Additional Information

AeroAstro Intelligent Mechanics Lab (AIM Lab)

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Awards & Recognition

Miller Completion Award (Iowa State University), 2025

ISEB-KARI Scholarship (Space Generation Advisory Council), 2025

Research Excellence Award (Iowa State University), 2025

Exceptional Performance Award for GTOC Team (Jet Propulsion Laboratory), 2023

1st Place, Global Trajectory Optimization Competition - 12 (European Space Agency), 2023

Korean Government Scholarship Program for Study Overseas (Ministry of Education), 2021

 

Research Interests

Astrodynamics

Mission Design

State Estimation

Guidance, Navigation, and Control

Optimization

Machine Learning

Research Opportunities

The AIM Lab is actively seeking motivated students interested in astrodynamics, trajectory optimization, space navigation, and AI/ML for space applications. Interested students are encouraged to contact Dr. Sungmoon Choi.

Publications

Journal Publications

  1. Choi, S., Das-Stuart, A., Anderson, R.L., & Abdelkhalik, O. (2026). Vectorized dynamic-size genetic algorithm for rapid generation of optimal and suboptimal flyby sequences. Astrodynamics, 1-24. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42064-026-0317-5 
  2. Choi, S., Negrete, A., Abdelkhalik, O., Servadio, S., & Lee, D. D. (2026). Ambiguity-Free Geometric Approach to Deep-Space Navigation Using Angles-Only Measurements. Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics, 1-14. https://doi.org/10.2514/1.G009699 
  3. Choi, S., Abdelkhalik, O., & He, P. (2025). Multidisciplinary optimization of end-to-end Mars aerobraking trajectory and spacecraft design. Advances in Space Research 75, no. 11 (2025): 8065-8083. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.asr.2025.03.022 

Conference Proceedings

  1. Choi, S., Abdelkhalik, O., Servadio, S., & Lee, D. (2026). Deep-Space Initial Orbit Determination from Angles-Only Measurements Without Prior Attitude or Distance Information. In AIAA/AAS Astrodynamics Specialist Conference
  2. Choi, S., Gibson, T., & Abdelkhalik, O. (2025). Learning-Based Placement of Deep Space Maneuvers in the Rendezvous Problem. In Daniele Mortari Astronautics Symposium
  3. Negrete, A., Choi, S., & Abdelkhalik, O. (2025). Shape-based Approximation for Low-Thrust Spacecraft Trajectory Using Chebyshev Polynomials. In Daniele Mortari Astronautics Symposium
  4. Choi, S., & Abdelkhalik, O. (2025). Shape-based Low-Thrust ΔV Prediction Using Deep Neural Networks. In Daniele Mortari Astronautics Symposium
  5. Choi, S., Das-Stuart, A., Anderson, R. L., & Abdelkhalik, O. (2025). Reinforcement Learning for Multiple Gravity Assist Trajectory Optimization. In 76th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2025)
  6. Choi, S., Abdelkhalik, O., Das-Stuart, A., & Anderson, R. L. (2025). Neural Network-Based Universal Variable Approximation for Lambert's Problem. In AIAA/AAS Space Flight Mechanics Meeting
  7. Choi, S., Abdelkhalik, O., & He, P. (2025). Multidisciplinary Optimization of End-to-End Mars Aerobraking Trajectory and Spacecraft Design. In AIAA/AAS Space Flight Mechanics Meeting
  8. Choi, S., Abdelkhalik, O., Das-Stuart, A., & Anderson, R. L. (2024). Vectorized Dynamic Size Genetic Algorithm for Fast Flyby Sequence Generation. In AIAA/AAS Astrodynamics Specialist Conference
  9. Choi, S., Abdelkhalik, O., Das-Stuart, A., & Anderson, R. L. (2024). Machine Learning Application for Lambert's Problem. In AIAA/AAS Astrodynamics Specialist Conference
  10. Choi, S., Knapick, D., Vijayakumar, M., & Abdelkhalik, O. (2024). Hidden Genes Genetic Algorithm with Low-Thrust Shape-Based Method. In AIAA SCITECH 2024 Forum (p. 0629)
  11. Choi, S., Choi, J., & Park, C. (2019). Trans-Lunar Trajectory Design Using Virtual Orbital Plane Based on Ephemeris. Abstracts of the Korean Society for Aeronautical and Space Sciences Conference, 214-215
    Excellent Paper Presentation Award
  12. Choi, J., Hwang, J., Choi, S., & Park, C. (2018). Preliminary Mission Planning for Multiple Asteroid Exploration. Abstracts of the Korean Society for Aeronautical and Space Sciences Conference, 313-314