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Rodney Anderson

Technologist

About

Bio

Rodney L. Anderson is a Technologist in the Mission Design and Navigation section at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory where he has worked since 2010. He received his Ph.D. and M.S. in Aerospace Engineering Sciences from the University of Colorado at Boulder and his Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from North Carolina State University.  His research focuses on astrodynamics, mission design, machine learning, navigation, and celestial mechanics.  He has been the PI on multiple research tasks focusing on applying dynamical systems techniques and machine learning to solve astrodynamics problems. He is a recipient of JPL’s Lew Allen award as well as multiple team mission awards at JPL.  He was a Research Professor at the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute in Berkeley, CA for the Fall, 2018 semester, and he coauthored the book “Low-Energy Lunar Trajectory Design.” He has also been a Lecturer at the California Institute of Technology, the University of Colorado at Boulder, and the University of Southern California.  He regularly mentors both students and postdocs, and he currently serves as an Associate Editor for the Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics and The Journal of the Astronautical Sciences.

Education

Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering Sciences, University of Colorado at Boulder, 2005

M.S. in Aerospace Engineering Sciences, University of Colorado at Boulder, 2001

B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, North Carolina State University, 1997

Experience

Research Community Service

  • Associate Editor for the Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics (January 2025 – Present)
  • Associate Editor for The Journal of the Astronautical Sciences (July 2012 – Present)
  • Organizer for “Topological & Geometric Computational Methods for Dynamical Systems” Minisymposium, SIAM Conference on Applications of Dynamical Systems (DS25), Denver, CO, May 11-15, 2025
  • AAS Space Flight Mechanics Technical Committee (November 2013 – December 2018)
  • Scientific Committee member for “Introduction to Dynamical Systems Methods for Space Mission Design” Workshop at Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, January 16-19, 2018
  • AAS Technical Chair for 28th AAS/AIAA Space Flight Mechanics Meeting (SciTech, January 8-12, 2018 in Orlando, Florida)

Achievements

Awards & Recognitions

  • JPL Team Award | Europa Lander Mission Design and Navigation Team Award (2019)
  • JPL Voyager Award (2015)
  • JPL Mariner Award (2014)
  • The Lew Allen Award for Excellence | For his exceptional discoveries and leadership in the development of new trajectory design techniques, particularly the lunar low-energy trajectory design (2014)
  • NASA Award | Robert H. Goddard Exceptional Achievement for Engineering Team (MAVEN) (2014)

Publications

Book
  1. Parker, J. S. and R. L. Anderson, Low-Energy Lunar Trajectory Design, Volume 12 of DESCANSO Deep Space Communications and Navigation Series, John Wiley & Sons Ltd., Hoboken, NJ, June, 2014.
Book Chapter
  1. Davis, K. and R. L. Anderson, “Libration Point Orbits and the Three-Body Problem,” Encyclopedia of Aerospace Engineering, John Wiley & Sons Ltd., 2010.
Dissertation

Anderson, R. L., Low-Thrust Trajectory Design for Resonant Flybys and Captures Using Invariant Manifolds, Ph.D. Dissertation, University of Colorado at Boulder, 2005.

Journal Papers
  1. Anderson, R. L., R. W. Easton, and M. W. Lo, “Broad Energy Range Libration Orbit Computations Using Isolating Neighborhoods,” SIAM Journal on Applied Dynamical Systems, Volume 24, Number 2, 2025, pp. 972-993.
  2. Kumar, B., R. L. Anderson, and R. de la Llave, “Rapid GPU-Assisted Search and Parameterization-Based Refinement and Continuation of Connections between Tori in Periodically Perturbed Planar Circular Restricted 3-Body Problems,” SIAM Journal on Applied Dynamical Systems, Volume 24, Number 1, 2025, pp. 219-258.
  3. Anderson, R. L., R. W. Easton, and M. W. Lo, “Direct Exploration of the L2 Isolated Invariant Set Using Isolating Neighborhoods,” Celestial Mechanics and Dynamical Astronomy, Volume 136, 2024. *Chosen for CMDA Astronomy Seminar
  4. Kumar, B., R. L. Anderson, and R. de la Llave, “Transfers Between Jupiter-Ganymede and Jupiter-Europa Resonant Tori in a Concentric Circular Restricted Four-Body Model,” Acta Astronautica, Volume 211, 2023, pp. 76-87.
  5. Sullivan, C. J., N. Bosanac, and R. L. Anderson, “Designing Low-Thrust Transfers near Earth-Moon L2 via Multi-Objective Reinforcement Learning,” Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, 2023.
  6. Easton, R. W., R. L. Anderson, and M. W. Lo, “Conic Transfer Arcs for Kepler's Problem,” American Journal of Physics, Volume 90, Number 9, 2022.
  7. Kumar, B., R. L. Anderson, and R. de la Llave, “Rapid and Accurate Methods for Computing Whiskered Tori and their Manifolds in Periodically Perturbed Planar Circular Restricted 3-Body Problems,” Celestial Mechanics and Dynamical Astronomy, Volume 134, Number 3, 2022.
  8. Anderson, R. L., S. Campagnola, D. Koh, T. P. McElrath, and R. Woollands, “Endgame Design for Europa Lander: Ganymede to Europa Approach,” The Journal of the Astronautical Sciences, Volume 68, 2021, pp. 96-119.
  9. Sullivan, C., J. Stuart, R. L. Anderson, and N. Bosanac, “Designing Low-Thrust Transfers to High-Inclination Science Orbits via Hybrid Optimization,” Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, 2021.
  10. Kumar, B., R. L. Anderson, and R. de la Llave, “High-Order Resonant Orbit Manifold Expansions for Mission Design in the Planar Circular Restricted 3-Body Problem,” Communications in Nonlinear Science and Numerical Simulation, Volume 97, June, 2021.
  11. Koh, D., R. L. Anderson, and I. Bermejo-Moreno, “Cell-Mapping Orbit Search for Mission Design at Ocean Worlds Using Parallel Computing,” The Journal of the Astronautical Sciences, Volume 68, 2021, pp. 172-196.
  12. Anderson, R. L., “Tour Design Using Resonant-Orbit Invariant Manifolds in Patched Circular Restricted Three-Body Problems,” Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics, Volume 44, Number 1, January, 2021, pp. 106-119.
  13. Anderson, R. L., R. W. Easton, and M. W. Lo, “Computing Libration Point Hyperbolic Invariant Sets Using Isolating Blocks,” Physica D, Volume 405, April, 2020.
  14. Anderson, R. L., P. W. Chodas, R. W. Easton, and M. W. Lo, “Planar Low-Energy Asteroid and Comet Transit Analysis using Isolating Blocks,” Celestial Mechanics and Dynamical Astronomy, Volume 131, Number 32, 2019.
  15. Balducci, M., B. A. Jones, and R. L. Anderson, “Multielement Separated Representations for Orbit Uncertainty Propagation,” Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics, Volume 42, Number 9, September, 2019, pp. 1930-1945.
  16. Anderson, R. L., S. Campagnola, and B. B. Buffington, “Analysis of Petal Rotation Trajectory Characteristics,” Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics, Volume 41, Number 4, April, 2018, pp. 827-840.
  17. Koh, D. and R. L. Anderson, “Periodic Orbit-Attitude Solutions in the Planar Elliptic Restricted Three-Body Problem,” Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics, Volume 41, Number 3, 2018, pp. 644-657.
  18. Anderson, R. L., R. W. Easton, and M. W. Lo, “Isolating Blocks as Computational Tools in the Circular Restricted Three-Body Problem,” Physica D, Volume 343, March 15, 2017, pp. 38-50.
  19. Lantoine, G., R. L. Anderson, H. B. Garrett, I. Katz, and R. P. Russell, “MAGNETOUR: Surfing Planetary Systems on Electromagnetic and Multi-Body Gravity Fields,” Acta Astronautica, Volume 138, 2017, pp. 543-558.
  20. Villac, B. F., R. L. Anderson, and A. J. Pini, “Computer Aided Ballistic Orbit Classification Around Small Bodies,” The Journal of the Astronautical Sciences, Volume 63, Number 3, September, 2016, pp. 175-205.
  21. Anderson, R. L., S. Campagnola, and G. Lantoine, “Broad Search for Unstable Resonant Orbits in the Planar Circular Restricted Three-Body Problem,” Celestial Mechanics and Dynamical Astronomy, Volume 124, Number 2, February, 2016, pp. 177-199.
  22. Anderson, R. L., “Approaching Moons from Resonance via Invariant Manifolds,” Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics, Volume 38, Number 6, June, 2015, pp. 1097-1109.
  23. Parker, J. S., T. P. McElrath, R. L. Anderson, and T. H. Sweetser, “Trajectory Design for MoonRise: A Proposed Lunar South Pole-Aitken Basin Sample Return Mission,” The Journal of the Astronautical Sciences, Volume 62, Number 1, March, 2015, pp. 44-72.
  24. Anderson, R. L. and M. W. Lo, “Spatial Approaches to Moons from Resonance Relative to Invariant Manifolds,” Acta Astronautica, Volume 105, 2014, pp. 355-372.
  25. Petropoulos, A. E., E. P. Bonfiglio, D. J. Grebow, T. Lam, J. S. Parker, J. Arrieta, D. F. Landau, R. L. Anderson, E. D. Gustafson, G. J. Whiffen, P. A. Finlayson, and J. A. Sims, “GTOC5: Results from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory Team,” Acta Futura, Volume 8, 2014, pp. 21-27.
  26. Anderson, R. L., C. P. Guignet, G. H. Born, and J. M. Forbes, “Effect of Density Model Time-Delay Errors on Orbit Prediction,” Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, Volume 50, Number 5, September, 2013, pp. 1096-1105.
  27. Parker, J. S., R. L. Anderson, and A. Peterson, “Surveying Ballistic Transfers to Low Lunar Orbit,” Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics, Volume 36, Number 5, 2013, pp. 1501-1511.
  28. Anderson, R. L. and J. S. Parker, “Comparison of Low-Energy Lunar Transfer Trajectories to Invariant Manifolds,” Celestial Mechanics and Dynamical Astronomy, Volume 115, Number 3, February, 2013, pp. 311-331.
  29. Parker, J. S. and R. L. Anderson, “Targeting Low-Energy Transfers to Low Lunar Orbit,” Acta Astronautica, Volume 84, March-April, 2013, pp. 1-14.
  30. Anderson, R. L. and J. S. Parker, “Survey of Ballistic Transfers to the Lunar Surface,” Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics, Volume 35, Number 4, July-August, 2012, pp. 1256-1267.
  31. Davis, K. E., R. L. Anderson, and G. H. Born, "Preliminary Study of Geosynchronous Orbit Transfers from LEO Using Invariant Manifolds," The Journal of the Astronautical Sciences, Volume 58, Number 3, July-September, 2011, pp. 295-310.
  32. Anderson, R. L. and M. W. Lo, “A Dynamical Systems Analysis of Resonant Flybys: Ballistic Case,” The Journal of the Astronautical Sciences, Volume 58, Number 2, April-June, 2011, pp. 167-194.
  33. Davis, K. E., R. L. Anderson, D. J. Scheeres, and G. H. Born, “Optimal Transfers Between Unstable Periodic Orbits Using Invariant Manifolds,” Celestial Mechanics and Dynamical Astronomy, Volume 109, Number 3, March, 2011, pp. 241-264.
  34. Anderson, R. L. and M. W. Lo, “Dynamical Systems Analysis of Planetary Flybys and Approach: Planar Europa Orbiter,” Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics, Volume 33, Number 6, November-December, 2010, pp. 1899-1912.
  35. Davis, K., R. L. Anderson, G. H. Born, and D. J. Scheeres, “The Use of Invariant Manifolds for Transfers between Unstable Periodic Orbits of Different Energies,” Celestial Mechanics and Dynamical Astronomy, Volume 107, Number 4, August, 2010, pp. 471-485.
  36. Anderson, R. L. and M. W. Lo, “Role of Invariant Manifolds in Low-Thrust Trajectory Design,” Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics, Volume 32, Number 6, November-December, 2009, pp. 1921-1930.
  37. Anderson, R. L., G. H. Born, and J. M. Forbes, “Sensitivity of Orbit Predictions to Density Variability,” Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, Volume 46, Number 6, November-December, 2009, pp. 1214-1230.

Peer-Reviewed Conference Papers

  1. Jun, William, Kar-Ming Cheung, Toshika Tanaka, and Rodney L. Anderson “A Rapid, Low-Cost Path to Lunar Communication and Navigation with a Lunar Surface Station,” Paper 2596, 2025 IEEE Aerospace Conference, Big Sky, MT, 2025.
  2. Bandyopadhyay, S., R. Amini, R. Miller, S. Bhaskaran, R. L. Anderson, S. Hernandez, M. Haynes, P. Adell, C. Raymond, and L. Fesq, “Integrated Science and Engineering Simulation Environment for Formation Flying Mission Around a Small Body,” Paper 2792, 2023 IEEE Aerospace Conference, 2023.
  3. Sullivan, C. J., N. Bosanac, R. L. Anderson, A. Mashiku, and J. R. Stuart, “Exploring Transfers Between Earth-Moon Halo Orbits via Multi-Objective Reinforcement Learning,” IEEE Aerospace Conference, Big Sky, MT (Virtual), March 6–13, 2021.

Conference Papers

  1. Anderson, R. L., R. W. Easton, and M. W. Lo, “Robust Differential Correction Using Screens and Targets,” AAS/AIAA Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, AAS 25-170, Kauai, HI, January 19-23, 2025.
  2. Mansell, J. R., D. Holzberger, E. D. Gustafson, and R. L. Anderson, “Diagnosing Mismodeling Errors in Orbit Determination Using Autoencoders,” AAS/AIAA Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, AAS 25-132, Kauai, HI, January 19-23, 2025.
  3. Choi, S., A. Ossama, A. Das-Stuart, and R. L. Anderson, “Neural Network-Based Universal Variable Approximation for Lambert's Problem,” AAS/AIAA Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, AAS 25-258, Kauai, HI, January 19-23, 2025.
  4. Anderson, R. L., R. W. Easton, and M. W. Lo, “Traversing the Lagrange Point Trajectory Network Using Isolating Neighborhoods,” AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, AAS 24-256, Broomfield, CO, August 11-15, 2024.
  5. Kumar, B. and R. L. Anderson, “A Survey of Oberon Mean Motion Resonant Unstable Orbit Properties and Connections for Uranian Tours,” AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, AAS 24-288, Broomfield, CO, August 11-15, 2024.
  6. Choi, S., O. Abdelkhalik, A. Das-Stuart, and R. L. Anderson, “Machine Learning Application for Lambert's Problem,” AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, Broomfield, CO, August 11-15, 2024.
  7. Choi, S., O. Abdelkhalik, A. Das-Stuart, and R. L. Anderson, “Vectorized Dynamic Size Genetic Algorithm for Fast Flyby Sequence Generation,” AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, Broomfield, CO, August 11-15, 2024.
  8. Anderson, R. L., R. W. Easton, and M. W. Lo, “Robust Level-1 Differential Correction Using Screens,” 46th Rocky Mountain AAS GN&C Conference, AAS 24-083, Breckenridge, CO, February 1-7, 2024.
  9. French, A., Y. Takahashi, R. L. Anderson, S. Bhaskaran, S. Bandyopadhyay, and R. Amini, “Navigating a Dual-Spacecraft Bistatic Radar Around an Asteroid,” 33rd AAS/AIAA Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, Austin, TX, January 15-19, 2023.
  10. Kumar, B., R. L. Anderson, and R. de la Llave, “Transfers Between Jupiter-Ganymede and Jupiter-Europa Resonant Tori in a Concentric Circular Restricted Four-Body Model,” 73rd International Astronautical Congress, IAC-22-C1,8,4,x73382, International Astronautical Federation, Paris, France, September, 2022.
  11. Sullivan, C. J., N. Bosanac, R. L. Anderson, and A. K. Mashiku, “Exploring the Low-Thrust Transfer Design Space in an Ephemeris Model via Multi-Objective Reinforcement Learning,” AIAA SciTech Forum, San Diego, CA, January 3–7, 2022.
  12. Anderson, R. L., R. W. Easton, and M. W. Lo, “Exploration of Spatial Chaotic Orbits Using Isolating Neighborhoods,” 2021 AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, AAS 21-578, Big Sky, MT (Virtual), August 9-11, 2021.
  13. Kumar, B., R. L. Anderson, R. de la Llave, and B. Gunter, “Computation and Analysis of Jupiter-Europa and Jupiter-Ganymede Resonant Orbits in the Planar Concentric Circular Restricted 4-Body Problem,” 2021 AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, 21-651, Big Sky, MT (Virtual), August 9–11, 2021.
  14. Hernandez, S., S. Bandyopadhyay, R. Karimi, M. Haynes, and R. L. Anderson, “Two Spacecraft Orbiting in Opposition to Enable Bistatic Radar Observations Around an Asteroid,” 2021 AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, AAS 21-728, Big Sky, MT (Virtual), August 9–11, 2021.
  15. Sullivan, C., N. Bosanac, A. Mashiku, and R. L. Anderson, “Multi-Objective Reinforcement Learning for Low-Thrust Transfer Design between Libration Point Orbits,” 2021 AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, AAS 21-636, Big Sky, MT (Virtual), August 9–11, 2021.
  16. Kumar, B., R. L. Anderson, and R. de la Llave, “Using GPUs and the Parameterization Method for Rapid Search and Refinement of Connections between Tori in Periodically Perturbed Planar Circular Restricted 3-Body Problems,” 31st AAS/AIAA Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, AAS 21-349, Charlotte, NC (Virtual), February 1-4, 2021.
  17. Hernandez, S., R. L. Anderson, D. Roth, Y. Takahashi, and T. McElrath, “Navigating Low-Energy Trajectories to Land on the Surface of Europa,” 31st AAS/AIAA Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, AAS 21-360, Charlotte, NC (Virtual), February 1-4, 2021.
  18. Anderson, R. L., R. W. Easton, and M. W. Lo, “Direct Exploration of the L2 Isolated Invariant Set Using Isolating Neighborhoods,” AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, AAS 20-706, South Lake Tahoe, CA, August 9-13 (Virtual), 2020.
  19. Kumar, B., R. L. Anderson, and R. de la Llave, “Rapid and Accurate Computation of Invariant Tori, Manifolds, and Connections Near Mean Motion Resonances in Periodically Perturbed Planar Circular Restricted Three-Body Problem Models,” AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, AAS 20-694, South Lake Tahoe, CA (Virtual), August 9-13, 2020.
  20. Kumar, B., R. L. Anderson, and R. de la Llave, “High-Order Resonant Orbit Manifold Expansions for Mission Design in the Planar Circular Restricted 3-Body Problem,” 70th International Astronautical Congress, IAC–19–C1.4.9x51517, International Astronautical Federation, Washington, D.C., October, 2019.
  21. Anderson, R. L., R. W. Easton, and M. W. Lo, “Enabling Broad Energy Range Computations at Libration Points Using Isolating Neighborhoods,” AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, AAS 19-744, Portland, ME, August 11-15, 2019.
  22. Anderson, R. L., S. Campagnola, D. Koh, T. P. McElrath, and R. Woollands, “Endgame Design for Europa Lander: Ganymede to Europa Approach,” AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, AAS 19-745, Portland, ME, August 11-15, 2019.
  23. Stuart, J., R. L. Anderson, C. Sullivan, and N. Bosanac, “Accessing Highly Out-of-Ecliptic Science Orbits via Low-Energy, Low-Thrust Transport Mechanisms,” AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, AAS 19-728, Portland, ME, August 11-15, 2019.
  24. Sweetser, T. H., R. L. Anderson, G. Lantoine, A. E. Petropoulos, and J. A. Sims, “Trajectory Design for Small-Satellite Missions to Near-Earth Objects,” 13th International Academy of Astronautics Low-Cost Planetary Missions Conference, Toulouse, France, June 3-5, 2019.
  25. Hernandez, S., R. L. Restrepo, and R. L. Anderson, “Connecting Resonant Trajectories to a Europa Capture Through Lissajous Staging Orbits,” AAS/AIAA Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, AAS 19-455, Ka'anapali, Maui, HI, January 13-17, 2019.
  26. Koh, D., R. L. Anderson, and I. Bermejo-Moreno, “Exploration of Three-Dimensional Orbit Bifurcations in the CRTBP Using Cell Mapping,” AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, AAS 18-264, Snowbird, UT, August 19-23, 2018.
  27. Anderson, R. L., R. W. Easton, and M. W. Lo, “Computing Libration Point Hyperbolic Invariant Sets Using Isolating Blocks,” AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, AAS 17-697, Stevenson, WA, August 20-24, 2017.
  28. Villac, B. F. and R. L. Anderson, “Evaluation of a Rapid Transfer Design Approach for Small Body Applications,” AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, AAS 17-721, Stevenson, WA, August 20-24, 2017.
  29. Koh, D., R. L. Anderson, and I. Bermejo-Moreno, “Cell-Mapping Orbit Search for Mission Design at Ocean Worlds Using Parallel Computing,” AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, AAS 17-756, Stevenson, WA, August 20-24, 2017.
  30. Pini, A. J., B. F. Villac, and R. L. Anderson, “From Simplified to Complex Small-Body Models: Sensitivity Analysis of Periodic Orbit Sets,” 27th AAS/AIAA Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, San Antonio, TX, February 5-9, 2017.
  31. Koh, D. and R. L. Anderson, “Periodic Orbit-Attitude Solutions in the Planar Elliptic Restricted Three-Body Problem,” AIAA/AAS Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, AAS ASD-36 2490399, Long Beach, CA, September 13–16, 2016.
  32. Lantoine, G., R. P. Russell, R. L. Anderson, H. B. Garrett, and I. Katz, “MAGNETOUR: Surfing Planetary Systems on Electromagnetic and Multi-Body Gravity Fields,” Fifth International Conference on Tethers in Space, Ann Arbor, MI, May 24–26, 2016.
  33. Anderson, R. L., R. W. Easton, and M. W. Lo, “Isolating Blocks as Computational Tools in the Circular Restricted Three-Body Problem,” AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, AAS 15-615, Vail, CO, August 9-13, 2015.
  34. McElrath, T. P. and R. L. Anderson, “Switching Paths at the Lunar ‘Router’: Finding Very Low-Cost Transfers Between Useful Trajectory Sequences in the Earth-Moon System,” AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, AAS 15-629, Vail, CO, August 9-13, 2015.
  35. Villac, B. F., R. L. Anderson, and A. J. Pini, “Organizing Ballistic Orbit Classes Around Small Bodies,” AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, AAS 15-619, Vail, CO, August 9-13, 2015.
  36. Anderson, R. L., S. Campagnola, and B. B. Buffington, “Analysis of Petal Rotation Trajectory Characteristics,” AIAA/AAS Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, AIAA-2014-4350, San Diego, CA, August 4-7, 2014.
  37. Anderson, R. L., “A Quick Search Method for Low-Energy Trajectory Options to Near Earth Objects,” 24th AAS/AIAA Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, AAS 14-233, Santa Fe, NM, January 26-30, 2014.
  38. Anderson, R. L., S. Campagnola, and G. Lantoine, “Broad Search for Unstable Resonant Orbits in the Planar Circular Restricted Three-Body Problem,” AAS/AAIA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, AAS 13-787, Hilton Head Island, SC, August 11-15, 2013.
  39. Parker, J. S., T. P. McElrath, R. L. Anderson, and T. H. Sweetser, “Trajectory Design for MoonRise: A Proposed Lunar South Pole-Aitken Basin Sample Return Mission,” AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, AAS 13-882, Hilton Head Island, SC, August 11-15, 2013.
  40. Parker, J. S., J. M. Leonard, R. L. Anderson, and G. H. Born, “LiAISON-Supplemented Navigation of a Crewed Vehicle in a Lunar Halo Orbit,” AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, AAS 13-776, Hilton Head Island, SC, August 11-15, 2013.
  41. Anderson, R. L., “Tour Design Using Resonant Orbit Heteroclinic Connections in Patched Circular Restricted Three-Body Problems,” 23rd AAS/AIAA Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, AAS 13-493, Kauai, HI, February 10-14, 2013.
  42. McGranaghan, R. M., J. M. Leonard, K. Fujimoto, J. S. Parker, R. L. Anderson, and G. H. Born, “Interplanetary Departure Stage Navigation by Means of LiAISON Orbit Determination Architecture,” 23rd AAS/AIAA Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, AAS 13-207, Kauai, HI, February 10-14, 2013.
  43. Parker, J. S., J. M. Leonard, K. Fujimoto, R. M. McGranaghan, G. H. Born, and R. L. Anderson, “Navigating a Crewed Lunar Vehicle Using LiAISON,” 23rd AAS/AIAA Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, AAS 13-330, Kauai, HI, February 10-14, 2013.
  44. Leonard, J. M., J. S. Parker, R. L. Anderson, R. M. McGranaghan, K. Fujimoto, and G. H. Born, “Supporting Crewed Lunar Exploration with LiAISON Navigation,” 36th Annual Guidance and Control Conference, AAS 13-053, Breckenridge, CO, February 1-6, 2013.
  45. Fujimoto, K., J. M. Leonard, R. M. McGranaghan, J. S. Parker, R. L. Anderson, and G. H. Born, “Simulating the LiAISON Navigation Concept in GEO + Earth-Moon Halo Constellation,” 23rd International Symposium on Space Flight Dynamics, Pasadena, CA, October 29 - November 2, 2012.
  46. Demcak, S., B. Young, T. Lam, N. Trawny, C. Lee, R. L. Anderson, S. Broschart, C. Ballard, and D. C. Folta, “Navigation Challenges in the MAVEN Science Phase,” 23rd International Symposium on Space Flight Dynamics, Pasadena, CA, October 29 - November 2, 2012.
  47. Anderson, R. L. and M. W. Lo, “Spatial Approaches to Moons from Resonance Relative to Invariant Manifolds,” 63rd International Astronautical Congress, IAC-12.C1.7.4, International Astronautical Federation, Naples, Italy, October 1-5, 2012.
  48. Parker, J. S., R. L. Anderson, G. H. Born, K. Fujimoto, J. M. Leonard, and R. M. McGranaghan, “Navigation Between Geosynchronous and Lunar L1 Orbiters,” AIAA/AAS Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, AIAA 12-4878, Minneapolis, MN, August 13-16, 2012.
  49. Leonard, J. M., R. M. McGranaghan, K. Fujimoto, G. H. Born, J. S. Parker, and R. L. Anderson, “LiAISON-Supplemented Navigation for Geosynchronous and Lunar L1 Orbiters,” AIAA/AAS Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, AIAA-2012-4664, Minneapolis, MN, August 13-16, 2012.
  50. Anderson, R. L., “Approaching Moons from Resonance via Invariant Manifolds,” 22nd AAS/AIAA Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, AAS 12-136, Charleston, SC, January 29 - February 2, 2012.
  51. Jones, B. A. and R. L. Anderson, “A Survey of Symplectic and Collocation Methods for Orbit Propagation,” 22nd AAS/AIAA Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, AAS 12-214, Charleston, SC, January 29 - February 2, 2012.
  52. Anderson, R. L. and J. S. Parker, “Comparison of Low-Energy Lunar Transfer Trajectories to Invariant Manifolds,” AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, AAS 11-423, Girdwood, AK, July 31 - August 4, 2011.
  53. Parker, J. S. and R. L. Anderson, “Targeting Low-Energy Transfers to Low Lunar Orbit,” AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, AAS 11-459, Girdwood, AK, July 31 - August 4, 2011.
  54. Anderson, R. L. and M. W. Lo, “Flyby Design using Heteroclinic and Homoclinic Connections of Unstable Resonant Orbits,” 21st AAS/AIAA Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, AAS 11-125, New Orleans, LA, February 13-17, 2011.
  55. Anderson, R. L. and J. S. Parker, “A Survey of Ballistic Transfers to the Lunar Surface,” 21st AAS/AIAA Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, AAS 11-278, New Orleans, LA, February 13-17, 2011.
  56. Anderson, R. L., C. P. Guignet, G. H. Born, and J. M. Forbes, “Effect of Density Model Time-Delay Errors on Orbit Prediction,” 21st AAS/AIAA Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, AAS 11-240, New Orleans, LA, February 13-17, 2011.
  57. Coffee, T. M., R. L. Anderson, and M. W. Lo, “Multiobjective Optimization of Low-Energy Trajectories Using Optimal Control on Dynamical Channels (Part I),” 21st AAS/AIAA Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, AAS 11-129, New Orleans, LA, February 13-17, 2011.
  58. Parker, J. S., R. L. Anderson, and A. Peterson, “A Survey of Ballistic Transfers to Low Lunar Orbit,” 21st AAS/AIAA Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, AAS 11-277, New Orleans, LA, February 13-17, 2011.
  59. Lathrop, B. W. and R. L. Anderson, “Survey of ∆V Requirements for Low Energy Transfers to Near Earth Objects,” AAS George H. Born Astrodynamics Symposium, Boulder, CO, May 13-14, 2010.
  60. Davis, K. E., R. L. Anderson, and G. H. Born, “Preliminary Study of Geosynchronous Orbit Transfers from LEO Using Invariant Manifolds,” AAS George H. Born Astrodynamics Symposium, Boulder, CO, May 13-14, 2010.
  61. Davis, K. E., R. L. Anderson, D. J. Scheeres, and G. H. Born, “Locally Optimal Transfers Between Libration Point Orbits Using Invariant Manifolds,” AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, Paper AAS 2009-398, Pittsburgh, PA, August 9-13, 2009.
  62. Davis, K., R. L. Anderson, G. H. Born, and D. J. Scheeres, “Connecting Libration Point Orbits of Different Energies Using Invariant Manifolds,” AAS/AIAA Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, Paper AAS 09-256, Savannah, GA, February 8-12, 2009.
  63. Anderson, R. L., G. H. Born, and J. M. Forbes, “Sensitivity of Orbit Predictions to Density Variability,” AIAA/AAS Astrodynamics Specialist Conference and Exhibit, Paper AIAA-2008-6443, Honolulu, HI, August 18-21, 2008.
  64. Lo, M. W., R. L. Anderson, T. Lam, and G. Whiffen, “The Role of Invariant Manifolds in Low-Thrust Trajectory Design (Part III),” AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, Paper AAS 06-190, Tampa, FL, January 22-26, 2006.
  65. Anderson, R. L. and M. W. Lo, “Virtual Exploration by Computing Global Families of Trajectories with Supercomputers,” AAS/AIAA Space Flight Mechanics Conference, Paper AAS 05-220, Copper Mountain, CO, January 23-27, 2005.
  66. Anderson, R. L. and M. W. Lo, “The Role of Invariant Manifolds in Low-Thrust Trajectory Design (Part II),” AIAA/AAS Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, Paper AIAA 2004-5305, Providence, RI, August 16-19, 2004.
  67. Lo, M. W., R. L. Anderson, G. Whiffen, and L. Romans, “The Role of Invariant Manifolds in Low-Thrust Trajectory Design (Part I),” AAS/AIAA Spaceflight Dynamics Conference, Paper AAS 04-288, Maui, HI, February 8-12, 2004.
  68. Anderson, R. L., M. W. Lo, and G. H. Born, “Application of Local Lyapunov Exponents to Maneuver Design and Navigation in the Three-Body Problem,” AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, Paper AAS 03-569, Big Sky, MT, August 3-7, 2003.
  69. Anderson, R. L. and D. T. Lyons, “Optimizing Mass Delivered to the Mars Mapping Orbit Using Aerobraking for the 2005 Launch Opportunity,” AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, Paper AAS 01-390, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada, July 30-August 2, 2001.
  70. Ely, T. A., R. Anderson, Y. E. Bar-Sever, D. Bell, J. Guinn, M. Jah, P. Kallemeyn, E. Levene, L. Romans, and S. Wu, “Mars Network Constellation Design Drivers and Strategies,” AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, AAS Paper 99-301, Girdwood, AK, August 16-19, 1999.

Technical Reports

  1. W. Jun, T. Tanaka, R. L. Anderson, K.-M. Cheung, P. Carter, and S. Bhamidipati. “Enabling Minimal Navigation Relay Architectures for the Moon and Mars,” Innovative Spontaneous Concepts Final Report JPL Task # R24215, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA, September, 2024.
  2. L. J. Wood, R. L. Anderson, S. Bhaskaran, T. A. Ely, D. V. Gerasimatos, E. D. Gustafson, T. Lam, C. J. Naudet, R. S. Park, J. E. Riedel, J. A. Sims, and R. S. Wilson. “Guidance, Navigation, and Control Technology Assessment for Future Planetary Science Missions, Part I. Onboard and Ground Navigation and Mission Design,” JPL D-109704, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, February 2023.
  3. Roth, D., R. L. Anderson, S. Hernandez, T. McElrath, and Y. Takahashi, “Europa Lander Endgame Navigation Analysis,” Final Report, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA, March, 2021.
  4. Anderson, R. L. and M. W. Lo, “Astrodynamics Applications of Graphical Processing Units,” Multimission Ground Systems and Services System Engineering Study, DOC-002848, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA, March 29, 2021.
  5. Anderson, R. L., S. Campagnola, D. Koh, T. P. McElrath, and R. M. Woollands, “Endgame Design for Europa Lander: Ganymede to Europa Approach,” Final Report, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA, 2019.
  6. Anderson, R. L., R. de la Llave, and M. Gidea, “Accelerating Diffusion to Enable Rapid Tour Design,” Final Report: Strategic University Research Partnerships Program (SURP), September 30, 2018.
  7. Anderson, R. L., “SOFIA (Standard Objects and Function for Integration and Analysis) Integrator Software Test Plan,” MGSS Document DOC-001377, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, December 5, 2016.
  8. Sweetser, T. H., R. L. Anderson, G. Lantoine, A. Petropoulos, J. Sims, “Efficient Departure and Transfer for Small Satellite Missions,” R&TD Final Report, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA, September 23, 2016.
  9. Anderson, R. L., R. W. Easton, and M. W. Lo, “Exploration of the Invariant Three-Sphere using Isolating Blocks Near Equilibrium Points,” Lew Allen R&TD Final Report, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA, September 23, 2016.
  10. Broschart, S., D. Bayard, A. Katake, G. Lantoine, M. Abrahamson, B. Açikmeşe, J. Aldrich, R. L. Anderson, S. Bhaskaran, P. Brogarolas, L. Cangahuala, J. Casoliva, L. Chappaz, S. Coogan, E. G. Fahnestock, D. Grebow, G. Hockney, A. Johnson, D. Lantukh, J. Lee, R. Karimi, C. Liebe, M. Luna, M. Mandić, M. Milman, W. Owen, R. Park, A. Parseghian, T. Pavlak, Z. Rahman, J. Riedel, M. S. Martin, J. Shields, E. Sklyanskiy, R. Sunseri, Y. Takahashi, M. Wang, and H.-C. Wu, “The Primitive Body Navigation Task,” Technical Report D-95097, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA, September 22, 2015.
  11. Broschart, S., M. Wallace, R. L. Anderson, M. Wang, J. Arrieta, and A. E. Petropoulos, “Station-keeping Operations at Small Bodies,” AMMOS Technology Program, FY 11-13 Final Report, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA, September 29, 2013.
  12. Lantoine, G., R. L. Anderson, H. B. Garrett, I. Katz, D. Landau, R. P. Russell, and N. J. Strange, “MAGNETOUR: Surfing Planetary Systems on Electromagnetic and Multi-Body Gravity Fields,” NASA Innovative and Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Phase 1 Final Report, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, July, 2013.
  13. Parker, J. S., R. L. Anderson, G. H. Born, and K. Fujimoto, “Linked Autonomous Interplanetary Satellite Orbit Navigation (LiAISON) between Geosynchronous and Lunar Halo Orbits,” JPL D-72688, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, March, 2012.
  14. Parker, J. S. and R. L. Anderson, “The Low-Energy Lunar Transfer Handbook,” JPL D-71444, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, September, 2011.