Tyler is a Ph.D. student at the University of Southern California (USC) in the Astronautical Engineering Department. He previously completed dual M.S. and B.S. degrees in Astronautical Engineering at USC and was awarded USC Viterbi School of Engineering’s “2020-2021 Rocket Scientist of the Year”. Tyler’s Ph.D. focuses on rapid mission design techniques utilizing deep learning and dynamical systems theory.

As a third-year PhD student in the Department of Astronautical Engineering at USC, Tyler’s research focuses on applying generative neural networks to build autonomous orbit transfer design tools for spacecraft in multi-body dynamical systems. This work aims to take the first step toward fully autonomous navigation by enabling spacecraft to design maneuvers in complex environments in real-time, rather than on the ground months before launch, and to respond quickly to mission changes or spacecraft anomalies. His long term career goal is to lead the next generation of space missions by building AI-based on-board navigation systems that allow spacecraft to navigate themselves, enabling new scientific discoveries in harsh or distant destinations in our solar system. Tyler’s research is fully funded through a research fellowship award from Advanced Space LLC.

Tyler currently works as an Associate Astrodynamics, Navigation, and Machine Learning Engineer at Advanced Space LLC. There, he works on research projects with partners like IARPA and NASA to design trajectory design tools, and ML systems for spacecraft anomaly detection and classification.

Tyler’s previous research experience focused on using genetic algorithms to design orbital trajectory optimization techniques for geostationary satellite collocated swarms. This work used traditionally harmful perturbations such as 3rd body and solar radiation pressure effects, to benefit GEO satellites. By utilizing the perturbative accelerations the algorithm he has developed can place up to 10 GEO satellites in the same ITU slot for up to 14 days with no delta-V over that time to a prescribed distance between satellites.

At USC Tyler served as Lead Engineer at the student-lead Liquid Propulsion Laboratory. There he managed 40+ graduate engineers as they design, build, and test liquid rocket engines. The lab is set up to provide quintessential industry-level development and learning for graduate students at USC. Their projects have included, Kerosene-GOx additively manufactured engines, the design of cryogenic test stands, and the design and testing of the world’s most powerful student-built 3d printed liquid-liquid rocket engine - Balerion.

Tyler has also worked previously in the aerospace industry both on technical and business development projects. As a space systems engineer at Northrop Grumman on the NGP next get OPIR satellite constellation, and have performed an in-depth analysis of Northrop’s modeling and simulation tools and worked to improve their astrodynamic fidelity to increase simulation accuracy. At the Starburst Aerospace Accelerator, Tyler worked as a technology scout and analyst. There, he would scout the top aerospace and defense startups and assess both their technical and financial viability for the startup acceleration program. He would then meet with those selected for the program to help them develop solutions to enable rapid growth.

TECHNICAL SKILLS:

Programming Languages
MATLAB | Python | Julia

Learning: CUDA/C++

CAD Software

Siemens NX
SolidWorks

Simulation Software
STK
ANSYS
NX motion environment and FEA
LabView

Computing

High-Performance Computing (HPC)