Hao Chen

Dr. Hao Chen is the director of the Complex Engineering Systems Lab and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Systems and Enterprises. His research program focuses on resolving emerging design challenges of complex engineering systems leveraging theories of complexity science. Our lab has a particular interest in space systems design. Meanwhile, the theories and methods from this research direction are generic that can be used for any complex systems design, especially for systems under extreme environments or at extreme scales. Interested research areas include, <u><b>Thrust I: Space Systems Engineering :</b></u> • Space Logistics • Space Resource Utilization • Multi-Mission Space Campaign Planning • In-Space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (ISAM) • Space Commercialization • Space Debris Remediation, Management, and Active Removal <u><b>Thrust II: Complexity Science:</b></u> • Quantum Computing for Engineering Systems • Quantum Algorithms • AI and Machine Learning <u><b>Thrust III: Humans in Space:</b></u> • Human Factors and Behavioral Performance in Space • Human-System Integration in Isolated, Confined, and Extreme (ICE) environments • Deep Space Habitats • Spacesuit Systems

[J16] A. Abdul-Hamid and H. Chen, “System Level Analysis and Management of Orbital Debris Using Empirical Dynamic Modeling,” Journal of Aerospace Information Systems. (Accepted). [J15] A. Abdul-Hamid, B. D. Pearl, H. Lee and H. Chen, “Space Logistics Analysis and Incentive Design for Commercialization of Orbital Debris Remediation,” Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, Vol. 63, No. 1, pp. 218-230, 2026. [J14] I. Pena and H. Chen, “Exploring Team Dynamics and Performance in Extended Space Missions Using Agent-Based Modeling,” PLOS One, Vol. 20, No. 10, e0332496, 2025. [J13] E. Gkaravela, H. Lee and H. Chen, “Distributed Space Resource Logistics Architecture Optimization under Economies of Scale,” Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, Vol. 62, No. 5, pp. 1654-1666, 2025. [J12] H. Lee, D. Rogers,