Research interests
My research falls into three main areas:
Space Debris
The Astronautics Research Group has been involved in work on space debris modelling since 1992. I started in this area in 1999, working with Dr Graham Swinerd. We have developed a number of models, including DAMAGE, a state-of-the-art evolutionary model, and FADE. Our space debris research has been supported by research studentships funded by the EPSRC, the former Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA), QinetiQ, the European Union Framework 7 Programme and internally here at the University. I also represent the UK Space Agency on the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC), the intergovernmental forum for discussing space debris issues.
Near Earth Objects
Due to their high relative speeds with respect to the Earth and large mass, NEOs can have extremely high kinetic energies, which on impact can be equivalent to the detonation of many nuclear weapons. Impact effects include atmospheric blast waves, thermal radiation, seismic shock and, for ocean impacts, tsunami. The impact of a NEO on the Earth represents a catastrophic, multi-hazard, natural disaster. Research efforts are targeting the technical roadblocks to the development of a science-based policy that addresses the NEO impact hazard. My focus has been on the development of risk assessment and decision-support tools. These include NEOSim, NEOImpactor and, more recently, NEOMiSS.
Remote Sensing
With the arrival of a new generation of Earth observation spacecraft with high spatial, spectral and temporal resolution, better technologies are required to process the large volume of data they provide. Research into these technologies is focusing on generalisable solutions that aim to reduce the errors and uncertainties in more traditional approaches. With Professor Peter Atkinson in Geography, we have developed an artificial neural network approach to resolve information at a finer spatial resolution than the sensor provides. This tool was built using a software framework for processing remotely sensed images, which I wrote whilst working on the EU Framework 4 project FLIERS. Other work addresses the need to understand changes arising from natural disasters or from pre-planned urban development, and reducing risk from natural hazards.
Other research areas
I also have interests in fractionated satellite concepts, cloud computing and human cognitive modelling using artificial neural networks. With Dr Sarah Stevenage in Psychology, we wrote the IACAPA person acquisition simulator, which is based on the Rochester Connectionist Simulator. I am currently working with Professor Simon Cox and Dr Kenji Takeda to develop a cloud computing solution for some of the operational aspects of space debris removal.
Research group
Astronautics
Research project(s)
A new way of implementing space systems.
CANOPUS is a proposed new concept of space launch operations designed to lift very light payloads over the Kármán line (the edge of space, at 100km above ground level) at a considerably lower cost than current systems, as well as offering the potential of near-immediate launch slot availability.
Professor Hugh G LewisSouthampton Boldrewood Innovation Campus
University of Southampton
Building 176
Burgess Road
Southampton
SO16 7QF
Room Number : 176/2041
