• BS, Mechanical Engineering, University of Kentucky, 1983
• MS, Aerospace Engineering, Purdue University, 1985
• Ph D, Aerospace Engineering Sciences, University of Colorado, 1994
• MBA, Penn State University, 2010

Journal Articles

Davide Conte and David B Spencer, 2018, "Mission analysis for Earth to Mars-Phobos Distant Retrograde Orbits", Acta Astronautica

Jason Reiter and David B Spencer, 2018, "Solutions to Rapid Collision-Avoidance Maneuvers Constrained by Mission Performance Requirements", Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets

Davide Conte and David B Spencer, 2018, "Earth-Mars transfers through Moon Distant Retrograde Orbits", Acta Astronautica

Davide Conte, Marilana DiCarlo, Koki Ho, David B Spencer and Massimiliano Vasile, 2018, "Earth-Mars transfers through Moon Distant Retrograde Orbits", Acta Astronautica

Philip L Myers and David B Spencer, 2016, "Application of a Multi-Objective Evolutionary Algorithm to the Spacecraft Stationkeeping Problem", Acta Astronautica, 127, pp. 76-86

Jason A Reiter and David B Spencer, 2016, "Technique to Optimize for Engine Shutoff Constraints in Electric Propulsion Trajectories", 53, (4), pp. 782-786

David B Spencer and Brian S Shank, 2016, "Trade Space Visualization Applied to Lambert’s Problem for Elliptical Insertion Orbits", Acta Astronautica

Andrew J Abraham, David B Spencer and Terry J Hart, 2016, "Early Mission Design of Transfers to Halo Orbits via Particle Swarm Optimization", Journal of the Astronautical Sciences, 63, (2), pp. 82-102

M V Paul, D B Spencer, S E Lego and J P Muncks, 2014, "The Penn State Lunar Lion: A University Mission to Explore the Moon", Acta Astronautica, 96, pp. 65-77

P. S. Williams, David B Spencer and R. S. Erwin, 2013, "Coupling of Estimation and Sensor Tasking Applied to Satellite Tracking", Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics, 36, (4), pp. 993-1007

J.-S. Kim, J. V. Urbina, T. J. Kane and David B Spencer, 2011, "Improvement of TIE-GCM thermospheric density predictions via incorporation of helium data from NRLMSISE-00"

D. D. Jordan, D. B. Spencer, David B Spencer, M. A. Yukish and G. M. Stump, 2010, "Optimal Continuous-Thrust Trajectories via Visual Trade Space Exploration", Journal of the Astronautical Sciences

B.-N. Kang, David B Spencer, S. Tang and D. Jordan, 2010, "Optimal Periodic Cruise Trajectories via a Two-Level Optimization Method", Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, 47, (4), pp. 597-613

C. Binz, David B Spencer, D. A. Levin and T. W. Simpson, 2010, "Designing for the Space Environment via Trade Space Exploration", Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, 47, (6), pp. 1070-1073

C. J. Scott and David B Spencer, 2010, "Transfers to Sticky Distant Retrograde Orbits", Journal of Guidance, Control and Dynamics, 33, (6), pp. 1940-1946

C. J. Scott and David B Spencer, 2010, "Calculating Transfer Families to Periodic Distant Retrograde Orbits Using Differential Correction", Journal of Guidance, Control and Dynamics, 33, (5), pp. 1592-1605

J. C. Benavides and David B Spencer, 2010, "The four-body linear equations of planar relative motion", Acta Astronautica, 66, (1-2), pp. 285-300

J. S. Kim, David B Spencer, T. J. Kane and J. Urbina, 2009, "Thermospheric density model blending techniques: Bridging the gap between satellites and sounding rockets", Radio Sci., 44, pp. RS0A22

P.-S. Hur, R. G. Melton and David B Spencer, 2008, "Meeting Science Requirements for Attitude Determination and Control in a Low-Power, Spinning Nanosatellite", Journal of Aerospace Engineering, Sciences and Applications, 1, (1), pp. 25-33

A. Mathew and David B Spencer, 2008, "Incorporating Cooperative Learning Activities into Traditional Aerospace Engineering Curricula", The Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education and Research, 17, (3), pp. 25-38

C. R. Scott and David B Spencer, 2007, "Optimal Reconfiguration of Satellites in Formation", Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, 44, (1), pp. 230-239

C. R. Bessette and David B Spencer, 2007, "A Performance Comparison of Stochastic Search Algorithms on the Interplanetary Gravity Assist Trajectory Problem", Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, 44, (3), pp. 722-724

R. L. Kobrick and David B Spencer, 2007, "Optimizing Trajectories for Suborbital Human Spaceflight", Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, 44, (2), pp. 460-463

M. A. Wissler, David B Spencer and R. G. Melton, 2007, "Coast-Arc Orbit Stability During Spiral-Down Trajectories about Irregularly Shaped Body", Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, 44, (1), pp. 254-263

M. A. Wissler, David B Spencer and R. G. Melton, 2007, "Orbit Stability for Unexpected Coast-Arcs During Spiral Down trajectories about an Irregularly Shaped Body", Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, 44, (1), pp. 254-263

M. P. Ferringer and David B Spencer, 2006, "Satellite Constellation Design Trade-offs Using Multiple-Objective Evolutionary Computing", Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, 43, (6), pp. 1404-1411

W. J. Chadwick, David B Spencer and R. G. Melton, 2006, "Visibility of Ground SItes for Beacon/Relays on the Martian Moons", Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, 43, (1), pp. 228-230

David B Spencer, R. G. Melton and S. G. Chianese, 2006, "Selecting Projects for a Capstone Spacecraft Design Course from Real World Solicitations", Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education and Research, 16, (1), pp. 27-40

S. G. Bilen, C. R. Philbrick, T. F. Wheeler, J. D. Mathews, R. G. Melton and David B Spencer, 2006, "An Overview of Space Science and Engineering Education at Penn State", IEEE Aerospace and Electronic Systems Magazine, 21, (7), pp. S23-S27

J. Igarashi and David B Spencer, 2005, "Optimal Continuous Thrust Orbit Transfer Using Evolutionary Algorithms", Journal of Guidance, Control and Dynamics, 28, (3), pp. 547-549

H. Yamato and David B Spencer, 2004, "Orbit Transfer via Tube Jumping in Planar Restricted Problems of Four Bodies", Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, 42, (2), pp. 321-328

H. Yamato and David B Spencer, 2004, "Trajectory Design for Planar Circular and Elliptical Restricted Three-Body Problems with Perturbation", Journal of Guidance, Control and Dynamics, 27, (6), pp. 1035-1045

P.-S. Hur, R. G. Melton and David B Spencer, 2004, "Attitude Determination and Control of a Nanosatellite Using the Geomagnetic Field Data and Sun Sensors", Advances in the Astronautical Sciences

C. J. Scott and David B Spencer, 2004, "Coupled Effects of Initial Orbit Plane on Orbit Lifetime in the Three Body Problem", Advances in the Astronautical Sciences

W. J. Chadwick III, David B Spencer and R. G. Melton, 2004, "Geometric Analysis of Visibility of Mission Support Infrastructure for Phobos and Deimos", Advances in the Astronautical Sciences

A. L. Faulds and David B Spencer, 2003, "Satellite Close Approach Filtering Using Genetic Algorithms", Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, 40, (2), pp. 248-252

Y. H. Kim and David B Spencer, 2002, "Optimal Orbital Rendezvous Using Genetic Algorithms", Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, 39, (6), pp. 859-865

A. E. Herman and David B Spencer, 2002, "Optimal, Low-Thrust Earth-Orbit Transfers Using Higher-Order Collocation Methods", Journal of Guidance, Control and Dynamics, 25, (1), pp. 40-47

T. Cichan, R. G. Melton and David B Spencer, 2001, "Control Laws for Minimum Orbital Changes - The Satellite Retrieval Problem", Journal of Guidance, Control and Dynamics, 24, (5), pp. 1231-1233

David B Spencer, K. K. Luu, W. S. Campbell, M. E. Sorge and A. B. Jenkin, 2001, "Orbital Debris Hazard Assessment Methodologies for Satellite Constellations", Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, 38, (1), pp. 120-125

David B Spencer, C. B. Hogge, W. S. Campbell, M. E. Sorge and S. R. McWaters, 2000, "Some Technical Issues of an Optically-Focused Small Space Debris Tracking and Cataloguing System", Space Debris, 2, (3), pp. 137-160

David B Spencer and R. D. Culp, 1995, "Designing Continuous-Thrust Low-Earth-Orbit to Geosynchronous-Earth-Orbit Transfers", Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, 32, (6), pp. 1033-1038

V. A. Chobotov and David B Spencer, 1991, "Debris Evolution and Lifetime Following an Orbital Breakup", Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, 28, (6), pp. 670-676

K. C. Howell and David B Spencer, 1986, "Periodic Orbits in the Restricted Four-Body Problem", Acta Astronautica, 13, (8), pp. 473-479

Conference Proceedings

David B Spencer, 2017, "Trade Space Visualization Applied to Space Flight Engineering Design", Advances in the Astronautical Sciences

Koundrya Kuppa and David B Spencer, 2016, "Long-Term Orbit Propagation Using Symplectic Integration Algorithms"

Jason A Reiter and David B Spencer, 2016, "Trading Spacecraft Fuel Use and Mission Performance to Determine the Optimal Collision Probability in Emergency Collision Avoidance Scenarios"

Mollik Nayyar and David B Spencer, 2016, "Using Particle Swarm Optimization for Earth-Return Trajectories from Libration Point Orbits", AAS 17-410, AAS/AIAA Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, San Antonio, TX, February 5-9, 2017

Mark Bolden, Paul Schumacher, David B Spencer, Islam Hussein, Matthew Wilkins and Chrs Roscoe, 2016, "Computer Vision and Computational Intelligence for Real-Time Multi-Modal Space Domain Awareness", AAS 17-449, AAS/AIAA Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, San Antonio, TX, February 5-9, 2017.

Y. Razoumny, David B Spencer, B. Agrawal, J Kreisel, S A Koupreev, V Razoumny and Y Makarov, 2016, "The Concept of On-Orbit Servicing for Next Generation Space Systems Development and Its Key Technologies"

Davide Conte and David B Spencer, 2016, "Preliminary Study on Relative Motion and Rendezvous Between Spacecraft in the Restricted Three-Body Problem", Advances in the Astronautical Sciences

Jason A Reiter and David B Spencer, 2016, "An Analytical Solution to Quick-Response Collision Avoidance Maneuvers in Low Earth Orbit", Advances in the Astronautical Sciences

Davide Conte and David B Spencer, 2016, "PSemi-analytical Methods for Computing Delta-V and Time Optimal Rendezvous Maneuvers in Cis-lunar Halo Orbits", Advances in the Astronautical Sciences

Davide Conte, David B Spen ander, , 2015, "Targeting the Martian Moons via Direct Insertion into Mars’ Orbit", Advances in the Astronautical Sciences

Davide Conte, Marilena Di Carlo, Koki Ho, David B Spencer and Massimiliano Vasile, 2015, ""Earth-Mars Transfers through Moon Distant Retrograde Orbits""

Andrew M.S. Goodyear and David B Spencer, 2015, "Optimal Low-Thrust Geostationary Transfer Orbit Using Legendre-Gauss-Radau Collocation", Advances in the Astronautical Sciences

Michael J Policelli and David B Spencer, 2015, "Vertical Takeoff Vertical Landing Spacecraft Trajectory Optimization Via Direct Collocation and Nonlinear Programming", Advances in the Astronautical Sciences

Jason A Reiter and David B Spencer, 2015, "Optimization of Many-Revolution, Electric-Propulsion Trajectories with Engine Shutoff Constraints", Advances in the Astronautical Sciences

P L Myers and David B Spencer, 2014, "Application of a Multi-Objective Evolutionary Algorithm to the Spacecraft Stationkeeping Problem"

L J DiGirolamo, A H Hoskins, K A Hacker and David B Spencer, 2014, "A Hybrid Motion Planning Algorithm for Safe and Efficient Close Proximity, Autonomous Spacecraft Missions"

A J Abraham, David B Spencer and T J Hart, 2014, "Particle Swarm Optimization of 2-Manuver, Impulsive Transfers from LEO to Lagrange Point Orbits", 24th International Symposium on Space Flight Dynamics, Laurel, MD

A J Abraham, David B Spencer and T J Hart, 2014, "Preliminary 2-D Optimization of Low-Thrust, Geocentric-to-Halo-Orbit Transfers via Particle Swarm Optimization"

C L Hassa, David B Spencer and S G Bilén, 2014, "Drag Coefficient Estimation Using Satellite Attitude and Orbit Data"

P. S. Williams, David B Spencer and R. S. Erwin, 2012, "Comparison of Two Single-Step, Myopic Sensor Management Decision Processes Applied to Space Situational Awareness", AAS/AIAA Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, AAS 12-112

P. S. Williams, David B Spencer and R. S. Erwin, 2012, "Utilizing Stability Metrics to Aid in Sensor Network Management Solutions for Satellite Tracking Problems", AAS 12-111, AAS/AIAA Space Flight Mechanics Meeting

M. P. Ferringer, David B Spencer and P. S. Reed, 2009, "Many-objective reconfiguration of operational satellite constellations with the Large-Cluster Epsilon Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm-II", IEEE Congress on Evolutionary Computation, CEC '09, pp. 340-349

David B Spencer and F. A. Acon-Chen, 2004, "An Analytical Approach for Continuous-Thrust, LEO-Molniya Transfers", AIAA/AAS Astrodynamics Specialists Conference, AIAA 2004-5090

J. Igarashi and David B Spencer, 2004, "Optimal Continuous Thrust Orbit Transfer Using Evolutionary Algorithms", AIAA/AAS Astrodynamics Specialists Conference, AIAA 2004-5085

D. W. Haeberle, David B Spencer and T. A. Ely, 2004, "Interplanetary Navigation Using a Distributed Deep Space Network Architecture", AIAA/AAS Astrodynamics Specialists Conference, AIAA 2004-4744

M. A. Wissler, David B Spencer and R. G. Melton, 2004, "Low Altitude Orbit Stability of the Dawn Spacecraft Around the Asteroid Vesta", AIAA/AAS Astrodynamics Specialists Conference, AIAA 2004-4861

Other

K. Liang, J. Yuan and David B Spencer, 2013, "The Use of Invariant Manifolds for Low-Energy Earth-Moon Transfers of Lunar Landing Missions"

A. J. Abraham, David B Spencer and T. J. Hart, 2013, "Optimization of Preliminary Low-Thrust Trajectories from Geo-Energy Orbits to Earth-Moon, L1, Lagrange Point Orbits Using Particle Swarm Optimization"

David B Spencer and B. S. Shank, 2013, "Preliminary Development of an Optimized Lambert Problem Solver for Targets in Elliptical Orbits"

R. E. Kelly-McKennon, P. S. Reed, David B Spencer and M. P. Ferringer, 2013, "Model Diagnostics and Dynamic Emulation: Enhancing the Understanding and Impact of Complex Models in Satellite Constellation Design"

M. V. Paul and David B Spencer, 2012, "The Penn State Lunar Lion: A University Mission to Explore the Moon"

P. S. Williams, David B Spencer, R. S. Erwin and K. J. DeMars, 2012, "The Effects of Uncertainty Estimation on Dynamic Sensor Tasking"

K. Liang, David B Spencer and J. Yuan, 2012, "Optimizing the Perilune of Lunar Landing Trajectories Using Dynamical Systems Theory"

P. S. Williams, David B Spencer and R. S. Erwin, 2012, "Comparison of Two Single-Step, Myopic Sensor Management Decision Processes Applied to Space Situational Awareness"

P. S. Williams, David B Spencer and R. S. Erwin, 2011, "Coupling of Nonlinear Estimation and Dynamic Sensor Tasking Applied to Space Situational Awareness", pp. AAS 11-575

C. J. Polito and David B Spencer, 2011, "The Probability of Asteroid-Earth Collisions by way of the Positional Uncertainty Ellipsoid", pp. AAS 11-409

J. C. Benavides and David B Spencer, 2010, "Analytic Solutions of the N-Body Problem", pp. AAS 10-186

J. C. Benavides and David B Spencer, 2010, "Analytic Solutions of the Two-Body Problem", pp. AAS 10-182

C. J. Scott and David B Spencer, 2009, "Transfers to Periodic Distant Retrograde Orbits"

C. J. Scott and David B Spencer, 2009, "Transfers to Sticky Distant Retrograde Orbits"

J. C. Benavides and David B Spencer, 2009, "The Two-Dimensional Linearized Equations of Perturbed Relative Motion"

P. S. Williams and David B Spencer, 2009, "Applications of Non-Linear Constrained Optimization Methods and an Evolutionary Strategy on Low-Thrust LEO to Molniya and LEO to GEO Orbit Transfers"

D. D. Jordan, David B Spencer, T. W. Simpson, M. A. Yukish and G. M. Stump, 2009, "Optimal Continuous-Thrust Orbit Transfers via Trade Space Exploration"

Y.-T. Ahn and David B Spencer, 2009, "Preliminary Result of Attitude Control System of a Spacecraft Using Shifting Mass Distribution"

B. Kang, David B Spencer, S. Tang and D. D. Jordan, 2009, "Study of Optimal Periodic Cruise Trajectories via Tradespace Visualization"

T. W. Simpson, David B Spencer, M. A. Yukish and G. M. Stump, 2008, "Visual Steering Commands and Test Problems to Support Research in Trade Space Exploration"

J. C. Benavides and David B Spencer, 2008, "Orbit Phasing Analysis for Elliptical Orbits"

David B Spencer, D. D. Jordan, T. W. Simpson, M. A. Yukish and G. M. Stump, 2008, "Optimal Spacecraft Trajectories via Trade Space Exploration"

J. C. Benavides and David B Spencer, 2008, "Preliminary Assessment of the Next Generation Equations of Relative Motion"

C. J. Scott and David B Spencer, 2008, "Stability Mapping of Distant Retrograde Orbits and Transports in the Circular Restricted Three-Body Problem"

J.-S. Kim, David B Spencer, T. J. Kane and J. V. Urbina, 2008, "A Blending Technique in Thermospheric Density Modeling"

M. P. Ferringer, David B Spencer, P. M. Reed, R. S. Clifton and T. G. Thompson, 2008, "Pareto-Hypervolumes for the Reconfiguration of Satellite Constellations"

P. S. Williams and David B Spencer, 2008, "Preliminary Findings Concerning Applications of Non-Linear Constrained Optimization Methods on Low-Thrust Orbit Transfers"

T. R. Stodgell and David B Spencer, 2007, "Satellite Rendezvous Tours Using Multiobjective Evolutionary Optimization"

J. C. Benavides and David B Spencer, 2007, "Sun-Earth Triangular Lagrange Point Orbit Insertion and Satellite Station Keeping"

J. R. O'Malley and David B Spencer, 2006, "Formation Flight Control for Modeling Interferometric Aperture Planes"

C. R. Bessette and David B Spencer, 2006, "Identifying Optimal Interplanetary Trajectories through a Genetic Approach"

R. L. Kobrick and David B Spencer, 2006, "Optimizing Trajectories for Suborbital Human Spaceflight", pp. Paper AAS 06-199

C. R. Bessette and David B Spencer, 2006, "Optimal Space Trajectory Design: A Heuristic-Based Approach", pp. Paper AAS 06-197

M. P. Ferringer and David B Spencer, 2005, "Satellite Constellation Design Optimization via Multiple-Objective Evolutionary Computation"

C. J. Scott and David B Spencer, 2005, "Optimal Bounded Low-Thrust Reconfiguration for Close Proximity Earth Orbiting Satellites"

David B Spencer, R. G. Melton and S. G. Chianese, 2003, "Selecting Projects for a Capstone Spacecraft Design Course", pp. Paper AAS 03-503

K. A. Akins, L. M. Healy and David B Spencer, 2003, "Localized Atmospheric Density Model Validation Using High Eccentricity Satellite Observations", pp. Paper AAS 03-628

H. Yamato and David B Spencer, 2003, "Numerical Investigation of Perturbation Effects on Orbital Classifications in the Restricted Three-Body Problem", pp. Paper AAS 03-235

Y. T. Ahn and David B Spencer, 2002, "Optimal Reconfiguration of a Formation Flying Constellation"

• Frank J. Malina Astronautics Medal, International Astronautical Federation, October 2018

Service to Penn State:

Service to External Organizations: