Jaewoo Kim

Research Highlights

My research interests are 1) strategic issues in design & operations of space systems and 2) engineering decision-making problems. These interests are within the theory of Systems Engineering and Operations Research, applied to Space Systems.

Research Areas Overview

Exploration of Novel System Architectures

Exploration of Novel System Architectures
Past and future of GEO communication satellite driven by on-orbit servicing.

Emerging technologies, such as advanced propulsion systems (electric/nuclear) and on-orbit servicing (OOS), are expanding the design space of spacecraft beyond traditional limits. This research investigates the architectural implications of these innovations, exploring how they enable novel system configurations with superior performance. We aim to identify architectural solutions that effectively leverage these technologies to maximize stakeholder value, while also analyzing the broader transformative impacts these advancements will drive across the space industry.


Maintenance Strategy for Satellite Constellation

Maintenance Strategy for Satellite Constellation
Overview of various maintenance strategies for satellite mega-constellation.

The rise of satellite mega-constellations demands a fundamental shift in operations management: from ensuring the longevity of single assets to guaranteeing the availability of the entire system through continuous replenishment. Throughout this research, we explore the critical supply chain dynamics required to support this transition, examining the complex trade-offs between transportation, inventory, and facility management. Understanding these coupled interactions is essential for achieving cost-effective and sustainable long-term space operations.


Modular Architecture Design of Complex Systems

Modular Architecture Design of Complex Systems
An example modular architecture design expressed by a design structure matrix (DSM) with various constraints

Modular architecture design serves as a fundamental strategy to manage the complexity of engineering systems by decomposing them into independent, manageable units. While traditional approaches prioritize minimizing inter-module interactions for development efficiency, this research expands the optimization scope to the entire system lifecycle. We focus on integrating diverse downstream considerations—such as procurement and manufacturing—into the architectural decision-making process to derive modular designs that maximize total system value.


Conceptual Design of Launch Vehicle

Conceptual Design of Launch Vehicle
Overview of the conceptual design framework for launch vehicles.

Launch vehicle conceptual design requires a multidisciplinary optimization approach, particularly addressing the strong coupling between stage sizing and trajectory design. While optimal staging minimizes lift-off mass by allocating structural and propellant distributions, trajectory optimization maximizes payload delivery by managing ascent velocity losses. This research focuses on the simultaneous optimization of these interconnected elements to determine the most efficient launch vehicle configuration and flight path.