Ciara McGrath

Ciara McGrath is a Lecturer in Aerospace Systems at the University of Manchester, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. Her research focuses on Astrodynamics and Space Mission Design, with an emphasis on developing sustainable approaches to space mission design. She is involved in projects such as ad-ASSTRA, which aims to create a sustainable space technology roadmapping architecture, and SURROUND, which involves monitoring solar radio bursts using a constellation of CubeSats. McGrath also coordinates several courses, including AERO21111: Space Systems and AERO43520: Advanced Research Project. She is an Associate Editor for the AIAA Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets and is actively engaged in public outreach to make complex engineering concepts accessible to a broader audience.

Ciara McGrath is a researcher at the University of Manchester with expertise in Astrodynamics, Space Mission Analysis, Space Mission Design, and Space Sustainability. Her work focuses on satellite constellation design, low-thrust maneuver optimization, and spaceborne lidar systems for global coverage. McGrath has contributed to studies on very low Earth orbits, reconfigurable satellite constellations, and delay-tolerant networks for satellite scheduling. Her research addresses challenges in space sustainability, spacecraft design, and mission planning for Earth observation and scientific applications. She has explored analytical methods for satellite deployment and reconnaissance, emphasizing cost-effective and responsive space systems.