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Dr Yang Yang

Dr Yang Yang

Lecturer
Engineering
Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering

Dr. Yang Yang is an astrodynamics expert specialising in space navigation and space situational awareness. His research focuses on the application of emerging space technologies in our daily lives, with a particular emphasis on fostering a safer, more secure, and sustainable space environment for humanity.

Completing his PhD in Space Engineering in 2015, Dr. Yang has since held positions at esteemed universities in Australia and China, including RMIT University, Sun Yat-sen University, and The University of Sydney. Through his academic engagements, he has developed a strong foundation in teaching and research within the field of Space Engineering.

Currently serving as a Space Engineering Lecturer at UNSW MECH, Dr. Yang continues his pursuit of solving practical Space Engineering challenges. With a steadfast commitment to advancing knowledge and finding solutions, he remains at the forefront of addressing real-world problems in the realm of space exploration.
E-mail
yang.yang16@unsw.edu.au
Location
208H, Level 2, Building J17
  • Book Chapters | 2015
    Yang Y; Yue X; Tang G; Cui H; Song B, 2015, 'Orbit determination using combined GPS + Beidou observations for low earth cubesats: Software validation in ground testbed', in , pp. 321 - 334, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-46632-2_27
  • Journal articles | 2025
    Shorten DP; Humphries M; Maclean J; Yang Y; Roughan M, 2025, 'Optimal proposal particle filters for detecting anomalies and manoeuvres from two line element data', Acta Astronautica, 228, pp. 709 - 723, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.actaastro.2024.11.033
    Journal articles | 2024
    Chen Y; Jiang W; Wang J; Cai B; Liu D; Ba X; Yang Y, 2024, 'An LSTM-Assisted GNSS/INS Integration System Using IMU Recomputed Error Information for Train Localization', IEEE Transactions on Aerospace and Electronic Systems, 60, pp. 2658 - 2671, http://dx.doi.org/10.1109/TAES.2023.3328318
    Journal articles | 2024
    Jiang L; Gong B; Liu C; Yang Y; Zhang R, 2024, 'Space multi-target tracking method for space-based distributed passive detection', Xi Tong Gong Cheng Yu Dian Zi Ji Shu/Systems Engineering and Electronics, 46, pp. 2789 - 2797, http://dx.doi.org/10.12305/j.issn.1001-506X.2024.08.26
    Journal articles | 2024
    Yang Y, 2024, 'Square-Root Higher-Order Unscented Estimators for Robust Orbit Determination', IEEE Transactions on Aerospace and Electronic Systems, 60, pp. 7820 - 7837, http://dx.doi.org/10.1109/TAES.2024.3423851
    Journal articles | 2024
    Zhang J; Jiang Y; Cai H; Yang Y, 2024, 'Tracklet Association for Geosynchronous Space Objects Taking Impulse Maneuver', IEEE Transactions on Aerospace and Electronic Systems, http://dx.doi.org/10.1109/TAES.2024.3508655
    Journal articles | 2024
    Zhang T; Shi P; Yang Y; Li W; Yue X, 2024, 'Continuous-discrete extended Kalman filter based parameter identification method for space robots in postcapture', Nonlinear Dynamics, 112, pp. 21205 - 21225, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11071-024-10079-y
    Journal articles | 2023
    Qu C; Zhang Y; Huang K; Wang S; Yang Y, 2023, 'Point Clouds Outlier Removal Method Based on Improved Mahalanobis and Completion', IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters, 8, pp. 17 - 24, http://dx.doi.org/10.1109/LRA.2022.3221315
    Journal articles | 2023
    Shorten DP; Yang Y; Maclean J; Roughan M, 2023, 'Wide-Scale Monitoring of Satellite Lifetimes: Pitfalls and a Benchmark Dataset', Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, 60, pp. 2003 - 2007, http://dx.doi.org/10.2514/1.A35642
    Journal articles | 2022
    Lin B; Zhong L; Zhuge S; Yang X; Yang Y; Wang K; Zhang X, 2022, 'A New Pattern for Detection of Streak-Like Space Target from Single Optical Images', IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing, 60, http://dx.doi.org/10.1109/TGRS.2021.3135652
    Journal articles | 2022
    Wang Z; Li Z; Wang L; Wang N; Yang Y; Li R; Zhang Y; Liu A; Yuan H; Hoque M, 2022, 'Comparison of the real-time precise orbit determination for LEO between kinematic and reduced-dynamic modes', Measurement: Journal of the International Measurement Confederation, 187, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.measurement.2021.110224
    Journal articles | 2022
    Yang Y; Klein E; He C; Cai H; Zhang Y, 2022, 'PHiFA—A tool for numerical propagation of high-fidelity astrodynamics', Astrodynamics, 6, pp. 189 - 204, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s42064-021-0113-1
    Journal articles | 2022
    Yang Y; Maj R; He C; Norman R; Kerr E; Carter B; Currie J; Gower S, 2022, 'Comparison of Atmospheric Mass Density Models Using a New Data Source: COSMIC Satellite Ephemerides', IEEE Aerospace and Electronic Systems Magazine, 37, pp. 6 - 22, http://dx.doi.org/10.1109/MAES.2021.3125101
    Journal articles | 2021
    Gong B; Li S; Shi J; Yang Y, 2021, 'Rotation based analytic range-only initial relative orbit solution for natural periodic motion', Acta Astronautica, 178, pp. 584 - 594, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.actaastro.2020.09.050
    Journal articles | 2021
    Qu C; Zhang Y; Yang Y; Wang S, 2021, 'Discrete probabilistic detection model for a Geiger-mode avalanche photodiode array with crosstalk', Optics Letters, 46, pp. 1442 - 1445, http://dx.doi.org/10.1364/OL.419204
    Journal articles | 2021
    Yang Q; Yang X; Yang Y; Yang Y, 2021, 'Distributed Cooperative Localization Based on Bearing-Only Sensors', IEEE Sensors Journal, 21, pp. 23645 - 23657, http://dx.doi.org/10.1109/JSEN.2021.3105541
    Journal articles | 2020
    Cai H; Gehly S; Yang Y; Zhang K, 2020, 'Modeling birth for the labeled multi-Bernoulli filter using a boundary-value approach', Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics, 43, pp. 162 - 169, http://dx.doi.org/10.2514/1.G004112
    Journal articles | 2020
    Cai H; Yang Y; Gehly S; He C; Jah M, 2020, 'Sensor tasking for search and catalog maintenance of geosynchronous space objects', Acta Astronautica, 175, pp. 234 - 248, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.actaastro.2020.05.063
    Journal articles | 2020
    He C; Yang Y; Carter B; Zhang K; Hu A; Li W; Deleflie F; Norman R; Wu S, 2020, 'Impact of Thermospheric Mass Density on the Orbit Prediction of LEO Satellites', Space Weather, 18, http://dx.doi.org/10.1029/2019SW002336
    Journal articles | 2020
    Qu C; Zhang Y; Zhang X; Yang Y, 2020, 'Reinforcement learning-based data association for multiple target tracking in clutter', Sensors (Switzerland), 20, pp. 1 - 29, http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/s20226595
    Journal articles | 2020
    Yang Y; Klein E; Sagnières L, 2020, 'Tumbling object deorbiting using spaceborne laser engagement – A CubeSat case study', Advances in Space Research, 65, pp. 1742 - 1757, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.asr.2020.01.002
    Journal articles | 2019
    Bu Y; Yang Y; Tang W; Ding C; Yin H, 2019, 'Constraints-based optical hybrid navigation for small-body close flybys', Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics, 42, pp. 1093 - 1104, http://dx.doi.org/10.2514/1.G001847
    Journal articles | 2019
    Cai H; Gehly S; Yang Y; Hoseinnezhad R; Norman R; Zhang K, 2019, 'Multisensor tasking using analytical Rényi divergence in labeled multi-Bernoulli filtering', Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics, 42, pp. 2078 - 2085, http://dx.doi.org/10.2514/1.G004232
    Journal articles | 2019
    Gong B; Li S; Yang Y; Shi J; Li W, 2019, 'Maneuver-free approach to range-only initial relative orbit determination for spacecraft proximity operations', Acta Astronautica, 163, pp. 87 - 95, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.actaastro.2018.11.010
    Journal articles | 2018
    Cai H; Yang Y; Gehly S; Wu S; Zhang K, 2018, 'Improved tracklet association for space objects using short-arc optical measurements', Acta Astronautica, 151, pp. 836 - 847, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.actaastro.2018.07.024
    Journal articles | 2018
    He C; Yang Y; Carter B; Kerr E; Wu S; Deleflie F; Cai H; Zhang K; Sagnières L; Norman R, 2018, 'Review and comparison of empirical thermospheric mass density models', Progress in Aerospace Sciences, 103, pp. 31 - 51, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.paerosci.2018.10.003
    Journal articles | 2018
    Li W; Yue J; Guo J; Yang Y; Zou B; Shen Y; Zhang K, 2018, 'Statistical seismo-ionospheric precursors of M7.0+ earthquakes in Circum-Pacific seismic belt by GPS TEC measurements', Advances in Space Research, 61, pp. 1206 - 1219, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.asr.2017.12.013
    Journal articles | 2018
    Li W; Yue J; Wu S; Yang Y; Li Z; Bi J; Zhang K, 2018, 'Ionospheric responses to typhoons in Australia during 2005–2014 using GNSS and FORMOSAT-3/COSMIC measurements', GPS Solutions, 22, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10291-018-0722-1
    Journal articles | 2018
    Li W; Yue J; Yang Y; He C; Hu A; Zhang K, 2018, 'Ionospheric and Thermospheric Responses to the Recent Strong Solar Flares on 6 September 2017', Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics, 123, pp. 8865 - 8883, http://dx.doi.org/10.1029/2018JA025700
    Journal articles | 2017
    Li W; Yue J; Yang Y; Li Z; Guo J; Pan Y; Zhang K, 2017, 'Analysis of ionospheric disturbances associated with powerful cyclones in East Asia and North America', Journal of Atmospheric and Solar-Terrestrial Physics, 161, pp. 43 - 54, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jastp.2017.06.012
    Journal articles | 2016
    Bu Y; Tang W; Fa W; Ding C; Tang G; Yang Y; Cao J; Chen H; Yin H, 2016, 'Relative Trajectory Estimation During Chang'e-2 Probe's Flyby of Asteroid Toutatis Using Dynamics, Optical, and Radio Constraints', IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON GEOSCIENCE AND REMOTE SENSING, 54, pp. 4680 - 4693, http://dx.doi.org/10.1109/TGRS.2016.2548713
    Journal articles | 2016
    Cai H; Zhang JR; Yang Y; Gehly S; Wu SQ; He CY; Hu AD; Zhang KF, 2016, 'Improved tracklet association method for initial orbit determination of space debris', Journal of Beijing Institute of Technology (English Edition), 25, pp. 143 - 148, http://dx.doi.org/10.15918/j.jbit1004-0579.201625.S229
    Journal articles | 2016
    Li W; Guo J; Yue J; Shen Y; Yang Y, 2016, 'Total electron content anomalies associated with global VEI4 + volcanic eruptions during 2002–2015', Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 325, pp. 98 - 109, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2016.06.017
    Journal articles | 2016
    Li W; Guo J; Yue J; Yang Y; Li Z; Lu D, 2016, 'Contrastive research of ionospheric precursor anomalies between Calbuco volcanic eruption on April 23 and Nepal earthquake on April 25, 2015', Advances in Space Research, 57, pp. 2141 - 2153, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.asr.2016.02.014
    Journal articles | 2016
    Yang Y; Yue X; Dempster AG, 2016, 'GPS-based onboard real-time orbit determination for leo satellites using consider Kalman filter', IEEE Transactions on Aerospace and Electronic Systems, 52, pp. 769 - 777, http://dx.doi.org/10.1109/TAES.2015.140758
    Journal articles | 2015
    Yang Y; Yue X; Yuan J, 2015, 'GPS Based Reduced-Dynamic Orbit Determination for Low Earth Orbiters with Ambiguity Fixing', International Journal of Aerospace Engineering, 2015, http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2015/723414
    Journal articles | 2014
    Yang Y; Li Y; Rizos C; Dempster AG; Yue X, 2014, 'Inter-satellite ranging augmented GPS relative navigation for satellite formation flying', Journal of Navigation, 67, pp. 437 - 449, http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0373463313000763
    Journal articles | 2014
    Yang Y; Yue X; Yuan J; Rizos C, 2014, 'Enhancing the kinematic precise orbit determination of low earth orbiters using GPS receiver clock modelling', Advances in Space Research, 54, pp. 1901 - 1912, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.asr.2014.07.016
  • Preprints | 2024
    Granier Q; Yang Y; Dempster A, 2024, HALO: A High-Precision Orbit Propagation Tool for Mission Design in the Cis-Lunar Domain, http://arxiv.org/abs/2410.03372v1
    Preprints | 2023
    Yang Y, 2023, Square-Root Higher-Order Unscented Estimators for Robust Orbit Determination, , http://arxiv.org/abs/2311.10452v2
    Preprints | 2023
    Zhang T; Shi P; Yang Y; Li W; Yue X, 2023, Continuous-discrete extended Kalman filter based parameter identification method for space robots in postcapture, http://dx.doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3176741/v1
    Preprints | 2022
    Shorten DP; Yang Y; Maclean J; Roughan M, 2022, Wide-scale Monitoring of Satellite Lifetimes: Pitfalls and a Benchmark Dataset, http://dx.doi.org/10.2514/1.A35642
    Conference Papers | 2021
    Chen J; Zhang Y; Yang Y; Qu C, 2021, 'Multi-target Track-to-Track Association Based on Relative Coordinate Assignment Matrix', in Proceedings of the 33rd Chinese Control and Decision Conference, CCDC 2021, pp. 1255 - 1260, http://dx.doi.org/10.1109/CCDC52312.2021.9602673
    Preprints | 2020
    Yang Y; Maj R; He C; Norman R; Kerr E; Carter BA; Currie JL; Gower S, 2020, Comparison of atmospheric mass density models using a new data source: COSMIC satellite ephemerides, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/essoar.10502170.1
    Conference Papers | 2020
    Yang Y, 2020, 'A Sequential L-p-norm Filter for Robust Estimation', in PROCEEDINGS OF 2020 23RD INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON INFORMATION FUSION (FUSION 2020), IEEE, ELECTR NETWORK, pp. 1228 - 1232, presented at 23rd International Conference on Information Fusion (FUSION), ELECTR NETWORK, 06 July 2020 - 09 July 2020, https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000659928700164&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=891bb5ab6ba270e68a29b250adbe88d1
    Conference Papers | 2020
    Yang Y, 2020, 'A Sequential Lp-norm filter for robust estimation', in Proceedings of 2020 23rd International Conference on Information Fusion, FUSION 2020, http://dx.doi.org/10.23919/FUSION45008.2020.9190602
    Conference Papers | 2019
    Yang Y; Cai H; Gong B; Norman R, 2019, 'Schmidt-Kalman Filter with Polynomial Chaos Expansion for State Estimation', in FUSION 2019 - 22nd International Conference on Information Fusion
    Conference Papers | 2018
    Cai H; Yang Y; Gehly S; Zhang K, 2018, 'SPACE-BASED MULTI-SENSOR MULTI-TARGET TRACKING FOR GEOSYNCHRONOUS SPACE OBJECTS', Changsha, China, presented at 4th IAA Conference on Dynamics and Control of Space Systems (DYCOSS), Changsha, China, 21 May 2018 - 23 May 2018
    Conference Papers | 2018
    Gong B; Shi J; Li W; Yang Y, 2018, 'Range-only relative navigation for periodic motion during close-in proximity operations', in Advances in the Astronautical Sciences, pp. 509 - 519
    Conference Papers | 2017
    Cai H; Yang Y; Gehly S; Wu S; Zhang K, 2017, 'Improved tracklet association for space debris using short-arc optical measurements', in Proceedings of the International Astronautical Congress, IAC, pp. 11526 - 11538
    Conference Papers | 2017
    Yang Y; Cai H, 2017, 'Analysis of adaptive Gaussian mixture unscented kalman filter using sparse optical observations for initial orbit determination', in Proceedings of the International Astronautical Congress, IAC, pp. 3997 - 4004
    Conference Papers | 2016
    Cai H; Yang Y; Gehly S; Wu S; Afful M; Zhang K, 2016, 'Relative state estimation of space debris based on the stereo-vision measurement system', in AIAA/AAS Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, 2016
    Conference Papers | 2014
    Yang Y; Yue X; Li Y; Rizos C; Demspter AG, 2014, 'GPS Receiver Clock Modelling for Kinematic-Based Precise Orbit Determination of Low Earth Orbiters', in Sun J (ed.), China Satellite Navigation Conference (CSNC) 2014 Proceedings: Volume III, Springer, Nanjing, China, pp. 133 - 142, presented at China Satellite Navigation Conference (CSNC) 2014, Nanjing, China, 21 May 2014 - 23 May 2014, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-54740-9_12
    Conference Papers | 2013
    Li P; Yue X; Yang Y; Chi X; Luo G, 2013, 'A novel nonlinear guidance scheme for power-limited autonomous rendezvous with fixed docking direction and collision avoidance constranits', in Proceedings of the International Astronautical Congress, IAC, pp. 5215 - 5223

Lead CI: “Passage Prediction for Mega-Constellation Satellites”, NSW Space Research Network Pilot Project, UNSW Sydney/Macquarie University, 2023-2024.

Co-CI: "Revolutionising Space Tracking Sensor Network Management: A Multidisciplinary Approach with Digital Twin and Machine Learning", UNSW Faculty of Engineering GROW Early Career Academic Grants Program, 2023.

Lead-CI: "Upgrading Physics C14 Telescope for Satellite Tracking", UNSW MECH Research Infrastructure Scheme, 2023. 

Goldstar Award, UNSW Faculty of Engineering.

Dr. Yang Yang's research interests revolve around unraveling behaviours of Resident Space Objects (RSOs) through the intricate web of tracking data, fostering a deeper understanding of Space Positioning, Navigation & Timing (PNT) and Space Situational Awareness (SSA). With an insatiable curiosity, he seeks to predict and comprehend the nuanced patterns exhibited by these man-made entities. 

Drawing upon his extensive expertise in astrodynamics, Dr. Yang delves into the realm of nonlinear/non-Gaussian filtering/estimation, data association, GNSS measurement processing, precise orbit determination, and the multifaceted techniques that encompass PNT and SSA. His arsenal of skills encompasses a diverse range of methodologies, all aimed at unraveling the nature of RSOs within the confines of our increasingly crowded, congested, and contaminated space environment.

Currently, Dr. Yang immerses himself in the realm of data inference, seeking to quantify the behavioural essence of RSOs and advance the emerging PNT applications within the cislunar environment. Delving deep into the analysis of satellite "patterns of life," he passionately strives to enhance the accuracy and robustness of statistical orbit determination. Additionally, he actively explores the realm of lunar navigation, aiming to improve its efficiency through inter-satellite crosslinks. Dr. Yang's work serves as a catalyst in bridging the gap between academia and industry, fostering a symbiotic relationship that propels the future of enhanced space traffic.

My Research Supervision

Some ongoing projects:

  • Quentin Granier (Research Associate): Cislunar orbit propagator
  • Rameez Malik (PhD): Lunar Navigation Design
  • Enbai Ji (MPhil): Inter-satellite Link Augmented Lunar Navigation
  • Ansh Panchal (Honours): Cislunar orbit determination
  • Anthony Carbone (Honours): A Low-cost Mobile Phone Satellite Tracking Solution 
  • Jaydon Barakat (Honours): Estimation as Applied to Satellite Manoeuvre Characterisation 
  • Joshua Kim (Honours): Astrometric Positioning for Space Situational Awareness
  • Mark Huang (Honours): On-board Satellite Detection for Space Situational Awareness

Completed:

  • Aisha Kozak (Honours): Optimising Resident Space Object Detection Rates of Single-frame Streak Determination Algorithm
  • Ahmed Ahmed (Postdoc): Passage Prediction for Mega-Constellation Satellites
  • Ibrahim Fuad (Honours): Satellite Manoeuver Epoch Estimation From Optical Measurements Using Machine Learning
  • Mallory Justis (Practicum Exchange): Design and Calculation of Mars Trajectory on GMAT

My Teaching

AERO9500 - Satellite Systems Architectures and Orbits

AERO9610 - The Space Segment 

MMAN4951/4952/4953 and MMAN9451/9452/9453 - Thesis Projects