Regime,” 7th International Workshop on Satellite Constellations and Formation Flying, Lisbon, Portugal, March 2013
AIAA/AAS Astrodynamics Specialists Conference 8/2012
Minneapolis, MN
· Presentation of the conference paper:
Héritier, A., Howell, K. C., “Regions near the Libration Points Suitable to Maintain Multiple Spacecraft,” AIAA/AAS Astrodynamics Specialists Conference, Minneapolis, Minnesota, August 2012. Paper No. AIAA 2012-4666.
ESA-ESTEC Advanced Concepts Team Science Coffee 7/2012
Noordwijk, The Netherlands
· Presentation: “Regions near the Libration Points Suitable to Maintain Multiple Spacecraft.”
AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialists Conference 8/2011
Girdwood, AL
· Presentation of the conference paper:
Héritier, A., Howell, K. C., “Natural Regions near the Sun-Earth Libration Points Suitable for Space Observations with Large Formations,” AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialists Conference, Girdwood, Alaska, August 2011. Paper No. AAS-11-493.
Graduate Student Roundtable 4/2011
Purdue University, IN
· Research presentation for Mark Adler, Chief Engineer of JPL's Strategic Planning and Project Formulation Office, and Project Manager for the Supersonic
Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator technology development.
COMPUTER SKILLS
Softwares:
Python 2012 - Present
· Keplerian toolbox (PyKEP)
· Parallel Global Multiobjective Optimizer (PyGMO)
Matlab/Simulink 2003 - Present
Satellite Tool Kit (STK astrogator) 2008 - Present
OS and programming languages:
C++, Fortran 2011-Present
Unix/Linux, MS/Windows 2008-Present
Latex 2008-Present
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
First Training School of the Astrodynamics European Network 1/2013
Rome ''Tor Vergata'' University, Italy
· Attended lectures on space manifold dynamics, the astrodynamics on small bodies, attitude and orbit control and symbolic manipulation in celestial mechanics.
Workshop theme: “Astrodynamics of natural and artificial satellites: from regular to chaotic motions.”
Preparing Future Faculty (GRAD 590B) 1/2012-5/2012
Purdue University, IN
· Explored faculty roles, responsibilities, and development opportunities at different types of higher education institutions.
Professional Meeting 6/2009
Chicago, IL
Organized by the European Aeronautical Defense and Space Company
· Interacted with professionals from EADS Astrium.
Logistic Intern 4/2005
Maped Suzhou, China
· Performed an audit for a better control of the production.
· Participated in developing a strategy to assure better stock turnovers.
VOLUNTEER WORK and ACTIVITIES
Reviewer for the Journal of Aerospace Engineering 4/2013
(Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part G)
Member of the international student organization ‘Friends of Europe’ 2008 - 2012
Purdue University, IN
Member of the international student organization ‘FIUTS’ 2005 - 2007
University of Washington, WA
Member of Women in Engineering Graduate Mentoring Program (GMP) 2008 - 2012
Purdue University, IN
Organizer of a sport tournament between all the French aeronautics schools 2004
(TGEA: Tournoi des Grandes Ecoles d’Aéronautiques)
National School of Civil Aviation, France
Club Affiliations at the European Space Agency (ESA-ESTEC) 2012 - Present
· CubeSat Club
· Wine Tasting Club
· Soccer Club
· Squash Club
Half marathon runner 2008 - Present
AWARDS
Summer Research Grant, Purdue University, IN 2010
The Ruth C. Hertzberg Research Award, University of Washington, WA 2006
MEMBERSHIPS
American Astronautical Society (AAS) 2011 - Present
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) 2011 - Present
LANGUAGES
English: Fluent
French: Fluent
References available upon request
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