Tutorial Sessions

IEEE SPace, Aerospace and defenCE Conference, SPACE 2025

DSTEI
(Distributed Sensor Technology and Education Initiative)

Speakers:

Dr. Mark E Davis
2022-2023 IEEE AESS President
Stefano Coraluppi
Giovanna E. Ramirez, Colombia
Dr. Vincent Socci
IEEE AESS UAV/UAS Distinguished Lecturer
CTO, Target Motion

Topics:

1. EO/IR Distributed Sensor

Speaker: Dr. Mark E Davis
Abstract:
The Distributed Sensor Technology and Education Initiative (DSTEI) tutorial is motivated for small sensors on Drones. This Lecture is divided into five parts.
  • DSTEI Project Objectives: A distributed grouping of Drones is considered for AESS Student Branch Chapters as a project design.
  • EO/IR Sensor System: The design of an electro-optic/infrared (EO/IR) sensor on small Drones is detailed. A concept of these devices on a Drone are presented for area coverage for crops and fire surveillance.
  • Planck’s Law The requirements for sensing by the direct solar illumination and indirect irradiance of the target is considered. The day/night sensing is presented based on the sensor design.
  • Focal Plane Array Design: A focal plane array (FPA) is defined for the lens, imaging sensor and distance resolution. The impact of FPA characteristics for EO and IR designs are provided in several flight geometries.
  • Sensor/System Interfaces: The last section of the lecture will illustrate materials design, area coverage rate of the data collection and interface to the navigation and datalink during a project collection.
Because of the issuance of two patents (one an already awarded US patent # No. 11,815,862, and another India patent under review), the contents of this tutorial presentation are IP protected and can be used only with a technology licensing agreement with the firm Robust Engineering Systems, LLC or permission from it.

2. Multi-Target Tracking

Speaker: Stefano Coraluppi
Abstract:

We start with general comments on the multi-target tracking (MTT) problem and some mathematical preliminaries. Multiple-hypothesis tracking (MHT) is a leading paradigm for MTT. We describe the target and sensor mathematical modeling assumptions that enable track-oriented MHT. Next, we derive the MHT recursion and illustrate its use with illustrative examples. We provide broader context by describing connections between MHT and the overall taxonomy of MTT methodologies. We discuss recent advances in cutting-edge MHT processing and their relevance to operational surveillance applications.

Despite the proven success of MHT as a methodology for MTT, computational constraints and other fundamental performance limitations may lead to unacceptable performance in some settings. We discuss the benefits that can be achieved with multi-stage MHT processing. In many settings, judicious distributed MHT processing enables improved performance over (necessarily suboptimal) centralized MHT. We provide illustrative examples from several domains. Additionally, we describe recent advances in graph-based tracking, a fast (approximate) approach to MHT that provides improved results in certain applications.

3. Satellites, Smart Payloads: Exploring Satellite Applications through Pico-satellites

Speaker: Giovanna E. Ramirez
Abstract:
This lecture introduces the foundational concepts of artificial satellites, with a specific focus on payloads and sensor applications in pico-satellites and CanSats. Starting with a historical overview of spaceflight from the launch of Sputnik-1 in 1957, the session transitions to the modern use of small satellites as platforms for innovation, education, and research.
  • Satellite Applications: Earth observation, meteorology, disaster management, communications, and navigation.
  • Payload & Sensor Integration: How compact payloads (e.g. atmospheric sensors, GPS, imaging systems) are selected and implemented.
  • CanSat Projects: Hands-on educational platforms that simulate real satellite missions with sensor data and telemetry.
  • From Learning to Launching: How CanSat experience leads to CubeSat and pico-satellite development, including examples from Latin America.
  • Satellite Applications: Earth observation, meteorology, disaster management, communications, and navigation.
  • Payload & Sensor Integration: How compact payloads (e.g. atmospheric sensors, GPS, imaging systems) are selected and implemented.
  • CanSat Projects: Hands-on educational platforms that simulate real satellite missions with sensor data and telemetry.
  • From Learning to Launching: How CanSat experience leads to CubeSat and pico-satellite development, including examples from Latin America.

Despite the proven success of MHT as a methodology for MTT, computational constraints and other fundamental performance limitations may lead to unacceptable performance in some settings. We discuss the benefits that can be achieved with multi-stage MHT processing. In many settings, judicious distributed MHT processing enables improved performance over (necessarily suboptimal) centralized MHT. We provide illustrative examples from several domains. Additionally, we describe recent advances in graph-based tracking, a fast (approximate) approach to MHT that provides improved results in certain applications.

4. An Introduction to UAV Technology, Applications and Regulationslites

Speaker: Dr. Vincent Socci
Abstract:
Drone operations are becoming more commonplace in society. Any adult may purchase a drone for hobby operation and may choose to pursue licensing for commercial operation. A new pilot may become more effective by understanding drone technology. A new business operator can be more profitable by understanding relevant drone applications. The FAA has recently issued updated rules for drone registration, pilot licensure, and operation. The purpose of this lecture is to prepare the public to be knowledgeable users of drone technology, effective strategists in drone business applications, and good citizens of drone operator regulations and policies. An orientation of UAV technology, operating regulations, and business applications is provided.

Bio-Sketch for speakers:

Dr. Mark E Davis2022-2023 IEEE AESS President
Dr. Mark E Davis
2022-2023 IEEE AESS President

Dr. Mark E. Davis has over 50 years’ experience in Radar technology and systems development. He has held senior management positions in the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Air Force Research Laboratory, and General Electric Aerospace. At DARPA, he was the program manager on both the foliage penetration (FOPEN) radar advanced development program and the GeoSAR foliage penetration mapping radar. Dr Davis has written a new text on Ultra-Wide Band Surveillance Radar, published by IET in January 2021. He has been the DSTEI Project leader for the AESS system design of distributed EO/IR sensors.

His education includes a PhD in Physics from The Ohio State University, and Bachelor and Master’s Degrees in Electrical Engineering from Syracuse University. He is a Life Fellow of both the IEEE and Military Sensing Symposia, and Past-President of IEEE Aerospace Electronics Systems Society (AESS). He is the 2011 recipient of the AESS Warren D White Award for Excellence in Radar Engineering, and the 2018 IEEE Dennis J. Pickard Medal for Radar Technologies and Applications.

Stefano Coraluppi
Stefano Coraluppi

Stefano Coraluppi is a Chief Scientist at Systems & Technology Research (STR), an IEEE Fellow, and an IEEE AESS Distinguished Lecturer. He received the BS in Electrical Engineering and Mathematics from Carnegie Mellon University (1990), the MS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Maryland (1992), and the PhD in Electrical Engineering from the University of Maryland (1997). He has held research staff positions at ALPHATECH (now BAE Systems, 1997-2002), the NATO Undersea Research Centre (now NATO CMRE, 2002-2010), Compunetix (2010-2014), and STR (since 2014). His research interests include multi-target tracking, multi-sensor data fusion, distributed detection and estimation, nonlinear filtering, and optimal and stochastic control. He serves on the IEEE AESS Board of Governors and the ISIF Board of Directors. His past service includes Associate Editor-in-Chief for the IEEE Transactions on Aerospace and Electronic Systems, Editor-in-Chief for the ISIF Journal of Advances in Information Fusion, General Co-Chair (with Peter Willett) for FUSION 2006 in Florence, Italy, General Co-Chair (with Lauro Snidaro) for FUSION 2024 in Venice, Italy, and NATO STO

Giovanna E. Ramirez, Colombia
Giovanna E. Ramirez, Colombia
Giovanna E. Ramirez received her professional degree in Electronic Engineering, as well as a Master’s Degree in Development and Integral Project Management. She is also a certified aviation pilot and analog astronaut recognized by training and research centers in Poland. She has completed numerous aerospace training programs in various countries. Currently, she leads STEM projects at the Scientific Corporation of the Aerospace Sector (COCSA) and has served as a mentor for the Space4Women program, an initiative by the United Nations. She was also a professor in the master’s program in aerospace engineering at San Buenaventura University and the Colombian School of Engineering Julio Garavito. Past president of the professional chapter Aerospace & Electronic Systems Society- AESS Colombia section (2019-2021); Former fellow of the Japan Global Space consortium, Researcher and developer of a space mission through a HeptaSat-satellite. She has worked in the Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation and in the Postgraduate School of the Colombian Air Force. She has been involved in several national and international research projects in cooperation with IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers), UNISEC (University Space Engineering) and the Colombian Air Force. She has recognitions such as: the International “Ten Outstanding Young People” JCI Award 2024; “Successful Women Award Colombia 2020” in the Science and Technology category, Best Young professional IEEE 2019. Entrepreneur of the year 2018 ‘with the JULIO GARAVITO award’, and Author of the “Genius Pamper” invention. Recognized as Young Promise Under 30 by COLPARMEX, and selected as Recipient of the International Galileo Chair by COLPARMEX.
Dr. Vincent SocciIEEE AESS UAV/UAS Distinguished LecturerCTO, Target Motion
Dr. Vincent Socci
IEEE AESS UAV/UAS Distinguished Lecturer
CTO, Target Motion
Vincent Socci is the CTO of On Target Motion, where he provides engineering, program management and business development services for aerospace, automotive, rail, marine, and other safety-critical applications. Previously, as Product Cost Director at Blue Origin, he managed the product engineering, production, and operation cost of rocket engines. Prior to that, he led National Instruments transportation business development throughout the Americas and provided business and technical support for customers in vehicular applications, with emphasis in propulsion and autonomous systems. With 35 years of experience in aerospace, automotive, rail, power electronics, and medical systems, he has engineered systems in the most complex applications. His specialized areas of interest are embedded controls, real-time test, and systems engineering for vehicle-based applications. In the early 90’s, Socci patented the first electronics for the Cummins B-series diesel engine, which are still in use today. In the mid-90’s, he developed power controllers for GE locomotives. Late-90’s into 2000’s, he led the development of the HybriDrive HEV powertrain, which was used on various platforms from commercial buses and taxis to military trucks. Through the 2000’s into 2010’s, he led the development of aerospace and automotive vehicle control systems for power, communications, fueling, radar, motor controls, and unmanned systems. He was the Director of Large Transport Fuel Systems for Parker Aerospace, leading the development of the A350XWB aircraft to first flight. Socci then developed advanced validation systems for propulsion and autonomous applications, using simulation/emulation architectures, products, and workflows to solve transportation product development challenges. Currently, he is focused on aerospace innovation including commercial space transportation and UAV development. He is a Ph.D. candidate and holds a BS in electrical engineering, MS in electrical engineering and MBA in technology management. Socci has served on the Board of Directors and governing boards of several professional societies, including IEEE, SAE, and PMI. He also serves as an expert witness in aerospace, automotive, and medical device litigation. socci@ieee.org (607) 768-2647
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