Alessandro Golkar

Associate Professor
Space Center

Dr. Alessandro Golkar is an Interim Director of the Space Center and Associate Professor the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech) in Moscow, Russian Federation, a private university opened in collaboration with MIT. He received a Ph.D. in Aeronautics and Astronautics from MIT in 2012. He is the Director of the Strategic Innovation Research Group (SIRG) at Skoltech. His research interests lie in the areas of systems architecture, federated satellite systems, and concurrent engineering.

He is author of 64 publications, including 13 peer-reviewed journal papers, and is a reviewer for the AIAA Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, INCOSE Systems Engineering Journal, and the IEEE Transactions on Aerospace and Electronic Systems.

Alessandro is a Senior Member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), an Associate Systems Engineering Professional certified by the International Council of Systems Engineering (INCOSE), and an FAA licensed private pilot.

He served as a consultant for the European Space Agency and was a Research Fellow and Visiting Independent Advisor at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory; at MIT he worked for grants sponsored by NASA Headquarters and BP plc.

Among other recognitions, he is the recipient of the 2014 Luigi G. Napolitano Award and the 2014 Best Journal Paper Award of the Year of the INCOSE Systems Engineering Journal.

Research
Publications
Awards
News
Research Group
Teaching
Summary in Russian / Краткая справка

Integrated Design Practice: Concurrent Engineering Design Laboratory
Federated Satellite Systems
Space Systems Architecture
Novel Space Systems Concepts
Systems Engineering and Engineering Management
Strategic Engineering and Design under Uncertainty

PEER-REVIEWED JOURNAL PUBLICATIONS
[J13] Akhtyamov, R., Lluch, I., Matevosyan, H., Knoll, D., Pica, U. Lisi, M., Golkar, A., “An implementation of Software Defined Radios for Federated Aerospace Networks: Informing satellite implementations using an inter-balloon communications experiment”, Acta Astronautica, January 2016, doi: 10.1016/j.actaastro.2015.12.043.
[J12] Pica, U., Golkar, A., “Sealed-Bid Reverse Auction Pricing Mechanisms for Sharing Economy Systems”, INCOSE Journal of Systems Engineering, submitted, November 2015.
[J11] Smirnov, D., Golkar, A., “Stirling Engine Systems Tradespace Exploration Model”, Procedia Computer Science, Vol.44, pp.558-567, 2015, doi 10.1016/j.procs.2015.03.010.
[J10] Golkar, A., Lluch, I., “The Federated Satellite Systems Paradigm: Concept and Business Case Evaluation”, Acta Astronautica, February 2015, doi 10.1016/j.actaastro.2015.02.009.
[J9] Lluch, I., Golkar, A., “Design implications for missions participating in Federated Satellite Systems”, AIAA Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, Vol. 52, No. 5 (2015), pp. 1361-1374, doi: 10.2514/1.A33172 .
[J8] Palermo, G., Golkar, A., Gaudenzi, P., “Earth Orbiting Support Systems for Commercial Low Earth Orbit Data Relay: Assessing Architectures through Tradespace Exploration”, Acta Astronautica, February 2015, doi 10.1016/j.actaastro.2015.02.011.
[J7] Karlow, B., Jewison, C., Sternberg, D., Hall, S., Golkar, A., “Large Space Telescopes: Tradespace Investigation of Strategic Design Factors”, SPIE Journal of Astronomical Telescopes, Instruments, and Systems (JATIS), 1(2), 027003 (2015). doi:10.1117/1.JATIS.1.2.027003.
[J6] Golkar, A. “Mars Sample Return Campaign: Results of Delphi Study for Requirements Formulation”, AIAA Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, in press, August 2014, doi: 10.2514/1.A32905.
[J5] Golkar, A., Crawley, E.F., “A Framework for Space Systems Architecture under Stakeholder Objectives Ambiguity”, INCOSE Journal of Systems Engineering, vol.17, issue 4, August 2014, doi: 10.1111/sys.21286 – Winner of the Best Paper of 2014 Award of the INCOSE Journal of Systems Engineering.
[J4] Golkar, A., Crawley, E.F., “Parametric Analysis of Single Stage Earth Departure Stage In-Orbit Refueling”, AIAA Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, vol.51, issue 2, pp.631-635, April 2014, doi: 10.2514/1.A32718.
[J3] Aliakbargolkar, A., Crawley, E.F., “A Delphi-Based Framework for systems architecting of in-orbit exploration infrastructure for human exploration beyond Low Earth Orbit”, Acta Astronautica, Vol.94, Issue 1, pp. 17-33, January-February 2014, doi 10.1016/j.actaastro.2013.08.004.
[J2] Aliakbargolkar, A., Crawley E.F., Wicht, A.C., Battat, J.A., Calandrelli, E.D., “Systems Architecting Methodology for Space Transportation Infrastructure”, AIAA Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, Vol.50: 579-590, doi 10.2514/1.A32320, 2013.
[J1] Aliakbargolkar, A., Crawley E.F., “Architecting Methodology for Spatially and Temporally Distributed Resource Extraction Systems”, INCOSE Journal of Systems Engineering, Vol.16 Issue 3, pp.277-286, Autumn 2013, doi 10.1002/sys.21230.

PEER-REVIEWED CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS
[C43] Lluch, I., Matevosyan, H., Golkar, A., “Augmenting the European Earth Observation Infrastructure with Federated Satellite Systems”, 2017 IEEE Aerospace Conference, Big Sky Montana, USA (accepted).
[C42] Grogan, P.T., Ho, K., Golkar, A., de Weck, O.L., “Bounding the Value of Collaboration in Federated Systems”, 10th Annual IEEE Systems Conference, Orlando Florida, 2016.
[C41] Smirnov, D., Knoll, D., Golkar, A., “Gamespace Exploration Approach To Complex Systems Design”, 2016 Conference on Systems Engineering Research, Huntsville Alabama, 2016.
[C40] Golkar, A., “Lessons learnt in the development of a Concurrent Engineering Infrastructure”, INCOSE International Symposium, Edinburgh, UK, 2016 (accepted).
[C39] Lluch, I., Pica, U., Grogan, P.T., Golkar, A., “Simulating a Proactive Ad-Hoc Network Protocol for Federated Satellite Systems”, IEEE Aerospace Conference 2015, Big Sky MT.
[C38] Lluch, I., Golkar, A., “Satellite-to-Satellite Coverage Optimization Approach for Opportunistic Inter-Satellite Links”, 2014 IEEE Aerospace Conference, Big Sky (MT), March 2014, doi: 10.1109/AERO.2014.6836307.
[C37] Grogan, P.T., Golkar, A., Shirasaka, S., de Weck, O.L., “Multi-stakeholder interactive simulation for Federated Satellite Systems”, 2014 IEEE Aerospace Conference, Big Sky (MT), March 2014, doi: 10.1109/AERO.2014.6836253.
[C36], Sanchez Net, M., Selva, D., Golkar, A., “Exploring Classification Algorithms for Early Mission Formulation Cost Estimation”, 2014 IEEE Aerospace Conference, Big Sky (MT), March 2014, doi: 10.1109/AERO.2014.6836326.

NON PEER-REVIEWED CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS
[C35] Lluch, I., Golkar, A., “Architecting Federations of Systems: A framework for capturing synergy”, 4th International Federated and Fractionated Satellite Systems Workshop, Rome Italy, October 2016 (accepted).
[C34] Poghosyan, A., Lluch, I., Matevosyan, H., Lamb, A., Moreno, C.A., Taylor, C., Golkar, A., Cote, J., Mathieu, S., Pierotti, S., Grave, J., Narkiewicz, J., Topczewski, S., Sochacki, M., Lancheros, E., Park, H., Camps, A., “Unified Classification for Distributed Satellite Systems”, 4th International Federated and Fractionated Satellite Systems Workshop, Rome Italy, October 2016 (accepted).
[C33] Matevosyan, H., Lluch, I., Poghosyan, A., Golkar, A., Moreno, C.A., Lamb, A., Lesne, O., Mangin, A., Sousa, A., Pica, U., Camps, A., “Operational Network of Individual Observation Nodes (ONION) User Needs Analysis”, 4th International Federated and Fractionated Satellite Systems Workshop, Rome Italy, October 2016 (accepted).
[C32] Korobova, O., Golkar, A., “Data Authentication, Integrity and Confidentiality Mechanisms for Federated Satellite Systems”, 2016 International Astronautical Congress, Guadalajara Mexico, September 2016 (accepted).
[C31] Knoll, D., Golkar, A., “A coordination method for concurrent design and a collaboration tool for parametric system models”, SECESA 2016, Madrid (Spain), 2016.
[C30] Briatore, S., Golkar, A., “Development and Testing on stratospheric balloons of an optical transceiver for small and micro satellites”, ESA 4S Small Satellite Symposium, Valletta (Malta), 2016.
[C29] Lluch, I., Golkar, A., “Adopting the federated satellite systems paradigm for Earth Observation: an architecting framework” International Astronautical Congress”, Jerusalem Israel, October 2015.
[C28] Akhtyamov, R., Lluch, I., Golkar, A., “Software Defined Radio implementation of a negotiator node testbed for Federated Satellite Systems”, International Astronautical Congress, Jerusalem Israel, October 2015.
[C27] Matevosyan, H., Golkar, A., “Virtual Satellite Missions for Earth Observation: Democratizing Access to Space”, International Astronautical Congress, Jerusalem Israel, October 2015.
[C26] Das, S.J., Selva, D., Golkar, A., “An Intelligent Spacecraft Configuration Tool for Mission Architecture Space Exploration”, AIAA Space Symposium 2015, Pasadena CA (USA), September 2015.
[C25] Korobova, O., Chiesa, A., Golkar, A., “Data authenticity in Federated Satellite Systems”, 3rd Fractionated and Federated Workshop, Ithaca (NY), August 2015.
[C24] Matevosyan, H., Golkar, A., “Evaluating Virtual Satellite Mission Opportunities”, 3rd Fractionated and Federated Workshop, Ithaca (NY), August 2015.
[C23] Lluch, I., Golkar,A., “The value proposition of novel distributed space systems: a literature survey on Ilities”, 3rd Fractionated and Federated Workshop, Ithaca (NY), August 2015.
[C22] Grogan, P.T., Ho, K., Golkar, A., de Weck, O.L., “Bounding the Value of Collaboration in FSS”, 3rd Fractionated and Federated Workshop, Ithaca (NY), August 2015.
[C21] Matevosyan, H., Taylor, C., Golkar, A., “Virtual Satellite Mission Architecture: A look behind the methodology for selecting payloads to complete secondary mission objectives”, AIAA Space Symposium 2015, Pasadena CA (USA), August 2015.
[C20] Shuyskiy, N., Omelianovich, A., Golkar, A., “A framework for conceptual design of concurrent engineering design facilities”, to be presented at the 6th International Conference on Systems & Concurrent Engineering for Space Applications (SECESA 2014), October 2014, Stuttgart Germany.
[C19] Golkar, A., “Concurrent Engineering Design Laboratory: Pioneering Concurrent Engineering in the Russian Federation”, to be presented at the 6th International Conference on Systems & Concurrent Engineering for Space Applications (SECESA 2014), October 2014, Stuttgart Germany.
[C18] Palermo, G., Golkar, A., Gaudenzi, P., “An Earth Orbiting Support System for Commercial on-orbit Data Relay”, to be presented at the 20th Ka and Broadband Communications, Navigation, and Earth Observation, Conference, October 2014, Salerno Italy.
[C17] Alifanov, O., Braun, R.D., Crawley, E.F., Logsdon, J., Zelenyi, L.M., Borowitz, M., Capparelli, E., Davison, P., Golkar, A., Steinfeldt, B., “Cooperative Scenarios for Human Exploration Beyond Low Earth Orbit”, 2014 International Astronautical Congress, Toronto Canada, October 2014.
[C16] Golkar, A., “Design margin utilization in commercial satellite cloud computing systems”, 2014 International Astronautical Congress, Toronto Canada, October 2014. – winner of the 2014 Luigi G. Napolitano Award
[C15] Lluch i Cruz, I., Golkar, A., “Resource Balancing Analysis of Federated Satellite Systems”, AIAA Space Conference 2014, San Diego California.
[C14] Golkar, A., “Federated Satellite Systems: Leverages and Threats Identification by Stakeholders Value Network Modeling”, 31st AIAA International Communication Satellite Systems Conference, Florence (Italy), October 2013.
[C13] Golkar, A., “Federated Satellite Systems: A Case Study on Sustainability Enhancement of Space Exploration System Architectures”, International Astronautical Congress 2013, Beijing (China), September 2013.
[C12] Golkar, A., Filippazzo, G., “Development of a Management Support Framework for Space Based Systems of Systems Programs”, AIAA Space Symposium 2013, San Diego CA (USA), September 2013.
[C11] Golkar, A., “Architecting Federated Satellite Systems for Successful Commercial Implementation”, to appear at the AIAA Space Symposium 2013, San Diego CA (USA), September 2013.
[C10] Golkar, A., “Federated Satellite Systems (FSS): A Vision Towards an Innovation in Space Systems Design”, 9th IAA Symposium on Small Satellites for Earth Observation, Berlin (Germany), April 2013.
[C9] Aliakbargolkar, A., Crawley, E.F., “Experimental Validation of a Systems Architecting Framework for Objectives Definition in a Concurrent Engineering Environment”, ESA 5th International Workshop on System & Concurrent Engineering for Space Applications SECESA 2012, Lisbon (Portugal), October 2012.
[C8] Aliakbargolkar, A., Rudat, A., Crawley, E.F., “A Delphi-Based Framework for Systems Architecting of In-Orbit Exploration Infrastructure for Human Exploration Beyond Low Earth Orbit”, International Astronautical Congress IAC 2012, Naples, Italy, October 1-5, 2012.
[C7] Rudat, A., Battat, J., Aliakbargolkar, A., Dwyer, M., Cameron, B., Crawley, E.F., “Tradespace Exploration Approach for Architectural Definition of In-Space Infrastructure Systems for Future Human Exploration”, International Astronautical Congress IAC 2012, Naples, Italy, October 1-5, 2012.
[C6] Aliakbargolkar, A., Wicht, A., Battat, J., Calandrelli, E., Crawley, E.F., “Heavy Lift Launch Vehicle Systems Architecting”, International Astronautical Congress 2011, Cape Town, South Africa, October 3-7, 2011.
[C5] Aliakbargolkar, A., Crawley, E.F., “Architecting Families of Space Systems: Application to Super Heavy Lift Transportation Infrastructure”, ESA 4th International Workshop on System & Concurrent Engineering for Space Applications SECESA 2010, Lausanne (Switzerland), October 2010.
[C4] Cunio, P., Babuscia, A., Bailey, Z., Chaurasia, H., Goel, R., Aliakbargolkar, A., Selva, D., Timmons, E., Cohanim, B., Hoffman, J., Miller, D.W., “Initial Development of an Earth-Based Prototype for a Lunar Hopper Autonomous Exploration System”, AIAA Space 2009, Pasadena CA (USA), October 2009.
[C3] Aliakbargolkar, A., Keller, R., Robinson, B., de Weck, O.L., Crawley, E.F., “A methodology for system architecting of offshore oil production systems”, 11th International Design Structure Matrix Conference, Greenville (USA), October 2009.
[C2] Lettiero, M., Pecorario, A., Battagliere, M.L., Pifferi, E., Aliakbargolkar, A., Piergentili, F., Santoni, “The Aurora Experiment: Overview and Preliminary Results”, 19th ESA Symposium on European Rocket and Balloon Programmes and Related Research, Bad Reichenhall (Germany), June 7-11, 2009.
[C1] Gaudenzi, P., Aliakbargolkar, A., Capece, F. “Design Tools for the Preliminary Sizing of a Satellite Bus and its Subsystems”, ESA 3rd International Workshop on System & Concurrent Engineering for Space Applications SECESA 2008, Rome (Italy), October 2008.

THESES
[T3] Aliakbargolkar, A., “A Framework for Systems Architecting under Stakeholder Objectives Ambiguity – Applications to Human Spaceflight and Robotic Exploration”, PhD dissertation, Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, June 2012.
[T2] Aliakbargolkar, A., “Preliminary Design of Satellites Configurations and Structures”, Laurea Specialistica thesis, Sapienza Universita’ di Roma, May 2008.
[T1] Aliakbargolkar, A., “Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer Analysis of a Pressurant Gas Tank for a Liquid Propulsion System”, Laurea thesis, Sapienza Universita’ di Roma, September 2006.

POPULAR ARTICLES
[P5] Golkar, A., “I vantaggi dei sistemi di satellite sharing”, Airpress, n.71, October 2016 (in Italian).
[P4] Golkar, A., “L’Italia e il Rinascimento Spaziale”, Aspenia, n.73, June 2016 (in Italian).
[P3] Golkar, A., “La rinascita Russa passa per ORKK”, Airpress, n.61, November 2015 (in Italian).
[P2] Golkar, A., “Nuovi orizzonti per l’Italia”, Airpress, n.58, July-August 2015 (in Italian).
[P1] Golkar, A., “Developing space infrastructure: the future of aerospace technology is now”, Russian Beyond the Headlines (English and Italian Edition), November 18, 2014.

Premio Italia Giovane, 2015
Senior Member, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), 2015
2014 Best Journal Paper of the Year Award, INCOSE Systems Engineering Journal, 2015
Winner, 2014 Luigi G. Napolitano Award (2014)
“The award has been presented annually since 1993, to a young scientist, below 30 years of age, who has contributed significantly to the advancement of the aerospace science and has given a paper at the International Astronautical Congress on the contribution.”
Finalist, ISSNAF Young Investigator Award (2014)
Rising Young Professional Award (2013)
“In recognition of high achievement in Aeronautical Sciences”
Finalist, ISSNAF Young Investigator Award (2012)
Top-3 PhD Research in MIT Aero/Astro Department Research Competition (2012)
JPL Graduate Fellowship (2011)
Mission Systems Concepts, Section 312
F. Botta S.J. Alumni Award (2010)
Best Master’s Thesis, Istituto Massimo, Rome (IT)
NASA Certificate of Recognition (2009)
Graduate Mentor for the NASA MUST program
Graduate Research Assistantship, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2008-2012)