Dr. Christian develops algorithms for extracting information from space sensor data. He is most well-known for his contributions in the use of visible/infrared space imagery, especially for celestial optical navigation (OPNAV), initial orbit determination (IOD), planetary terrain relative navigation (TRN), and star/asterism identification. His algorithms have been incorporated into numerous space exploration missions.
Dr. Christian is an AAS Fellow and an AIAA Associate Fellow. He is an associate editor of both the AAS Journal of the Astronautical Sciences and the AIAA Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets.
Specialties: Spacecraft navigation; computer vision; optical navigation; astronomy; public policy; space domain awareness (SDA); astrodynamics; image processing and pattern recognition; spacecraft design; planetary science; spacecraft performance; navigation sensor modeling; spacecraft systems engineering; entry, descent, and landing (EDL)