Generate a tailored SOP for Dr. Santosh Bhattarai. Improve your application with a focused, well-structured draft.
Santosh Bhattarai is a Lecturer in Space Geodesy at University College London, where he is also the founder and director of the Orbit Lab research group. His research addresses key challenges in Space Domain Awareness (SDA), translating advances in precise orbit determination into practical solutions for safer and more sustainable satellite operations. He originated the Orbit Domain Calibration (ODC) method, a novel technique that uses a network of reference satellites to improve the accuracy of space surveillance. This technology has been validated using on-orbit data, demonstrating significant potential to enhance tracking information quality and reduce the risk of orbital collisions. As a Principal Investigator, he has been competitively awarded research projects such as the UKRI Researcher Residence at the Satellite Applications Catapult (2023-2025), which aims to advance practical applications in the field. He collaborates with leading international partners including NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the European Space Agency, and serves as a trusted advisor to UK government and industry bodies. He is also a member of the UK Space Agency's Academic Working Group on Space Debris, where he provides expert advice to the Dstl-commissioned Orbital Uncertainty Working Group. Additionally, he serves on the Editorial Board of the journal GPS Solutions. Santosh holds a PhD in Global Satellite Systems from University College London and a BSc in Mathematics and Physics from the University of York. He is a Chartered Engineer and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.