Josep J. Masdemont

Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) • Full Professor

Josep J. Masdemont, full professor at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya in Barcelona, is a recognized specialist in the field of Astrodynamics and Celestial Mechanics, with a distinguished career marked by substantial contributions to the theoretical and applied study of dynamical systems in space. His work has had a significant influence on the understanding of libration point dynamics in the Restricted Three-Body Problem and in more complex multi-body regimes, particularly in the development of advanced dynamical system concepts for mission design.

One of Prof. Masdemont’s most influential research areas involves the analysis of invariant manifolds and their role in enabling low-energy transfers. During his PhD work within the Dynamical Systems Group of Barcelona, he introduced the use of invariant manifolds for designing transfer trajectories for the SOHO mission—a concept that has since become foundational in the field. His research on halo orbits, quasi-periodic orbits, and heteroclinic connections has laid the groundwork for trajectory design in missions such as Genesis, Herschel, Planck, and Chang’e-2, as well as in future solar sail navigation.

In addition to his pioneering work on libration point dynamics, Prof. Masdemont has advanced computational methods for the study of dynamical stability and resonance phenomena. His contributions include the application of normal forms and Lindstedt series to analyze non-linear behavior; the development of techniques for uncertainty propagation in trajectory prediction and formation flying; and research in galactic dynamics aimed at understanding large-scale gravitational structures. His interdisciplinary approach, combining rigorous mathematical modeling with practical applications, has earned him recognized standing in the diverse community of space scientists and engineers.

Events

International Astronautical Congress 2025

29 September - 3 October 2025

Sydney, Australia

Participation:

Participation