Ava R. Smithe, PhD
Chief Innovation Officer Mars Autonomous Systems Division
Contact Ava
ava.smithe@ellsnasa.orgPioneer in Autonomous Systems
As ELLSnasa's Chief Innovation Officer, Dr. Ava R. Smithe leads the development of AI-driven systems for deep-space exploration. With over 20 years of experience in aerospace technology, she has spearheaded breakthroughs in autonomous navigation, robotic systems, and AI decision-making frameworks for hostile extraterrestrial environments.
Dr. Smithe holds three NASA innovation awards for her leadership in creating the first self-adaptive Martian exploration units capable of real-time environmental analysis. Her recent project, AEGIS 2.0, has revolutionized on-planet data processing for rover missions.
Key Achievements
- • Led 50+ deep-space robotics projects
- • Published 115+ peer-reviewed research papers
- • Developed 3 generations of autonomous mining drones
- • Patents in self-repairing AI systems
Current Research
- • Self-aware systems for lunar habitats
- • Quantum AI networks for Mars rovers
- • Autonomous mineral prospecting algorithms
- • Bio-inspired decision-making frameworks
Career Milestones
A Journey of Innovation and Leadership
2020-2025
ELLSnasa - Chief Innovation Officer
Revolutionized autonomous systems for space exploration, developed AEGIS 2.0 adaptive AI framework, and oversaw the development of the first self-sustaining lunar base prototypes.
2010-2019
MIT - Autonomous Systems Research
Led development of the Mars 2020 Perseverance mobility module. Received 2015 NASA Innovator of the Year for adaptive AI navigation systems.
2000-2009
Stanford University - PhD Robotics
Research focus on swarm intelligence and distributed AI systems. Developed foundational algorithms for collaborative planetary exploration robots.
Key Research Areas
Adaptive AI Systems
Development of context-aware AI for extreme environments, enabling real-time decision-making in unknown planetary conditions.
Swarm Robotics
Collective intelligence frameworks for large-scale planetary deployment and collaborative task execution.
Self-Repairing Systems
Autonomous diagnostics and maintenance protocols for long-term interplanetary missions.
Featured Publications
2024 - "Evolving AI: Autonomous System Adaptation on Mars"
2023 - "Swarm Logistics: Planetary Exploration Optimization"
2022 - "Bio-Inspired Computing Frameworks for Extraterrestrial Applications"
Awards & Recognition
Honors for Innovation in Aerospace Engineering
2024
NASA Distinguished Achievement Medal
2023
MIT Technology Review Innovators Under 35
2021
IEEE Fellow in Systems Science