Hao Chen
Assistant Professor
School of Systems and Enterprises
Education
- PhD (2021) Georgia Institute of Technology (Aerospace Engineering)
- MS (2016) University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (Aerospace Engineering)
- BS (2014) Sun Yat-sen University (Theoretical and Applied Mechanics)
Research
Dr. Hao Chen is the director of the Complex Engineering Systems Lab and an Assistant Professor in the School of Systems and Enterprises. His research program focuses on resolving emerging design challenges of complex engineering systems leveraging theories of complexity science. Our lab has a particular interest in space systems design. Meanwhile, the theories and methods from this research direction are generic that can be used for any complex systems design, especially for systems under extreme environments or at extreme scales. Interested research areas include,
Thrust I: Space Systems Design:
• Space Logistics
• Space Resource Utilization
• Multi-Mission Space Campaign Design
• Space Systems Engineering
• In-Space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing
Thrust II: Humans in Space:
• Human factors and behavioral performance in space
• Spacesuit systems
Thrust III: Complex Systems:
• Engineering design in extreme environments or at extreme scales
•Technology emergence and evolution
• System supportability and logistics
Postdoc and fully funded Ph.D. student positions for Fall 2023, Spring 2024, and Fall 2024 are available in my lab, with a particular focus on research in systems engineering and engineering design.
Thrust I: Space Systems Design:
• Space Logistics
• Space Resource Utilization
• Multi-Mission Space Campaign Design
• Space Systems Engineering
• In-Space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing
Thrust II: Humans in Space:
• Human factors and behavioral performance in space
• Spacesuit systems
Thrust III: Complex Systems:
• Engineering design in extreme environments or at extreme scales
•Technology emergence and evolution
• System supportability and logistics
Postdoc and fully funded Ph.D. student positions for Fall 2023, Spring 2024, and Fall 2024 are available in my lab, with a particular focus on research in systems engineering and engineering design.
General Information
Dr. Hao Chen has authored and co-authored more than 30 technical articles and publications. He is the Chair of the Conference Subcommittee in AIAA Space Logistics Technical Committee. He is also the recipient of the Luigi G. Napolitano Award from the International Astronautical Congress in 2019.
Prof. Chen’s CV
Download a PDF version of Prof. Hao Chen’s CV.
Prof. Chen’s CV
Download a PDF version of Prof. Hao Chen’s CV.
Institutional Service
- EM/ISE Academic Committee Member
- Graduate Curriculum Committee Member
Professional Service
- AIAA Space Logistics Technical Committee Conferences Sub-Committee Chair
- American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) ASCEND Technical Program Team Space Logistics Topic Admin
- American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) SciTech 2024 Forum and Exposition Session Chair for multiple sessions and Reviewer
- Acta Astronautica Reviewer
- Mathematics Reviewer
- Aerospace Reviewer
- Transactions of the JSASS / Aerospace Technology Japan Reviewer
- Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets Reviewer
- 20th International Conference on Systems Engineering Research (CSER 2023) Technical Committee Co-Chair
- American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) SciTech 2023 Forum and Exposition Session Chair for multiple sessions and Reviewer
- Mathematical and Computational Applications Reviewer
- IEEE Transactions on Aerospace and Electronic Systems Reviewer
- NSF Review Panel Fellow
- ASCEND 2021 (AIAA) Conference Session Chair for multiple sessions, Review Coordinator, Session Organizer
- AIAA Space Logistics Technical Committee Member
Appointments
Assistant Professor, School of Systems and Enterprises (August 2021 - Present), Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ
Honors and Awards
• SSE Dean Research Incentive Award, Stevens Institute of Technology (2023)
• Luigi G. Napolitano Award, International Astronautical Federation (2019)
• Luigi G. Napolitano Award, International Astronautical Federation (2019)
Professional Societies
- ASME – American Society of Mechanical Engineers Member
- IEEE – Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Member
- INCOSE – International Council on Systems Engineering Member
- AIAA – American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Member
Grants, Contracts and Funds
• "Space Logistics Analysis and Incentive Design for Commercialization of Orbital Debris Remediation", NASA, Oct. 2023 – Sep. 2024.
• "ERI: Representations of Complex Engineering Systems via Technology Recursion and Renormalization Group", NSF, Sep. 2023 – Aug. 2025.
• "ERI: Representations of Complex Engineering Systems via Technology Recursion and Renormalization Group", NSF, Sep. 2023 – Aug. 2025.
Selected Publications
* Prof. Chen and Chen’s students/advisees are in boldface.
Book Chapters
• K. Ho, H. Chen, and T. Sarton du Jonchay, “Chapter 16: Mathematical Methods for Space Mission Planning and Architecture Design,” in The Planning and Execution of Human Missions to the Moon and Mars, ed. Michelle Poliskie (Reston, VA: American Institute of Aeronautics & Ast., 2023), pp. 597-624.
Journal Articles
• Y. Takubo, H. Chen, and K. Ho, “Hierarchical Reinforcement Learning Framework for Stochastic Spaceflight Campaign Design,” Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, Vol. 59, No. 2, pp. 421-433, 2022.
• H. Chen, M. Ornik, and K. Ho, “Space Exploration Architecture and Design Framework for Commercialization,” Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, Vol. 59, No. 2, pp. 538-551, 2022.
• T. Sarton du Jonchay, H. Chen, M. Isaji, Y. Shimane, and K. Ho, “On-Orbit Servicing Optimization Framework with High- and Low-Thrust Propulsion Tradeoff,” Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, Vol. 59, No.1, pp. 33-48, 2022.
• H. Chen, B. Gardner, P. Grogan, and K. Ho, “Flexibility Management for Space Logistics via Decision Rules,” Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, Vol. 58, No. 5, pp. 1314-1324, 2021.
• T. Sarton du Jonchay, H. Chen, O. Gunasekara, and K. Ho, “Framework for Modeling and Optimization of On-Orbit Servicing Operations Under Demand Uncertainties,” Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, Vol. 58, No. 4, pp. 1157-1173, 2021.
• H. Chen, T. Sarton du Jonchay, L. Hou, and K. Ho, “Multifidelity Space Mission Planning and Infrastructure Design Framework for Space Resource Logistics,” Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, Vol. 58, No. 2, pp. 538-551, 2021.
• T. Sarton du Jonchay, H. Chen, Anna Wieger, Zoe Szajnfarber, and K. Ho, “Space Architecture Design for Commercial Suitability: A Case Study in In-Situ Resource Utilization Systems,” Acta Astronautica, Vol. 175, pp. 45-50, 2020.
• H. Chen, T. Sarton du Jonchay, L. Hou, and K. Ho, “Integrated In-Situ Resource Utilization System Design and Logistics for Mars Exploration,” Acta Astronautica, Vol. 170, pp. 80-92, 2020.
• H. Chen, H. Lee, and K. Ho, “Space Transportation System and Mission Planning for Regular Interplanetary Missions,” Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, Vol. 56, No. 1, pp. 12-20, 2019.
• Z. Chen, H. Chen, and K. Ho, “Analytical Optimization Methods for Space Logistics,” Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, Vol. 55, No. 6, pp. 1582-1586, 2018.
• H. Chen and K. Ho, “Integrated Space Logistics Mission Planning and Spacecraft Design with Mixed-Integer Nonlinear Programming,” Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, Vol. 55, No. 2, pp. 365-381, 2018.
Conference Proceedings (Selected)
• C. Chullen, I. Pena, K. Ganesan, and H. Chen, “Advanced Technology Infusion into Spacesuit Systems,” ASCEND 2022, Las Vegas, NV & Virtual, no. AIAA 2022-4351, Oct. 2022.
• H. Lee, H. Chen, and K. Ho, “Maximizing Observation Throughput via Multi-Stage Satellite Constellation Reconfiguration,” 2022 AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, Charlotte, NC, AAS 22-825, Aug. 2022.
• H. Chen, and H. Lee, “Distributed Space Resource Logistics System Optimization under Economies of Scale,” ASCEND 2021, Las Vegas, NV & Virtual, no. AIAA 2021-4079, Nov. 2021.
• T. Sarton du Jonchay, Y. Shimane, M. Isaji, H. Chen, and K. Ho, “On-Orbit Servicing Logistics Framework Generalized to the Multi-Orbit Case,” AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, Online, Aug. 2021.
• H. Chen, B. Gardner, P. Grogan, and K. Ho, “Flexibility Management for Space Logistics Through Decision Rules,” ASCEND 2020, AIAA-2020-4187, Online, Nov. 2020.
• Y. Takubo, H. Chen, and K. Ho, “Performance Analysis of Hierarchical Reinforcement Learning Framework for Stochastic Space Logistics,” ASCEND 2020, AIAA-2020-4230, Online, Nov. 2020.
• T. Sarton du Jonchay, H. Chen, O. Gunasekara, and K. Ho, “Rolling Horizon Optimization Framework for the Scheduling of On-Orbit Servicing Operations under Servicing Demand Uncertainties,” ASCEND 2020, AIAA-2020-4131, Online, Nov. 2020.
• K. Ikeya, H. Sakamoto, H. Chen, and K. Ho, “Integrated Orbit Design and Network-Based Optimization of Interplanetary Mission Architectures,” AIAA SciTech Forum 2020, AIAA 2020-0072, Orlando, FL, Jan. 2020.
• H. Chen, M. Ornik, and K. Ho, “Incentive Design for Commercial Participation in Space Logistics Infrastructure Development and Deployment,” 70TH International Astronautical Congress, Washington D.C., United States, IAC-19,D3,1,6,x51353, Oct. 2019.
• H. Chen, T. Sarton du Jonchay, L. Hou, and K. Ho, “Space Resource Logistics for Human Exploration to Mars,” 70TH International Astronautical Congress, Washington D.C., United States, IAC-19,A5,2,4,x49279, Oct. 2019.
• T. Sarton du Jonchay, H. Chen, A. Wieger, Z. Szajnfarber, and K. Ho, “Space System Architecting for Commercial Suitability: A Case Study in Cislunar Space Transportation,” 70TH International Astronautical Congress, Washington D.C., United States, IAC-19,D3,4,4,x49785, Oct. 2019.
• A. Wieger, H. Chen, T. Sarton du Jonchay, K. Ho, and Z. Szajnfarber, “An Approach to Endogenously Incentivizing Commercial Participation through System Architecture Choices,” 70TH International Astronautical Congress, Washington D.C., United States, IAC-19,D3,1,4,x52667, Oct. 2019.
• H. Chen, T. Sarton du Jonchay, L. Hou, and K. Ho, “Multi-Fidelity Space Mission Planning and Space Infrastructure Design Framework for Space Resource Logistics,” AIAA Propulsion & Energy Forum 2019, Indianapolis, IN, no. AIAA 2019-4134, Sep. 2019.
• H. Chen and K. Ho, “Hierarchical Reinforcement Learning Framework for Space Exploration Campaign Design,” AIAA Propulsion & Energy Forum 2019, Indianapolis, IN, no. AIAA 2019-4135, Sep. 2019.
• H. Chen, A. Lapin, T. Ukai, C. Lei, and K. Ho, “Optimization for Large-Scale Multi-Mission Space Campaign Design by Approximate Dynamic Programming,” AIAA SPACE 2018 Conference and Exposition, Orlando, FL, no. AIAA 2018-5287, Sep. 2018.
• H. Chen, and K. Ho, “Multi-Actor Analysis Framework for Space Architecture Commercialization,” AIAA SPACE 2018 Conference and Exposition, Orlando, FL, no. AIAA 2018-5410, Sep. 2018.
• H. Chen, K. Ho, B. Gardner, and P. Grogan, “Built-in Flexibility for Space Logistics Mission Planning and Spacecraft Design,” AIAA SPACE 2017 Conference and Exposition, Orlando, FL, no. AIAA 2017-5348, Sep. 2017.
• H. Chen, H. Lee, and K. Ho, “Space Transportation System and Infrastructure Design for Regular Interplanetary Cargo Missions,” AIAA SPACE 2017 Conference and Exposition, Orlando, FL, no. AIAA 2017-5197, Sep. 2017.
• Z. Chen, H. Chen, and K. Ho, “Analytical model of Space Infrastructure Staged Deployment Strategy in Space Logistics,” AIAA SPACE 2017 Conference and Exposition, Orlando, FL, no. AIAA 2017-5349, Sep. 2017.
• K. Ho, H. Chen, and H. M. Kim, “Value of Bootstrapping Staged Deployment of Infrastructure: Case Study in Space Infrastructure Deployment,” ASME International Design Engineering Technical Conferences and Computers and Information in Engineering Conference, Cleveland, OH, no. DETC2017-67610, Aug. 2017.
• H. Chen, and K. Ho, “Integrated Space Mission Planning and In-Orbit Infrastructure Design with Mixed-Integer Programming,” AIAA SPACE 2016 Conference and Exposition, Long Beach, CA, no. AIAA 2016-5309, Sep. 2016.
Book Chapters
• K. Ho, H. Chen, and T. Sarton du Jonchay, “Chapter 16: Mathematical Methods for Space Mission Planning and Architecture Design,” in The Planning and Execution of Human Missions to the Moon and Mars, ed. Michelle Poliskie (Reston, VA: American Institute of Aeronautics & Ast., 2023), pp. 597-624.
Journal Articles
• Y. Takubo, H. Chen, and K. Ho, “Hierarchical Reinforcement Learning Framework for Stochastic Spaceflight Campaign Design,” Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, Vol. 59, No. 2, pp. 421-433, 2022.
• H. Chen, M. Ornik, and K. Ho, “Space Exploration Architecture and Design Framework for Commercialization,” Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, Vol. 59, No. 2, pp. 538-551, 2022.
• T. Sarton du Jonchay, H. Chen, M. Isaji, Y. Shimane, and K. Ho, “On-Orbit Servicing Optimization Framework with High- and Low-Thrust Propulsion Tradeoff,” Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, Vol. 59, No.1, pp. 33-48, 2022.
• H. Chen, B. Gardner, P. Grogan, and K. Ho, “Flexibility Management for Space Logistics via Decision Rules,” Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, Vol. 58, No. 5, pp. 1314-1324, 2021.
• T. Sarton du Jonchay, H. Chen, O. Gunasekara, and K. Ho, “Framework for Modeling and Optimization of On-Orbit Servicing Operations Under Demand Uncertainties,” Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, Vol. 58, No. 4, pp. 1157-1173, 2021.
• H. Chen, T. Sarton du Jonchay, L. Hou, and K. Ho, “Multifidelity Space Mission Planning and Infrastructure Design Framework for Space Resource Logistics,” Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, Vol. 58, No. 2, pp. 538-551, 2021.
• T. Sarton du Jonchay, H. Chen, Anna Wieger, Zoe Szajnfarber, and K. Ho, “Space Architecture Design for Commercial Suitability: A Case Study in In-Situ Resource Utilization Systems,” Acta Astronautica, Vol. 175, pp. 45-50, 2020.
• H. Chen, T. Sarton du Jonchay, L. Hou, and K. Ho, “Integrated In-Situ Resource Utilization System Design and Logistics for Mars Exploration,” Acta Astronautica, Vol. 170, pp. 80-92, 2020.
• H. Chen, H. Lee, and K. Ho, “Space Transportation System and Mission Planning for Regular Interplanetary Missions,” Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, Vol. 56, No. 1, pp. 12-20, 2019.
• Z. Chen, H. Chen, and K. Ho, “Analytical Optimization Methods for Space Logistics,” Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, Vol. 55, No. 6, pp. 1582-1586, 2018.
• H. Chen and K. Ho, “Integrated Space Logistics Mission Planning and Spacecraft Design with Mixed-Integer Nonlinear Programming,” Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, Vol. 55, No. 2, pp. 365-381, 2018.
Conference Proceedings (Selected)
• C. Chullen, I. Pena, K. Ganesan, and H. Chen, “Advanced Technology Infusion into Spacesuit Systems,” ASCEND 2022, Las Vegas, NV & Virtual, no. AIAA 2022-4351, Oct. 2022.
• H. Lee, H. Chen, and K. Ho, “Maximizing Observation Throughput via Multi-Stage Satellite Constellation Reconfiguration,” 2022 AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, Charlotte, NC, AAS 22-825, Aug. 2022.
• H. Chen, and H. Lee, “Distributed Space Resource Logistics System Optimization under Economies of Scale,” ASCEND 2021, Las Vegas, NV & Virtual, no. AIAA 2021-4079, Nov. 2021.
• T. Sarton du Jonchay, Y. Shimane, M. Isaji, H. Chen, and K. Ho, “On-Orbit Servicing Logistics Framework Generalized to the Multi-Orbit Case,” AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, Online, Aug. 2021.
• H. Chen, B. Gardner, P. Grogan, and K. Ho, “Flexibility Management for Space Logistics Through Decision Rules,” ASCEND 2020, AIAA-2020-4187, Online, Nov. 2020.
• Y. Takubo, H. Chen, and K. Ho, “Performance Analysis of Hierarchical Reinforcement Learning Framework for Stochastic Space Logistics,” ASCEND 2020, AIAA-2020-4230, Online, Nov. 2020.
• T. Sarton du Jonchay, H. Chen, O. Gunasekara, and K. Ho, “Rolling Horizon Optimization Framework for the Scheduling of On-Orbit Servicing Operations under Servicing Demand Uncertainties,” ASCEND 2020, AIAA-2020-4131, Online, Nov. 2020.
• K. Ikeya, H. Sakamoto, H. Chen, and K. Ho, “Integrated Orbit Design and Network-Based Optimization of Interplanetary Mission Architectures,” AIAA SciTech Forum 2020, AIAA 2020-0072, Orlando, FL, Jan. 2020.
• H. Chen, M. Ornik, and K. Ho, “Incentive Design for Commercial Participation in Space Logistics Infrastructure Development and Deployment,” 70TH International Astronautical Congress, Washington D.C., United States, IAC-19,D3,1,6,x51353, Oct. 2019.
• H. Chen, T. Sarton du Jonchay, L. Hou, and K. Ho, “Space Resource Logistics for Human Exploration to Mars,” 70TH International Astronautical Congress, Washington D.C., United States, IAC-19,A5,2,4,x49279, Oct. 2019.
• T. Sarton du Jonchay, H. Chen, A. Wieger, Z. Szajnfarber, and K. Ho, “Space System Architecting for Commercial Suitability: A Case Study in Cislunar Space Transportation,” 70TH International Astronautical Congress, Washington D.C., United States, IAC-19,D3,4,4,x49785, Oct. 2019.
• A. Wieger, H. Chen, T. Sarton du Jonchay, K. Ho, and Z. Szajnfarber, “An Approach to Endogenously Incentivizing Commercial Participation through System Architecture Choices,” 70TH International Astronautical Congress, Washington D.C., United States, IAC-19,D3,1,4,x52667, Oct. 2019.
• H. Chen, T. Sarton du Jonchay, L. Hou, and K. Ho, “Multi-Fidelity Space Mission Planning and Space Infrastructure Design Framework for Space Resource Logistics,” AIAA Propulsion & Energy Forum 2019, Indianapolis, IN, no. AIAA 2019-4134, Sep. 2019.
• H. Chen and K. Ho, “Hierarchical Reinforcement Learning Framework for Space Exploration Campaign Design,” AIAA Propulsion & Energy Forum 2019, Indianapolis, IN, no. AIAA 2019-4135, Sep. 2019.
• H. Chen, A. Lapin, T. Ukai, C. Lei, and K. Ho, “Optimization for Large-Scale Multi-Mission Space Campaign Design by Approximate Dynamic Programming,” AIAA SPACE 2018 Conference and Exposition, Orlando, FL, no. AIAA 2018-5287, Sep. 2018.
• H. Chen, and K. Ho, “Multi-Actor Analysis Framework for Space Architecture Commercialization,” AIAA SPACE 2018 Conference and Exposition, Orlando, FL, no. AIAA 2018-5410, Sep. 2018.
• H. Chen, K. Ho, B. Gardner, and P. Grogan, “Built-in Flexibility for Space Logistics Mission Planning and Spacecraft Design,” AIAA SPACE 2017 Conference and Exposition, Orlando, FL, no. AIAA 2017-5348, Sep. 2017.
• H. Chen, H. Lee, and K. Ho, “Space Transportation System and Infrastructure Design for Regular Interplanetary Cargo Missions,” AIAA SPACE 2017 Conference and Exposition, Orlando, FL, no. AIAA 2017-5197, Sep. 2017.
• Z. Chen, H. Chen, and K. Ho, “Analytical model of Space Infrastructure Staged Deployment Strategy in Space Logistics,” AIAA SPACE 2017 Conference and Exposition, Orlando, FL, no. AIAA 2017-5349, Sep. 2017.
• K. Ho, H. Chen, and H. M. Kim, “Value of Bootstrapping Staged Deployment of Infrastructure: Case Study in Space Infrastructure Deployment,” ASME International Design Engineering Technical Conferences and Computers and Information in Engineering Conference, Cleveland, OH, no. DETC2017-67610, Aug. 2017.
• H. Chen, and K. Ho, “Integrated Space Mission Planning and In-Orbit Infrastructure Design with Mixed-Integer Programming,” AIAA SPACE 2016 Conference and Exposition, Long Beach, CA, no. AIAA 2016-5309, Sep. 2016.
Courses
• EM/ISE 424 Engineering Design VIII (Spring 2023)
• EM/ISE 423 Engineering Design VII (Fall 2022, Fall 2023)
• SYS 640 System Supportability and Logistics (Fall 2021, Spring 2022, Fall 2022, Spring 2023, Fall 2023)
• EM/ISE 423 Engineering Design VII (Fall 2022, Fall 2023)
• SYS 640 System Supportability and Logistics (Fall 2021, Spring 2022, Fall 2022, Spring 2023, Fall 2023)