Dutton-Ducoffe Professor and Associate Professor
Email Address
Telephone
Office Building
CODA
Office Room Number
1052B
Biography

Dr. Koki Ho is the Dutton-Ducoffe Professor, an Associate Professor, and the director of the Space Systems Optimization Group in the Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering at Georgia Tech. His research focuses on developing modeling and optimization methods for rigorous space mission analysis and design. Some of his specific research interests include (1) network modeling for campaign-level space mission design; (2) optimization and probabilistic modeling for in-space logistics infrastructure design and operations; (3) design, deployment, and maintenance of mega-scale satellite constellations; and (4) sensor management for space domain awareness. 

His unique research, connecting logistics-based modeling, optimization, systems engineering, and space applications, has provided a substantial impact on modern and future space missions that involve multiple missions, multiple vehicles, and reusable infrastructure elements. 

Dr. Ho earned his Ph.D. at MIT and his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University of Tokyo. He is the recipient of the NSF CAREER Award (2020), the NASA Early Career Faculty Award (2019), the DARPA Young Faculty Award (2019), and the Luigi Napolitano Award (2015), and he is a co-author of one of the most downloaded Acta Astronautica articles. Dr. Ho served as the Chair of the AIAA Space Logistics Technical Committee in 2017-2024 and on the Steering Committee for the NASA-funded Consortium for Space Mobility and In-Space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing Capabilities (COSMIC) in 2023-2025.

Teaching Interests

Professor Ho’s teaching interests include foundational and advanced courses in aerospace engineering, focusing on space mission design and spaceflight mechanics. He emphasizes developing quantitative analytical skills and practical problem-solving abilities at both undergraduate and graduate levels. His instruction aims to integrate theoretical concepts with real-world aerospace applications. Professor Ho actively engages students in learning experiences that foster critical thinking and a deep understanding of aerospace system behaviors and design methods.

Research Interests

Professor Ho’s research focuses on advancing modeling, optimization, and systems engineering methodologies for complex space missions and infrastructure. His work spans campaign‑level space mission design, in‑space logistics, and the development of frameworks for spacecraft constellations, on‑orbit servicing, and space domain awareness. His research integrates logistics‑based modeling, probabilistic analysis, and network‑driven optimization to enable more resilient and scalable space architectures that support exploration, servicing, and the growth of space‑based infrastructure.

Research

Lab/Collaborations:

  • Space Systems Optimization Group (SSOG)
  • Space Systems Design Lab (SSDL)
  • Center for Space Technology and Research (C-STAR)
  • Space Systems Design Lab (SSDL)
  • Space Systems Optimization Group (SSDL)

Disciplines:

  • Systems Design & Optimization

AE Multidisciplinary Research Areas:

  • Space Exploration and Earth Monitoring
Education
  • B.Eng., Aeronautics and Astronautics, 2009, University of Tokyo;
  • M.Eng., Aeronautics and Astronautics, 2011, University of Tokyo;
  • Ph.D., Aeronautics and Astronautics, 2015, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Distinctions & Awards

Honors:

  • 2020 NSF CAREER Award
  • 2019 DARPA Young Faculty Award
  • 2019 NASA Early Career Faculty Award
  • 2015 Luigi Napolitano Award
Recent Publications
  • N Gollins, Z Grieser, K Ho, Multi-Objective Optimization of Space Exploration Campaign Schedules with Stochastic Launch Delay, Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, 1-19, 2026
  • M. Isaji, N. Gollins, K. Ho, Global Optimization of Space Mission Concept of Operations and Systems Design via Mixed-Integer Nonlinear Programming, Acta Astronautica, 242, 328-345, 2026
  • B Cunningham, K Ho, Economic Impact of Priority Queues on Geostationary Satellite Servicing Systems, Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, 1-7, 2026
  • Y Shimane, K Ho, A Weiss, Optimization-Based Phase-Constrained x-Axis Crossing Control for Station-Keeping on Libration Point Orbits, The Journal of the Astronautical Sciences 72 (6), 59, 2025
  • Y Shimane, K Ho, Multi-Sensor Tasking for Ground-Based Space Situational Awareness via Job-Shop Scheduling Problem, The Journal of the Astronautical Sciences 72 (6), 61, 2025