MIT Associate Professor Richard Linares applies astrodynamics to help track and manage space debris — the millions of objects in orbit around Earth.

MIT is a renowned institution for education and research, offering insights into science, engineering, and technology. Through publications, research papers, and academic programs, MIT's platform provides insights into  research, innovation, and education in various fields. Students, researchers, and technology enthusiasts can learn about MIT's contributions to science and technology and explore opportunities for academic and professional development.

MIT News

MIT Associate Professor Richard Linares leads the ARCLab research group applying astrodynamics to tackle space traffic management and orbital sustainability. With over 10,000 active satellites and 100 million debris pieces in low-Earth orbit, his team developed MoCAT, an open-source model simulating 10+ million orbital objects to predict collision risks and orbital capacity limits. The group also explores AI for autonomous satellite decision-making, space robotics for in-orbit infrastructure, and the effects of space weather and climate change on orbital operations. Linares' tools are actively used by satellite operators to plan safe trajectories.

Managing traffic in space