Hung Dang

About

Hung Dang is a leading researcher in space robotics and spacecraft dynamics, whose work has significantly advanced the autonomous operation of satellites. His primary research focuses on on-orbit identification of inertia properties—a critical challenge for spacecraft attitude control and maneuvering. Dang’s most influential contribution, the 2008 paper “On-Orbit Identification of Inertia Properties of Spacecraft Using a Robotic Arm,” has earned 123 citations and introduces a novel method that leverages an onboard robotic arm to deliberately alter a spacecraft’s inertia distribution. By measuring the resulting velocity changes, his approach enables precise, real-time estimation of mass properties without requiring ground intervention. This work, conducted under an AFOSR grant at New Mexico State University, builds on earlier foundational studies (2007) and has profound implications for satellite servicing, debris removal, and long-duration missions where fuel consumption and payload changes alter spacecraft dynamics. Dang’s research bridges robotics and astrodynamics, offering practical solutions for enhancing the autonomy and safety of future space systems. His contributions are essential reading for engineers and researchers working on intelligent, self-aware spacecraft.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

Top Papers

1. 1
   On-Orbit Identification of Inertia Properties of Spacecraft Using a Robotic Arm

   123 citations · 2008
2. 2
   On-Orbit Identification of Inertia Properties of Spacecraft Using Robotics Technology

   13 citations · 2007

Key Collaborators

Contact & Links