• Space Systems Design
• Neural Networks Dynamics and Control
• Network Robotics and Control
• PEM Fuel Cells
• Hydrogen Storage

• CubeSat Constellations
• Machine Learning for Robot Design and Control
• Extreme Environment Mobility Systems
• Interplanetary CubeSat Propulsion
• Inflatable Structures for Space
• Mobile Power Supplies
• Interplanetary CubeSat Missions

Professor Jekan Thanga has a background in aerospace engineering from the University of Toronto. He worked on Canadarm, Canadarm 2 and the DARPA Orbital Express missions at MDA Space Missions. Jekan obtained his Ph.D. in space robotics at the University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies (UTIAS) and did a postdoc at MIT's Field and Space Robotics Laboratory (FSRL). Jekan is broadly interested in the exploration of space and extreme environments, using networks of robots, interplanetary CubeSats and smart sensors. His research focuses on developing enabling technologies, that spans system design, propulsion, networking and power to permit smart, fully autonomous operation for long durations. This is achieved through multidisciplinary optimization using a combination of conventional, adaptive and bio-inspired neuro-evolutionary methods resulting in high performance, unconventional design and control solutions that would otherwise not be envisioned by a human designer. His research covers the investigation of fundamental theoretical concepts with simulation using computational tools, culminating with field trials and deployment.

• In Space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing
• Robotics
• Modeling and Simulation

Dr. Rudranarayan Mukherjee is a Research Technologist and Group Leader in the Robotics Modeling and Simulation group at the Robotics and Mobility Systems section at JPL. His primary role at JPL is to develop new technologies and find opportunities to apply them in flight missions. He was a two-term, elected member of the ASME International Technical Committee on Multibody Systems and Nonlinear Dynamics (TC-MSND) where he has been Program Chair for ASME IDETC 2015 and organizer of various symposia over the last 10 years. He enjoys, among other things, leading cross discipline technical teams, solving detailed and system level problems, formulating new concepts and implementing them, and finding resources to pursue good ideas.

• Planetary Exploration
• ISRU Robotics and Construction
• Mission Operations

• Planetary Lidars
• Cameras
• Data Processing

Dr. Cam Dickinson work at MDA includes designing and developing scientific instruments for Planetary exploration. He is the technical lead for the OSIRIS Laser Altimeter, which reached the asteroid Bennu in fall of 2018, and returned a sample in 2023. He was also the technical lead for Replacement CAMeras on the International Space Station (RCAM). Most recently, he is the Vision System Architect for Canadarm3, and am working on upcoming Planetary Missions (Such as OSIRIS APEX), and several ISRU pursuits relating to lunar construction.