Maya Nasr, Ph.D. Email & Phone Number

Cambridge, Massachusetts, Us

As a scientist on MethaneSAT at EDF, I lead the instrument's in-orbit lunar calibration planning, operations, and measurement validation, while also contributing to LED and vicarious calibration activities. I oversee the development of Machine Learning models for precise cloud/shadow segmentation, plume identification, and anomaly detection. My responsibilities extend to coordinating research efforts between EDF, MethaneSAT, and Harvard University, and mentoring research assistants, interns, and fellows.

Cambridge, Massachusetts, Us

As a Postdoctoral Research Fellow on MethaneSAT at Harvard University and the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian (CfA), I have led instrument in-orbit lunar calibration planning, operations, and measurement validation and contributing to identifying and selecting vicarious calibration sites for in-orbit geometric and radiometric calibration. Additionally, I led the development efforts of Machine Learning (ML) models for precise cloud/shadow segmentation, plume identification, and anomaly detection.

Nl

Member of the Working Group on the Future of the Moon Agreement that emphasizes the importance to consider the role that the Moon Agreement may play in the ongoing efforts aimed at developing a regulatory framework to govern lunar activities, particularly those undertaken within the Working Group on the Legal Aspects of Space Resources Activities within the COPUOS’s Legal Subcommittee.Member of the Working Group on Pluralistic Governance and International Outer Space Law that examines some of the emerging legal challenges and opportunities, contributing specifically to the ongoing evaluation of the interplay between international law and international outer space law —through transdisciplinary methods.

Cambridge, Ma, Us

Humanity United with MIT Art and Nanotechnology (HUMANS) is an MIT student-led project that combines art and nanotechnology for increasing global representation in Space. HUMANS has created a record of voices from people all around the world in their native languages, sharing their thoughts on the meaning of space for themselves and humanity. Inspired by The Golden Record, a six-inch silicon wafer has been etched using cutting-edge MIT nanotechnology and was launched up to the ISS on Ax-2. Separately, a smaller 2" version will travel the surface of the Moon with the MIT Space Exploration Initiative’s “To The Moon To Stay” program with Lunar Outpost and Intuitive Machines. HUMANS creates a symbolic avenue for Space access worldwide and emphasizes how Space should remain a “space" for everyone. For more information, visit https://humans.mit.edu

Cambridge, Ma, Us

As the Science Payload Downlink Lead (sPDL), I analyzed and generated quick-look data products from downlinked Mars telemetry, and processed and analyzed data from MOXIE lab experiments, including thermal data processing to understand warmup duration and energy expenditure. I conducted tests to calibrate and characterize pressure and composition sensors for Mars and set up a vacuum chamber for testing MOXIE's composition sensors under Mars-like conditions. Additionally, I contributed to the study of processing plant controls, fault tolerance, and the expansion of capabilities for larger In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) systems for Mars Sample Return missions. I used SimSitu modeling software simulations to plan control systems and balance energy consumption, maximizing power efficiency for both JPL and SpaceX's Red Dragon MSR.

Cambridge, Ma, Us

My PhD thesis focused on two areas. First, I conducted a comprehensive study of the challenges faced by NASA in developing and infusing innovative planetary technologies, and identified the structural and tech strategy changes required at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) through the use of enterprise architectural analysis. Second, I developed a sustainable policy framework for space exploration and resource utilization by analyzing existing policies and conducting Systems Architecture analysis for resource governance regimes for space analogs on Earth.

Vienna, Vienna, At

As Co-lead of the SGAC Space Law & Policy Project Group, I have extensive experience leading policy and legislative efforts in the space industry. I have previously worked as Policy Lead for the SGAC Taskforce on US Space Policy, Congressional Legislation Lead for the SGAC Policy on US Space Legislation, and lead of several subgroups focused on space resources, ethics and human rights, and space disarmament. Through these roles, I have researched and analyzed core space policy priorities and presented them with clear, concise, and non-specialist friendly language. I have also presented at the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) on behalf of SGAC SLP PG and helped establish SGAC's position on the UN COPUOS questionnaires.

Washington, Dc, Us

As a Consultant for the NASA Mission Critical Workforce, Infrastructure, and Technology Committee at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), I was involved in NASA's technology development, focusing on both technical and policy aspects. In this capacity, I engaged with the Committee's technology working group, participating in meetings where I provided expert insights and addressed their inquiries. This study forms a critical examination of the facilities, workforce, and technology essential to realize NASA's long-term strategic objectives and mission milestones. This Committee endeavors to identify and prioritize these crucial components in alignment with NASA's mission objectives, striving to enhance cross-directorate collaboration and catalyze transformational achievements within the agency.

London, United Kingdom, Gb

As part of the OneWeb Systems Modeling/Systems Engineering team, I analyzed performance data of F6 satellites from OneWeb's Satellite Operations Center (SOC) to draw insights on system performance, and developed a program that automatically compared Salamander thermal power model to real telemetry. I also performed on-orbit telemetry analysis for power consumption by component, developed a telemetry analysis tool for Fleet Management Systems (FMS)’s environment, and projected OneWeb’s power-limited capacity based on on-orbit data.

Pasadena, Ca, Us

As an undergraduate researcher, I utilized data from the Cassini Mission to analyze and register RADAR and VIMS data of Titan's surface, extracting new information about its properties. Additionally, I conducted an analysis to determine the cause of Titan's raised rim lakes formation, by overlaying RADAR and VIMS images of the surface using ISIS3.

Pasadena, Ca, Us

As an undergraduate researcher, I developed a satellite tracking software using Python to extract satellites’ coverage history with details of name, flight direction, relative orbit, beam mode, swath, and 2 most recent overpass dates over any area of interest. I also created a prediction tool to forecast satellite coverage of areas of interest at any point in time during the past or future.

Kharagpur, West Bengal, In

As the organizer of the first MIT-IIT summer robotics program, I successfully led and instructed a group of 40 students in various subjects including robotics, C programming, Arduino, and control theory. In addition to these classes, I supervised the final robotics and controls project to ensure students had a comprehensive understanding of the concepts they learned.

Pasadena, Ca, Us

As an intern in JPL's 312D - Advanced Design Engineering Group, I led the Attitude Determination and Control (ADCS) work on the Foundry Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) task. My primary focus was to develop the Integrated Modeling Environment (IME) software for Team X and the formulation community. I created dynamic modeling simulations, orbit trajectory modeling, attitude control and ∆V relationships, thrusters type trades, and attitude disturbance calculations to ensure accurate results. Through my work, I contributed significantly to the development of IME, which has the potential to improve the performance of spacecraft attitude control systems.

Cambridge, Massachusetts, Us

As part of the propulsion team for a CubeSat designed by MIT students, I developed and transformed the custom monopropellant tank and thrusters program in collaboration with Busek and VACCO. Our CubeSat won a 2018 Space Launch System (SLS EM-1) opportunity and NASA's CubeSat Lunar Derby Challenge. I also conducted further testing of the development hardware to address the issues related to the thermal properties of the thrusters and the limited size of the tank volume.

London, Gb

As a researcher on the High-Power Propulsion Strategies for Aquatic Take-off in Robotics Project at Imperial College London, I led the redesign and development of a new ignition system for the Aquatic Micro Aerial Vehicles (AquaMAVs) to be capable of diving into the water and returning to flight. Additionally, I built and tested the electronics and controls systems of the AquaMAV, reverse engineered the schematics from the PCB, soldered all electronic boards, and programmed the Arduino connections for serial communications. I also manufactured and vacuum formed the body and design parts of the AquaMAV and performed extensive testing on the designs of the Explosive Propulsion System, integrating the whole AquaMAV.

Cambridge, Massachusetts, Us

As a member of the Propulsion Subteam in the MIT Rocket Team, I contributed to the design and development of a solid-fuel rocket for the Intercollegiate Rocket Engineering Competition (IREC) 2015-2016. My role involved optimizing the propellant composition, as well as assisting in the design of a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) propulsion system. Additionally, I played a key role in writing the project's preliminary design review (PDR).

Cambridge, Ma, Us

As an undergraduate researcher on the Astronauts Self-Rotations in Microgravity study at MIT, I performed statistical data analysis using MATLAB. The data analysis involved analyzing various metrics such as NASA TLX, Acceleration Norms, Metabolic cost, IMUs, and video data. Through this analysis, I was able to gain insights into the self-rotation behavior of astronauts in microgravity environments.

Cambridge, Ma, Us

As a mentor for Zero Robotics, I led hardware testing and simulations while demonstrating SPHERES satellites. I also assisted in Crew Sessions with ISS astronauts and integrated a requirement management database with a MySQL database. I trained teachers to code, facilitated running the program, and supported teams during competitions. I led the ISS Finals at MIT and executed outreach events for over 200 students. Additionally, I presented Zero Robotics at the 2015 ISS R&D Conference in Boston and managed the program's social networking.

Doctor Of Philosophy - Phd, Aerospace, Aeronautical And Astronautical/Space Engineering

Master Of Science - Ms, Aerospace, Aeronautical And Astronautical/Space Engineering

Bachelor’S Degree, Aerospace, Aeronautical And Astronautical Engineering

High School