Jong-Eun “Jaden”Suh
- jsuh@utexas.edu
- ASE 5.208
Nonlinear mechanics of lightweight space structures; In-space assembly and manufacturing; Origami-inspired deployable and reconfigurable structures; Intelligent and adaptive structures
About
Jongeun Suh’s research is focused on the mechanics, design and construction of large-scale, mass-efficient and high-precision space structures. His work spans origami-inspired designs for deployable and reconfigurable structures, the integration of active and smart materials that add multifunctionality, and in-space assembly architectures that build structures far larger than a launch vehicle can carry. He is particularly interested in the structural mechanics unique to structures that fold, adapt or are assembled in orbit, and in translating that understanding into scalable space systems.
Suh joined the ASE/EM department as an assistant professor in Fall 2026. He received his Ph.D. in aerospace engineering from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, where he developed origami-based reconfigurable tubular structures whose stiffness and stability can be tuned. He then moved to Caltech’s Space Structures Laboratory as a postdoctoral scholar, where he proposed an in-space assembly architecture that builds tension truss reflectors using a stationary robotic facility. He designed and built its flight system, launched in 2026 to demonstrate autonomous structural assembly in orbit.
Educational Qualifications
Ph.D., Aerospace Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 2022
M.S., Aerospace Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 2017
B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 2015