August 2026
ResearchAerospace Engineering · Estimation · Control
Chiran Binnu Cherian
Ph.D. Student in Aerospace Engineering
Iowa State University · Ames, Iowa
Researcher working at the intersection of spacecraft navigation and estimation, optimal control, and machine learning for engineering systems. My work spans nonlinear and higher-order filtering for space applications, stochastic optimal control and covariance steering, and data-driven characterization of advanced materials.
Chiran Binnu Cherian
Estimation · Control · Autonomy · ML
About
Research across estimation, control, and intelligent systems
I am pursuing a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering at Iowa State University after completing my M.S. in Aerospace Engineering at Iowa State and my B.Tech. in Mechanical Engineering at Vellore Institute of Technology.
My work combines mathematical estimation and control theory with computational methods, aerospace applications, and data-driven engineering.
More about me →Current Focus
Nonlinear Estimation
Higher-order and polynomial Kalman-filter updates under nonlinear and non-Gaussian uncertainty.
Covariance Steering
Risk-sensitive optimal control and continuous-time LEQG covariance steering.
Engineering Machine Learning
Data-driven prediction and characterization of material behavior.
Research
Research constellations
Three connected research directions define my current work.
01
Space Autonomy, Navigation, and Estimation
Nonlinear and higher-order state estimation for aerospace systems, including quadratic and polynomial Kalman-filter updates, non-Gaussian uncertainty, sigma-point methods, and spacecraft navigation.
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02
Optimal Control
Stochastic optimal control, risk-sensitive control, covariance steering, nonlinear optimization, and trajectory optimization for uncertain dynamical systems.
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03
AI/ML for Engineering Materials
Machine-learning and statistical methods for prediction and characterization of mechanical and wear behavior in composite engineering materials.
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Publications
Selected scholarly work
01
Linear Exponential Quadratic Gaussian Covariance Steering
Under Review · arXiv · 2026
Optimal Control
02
Polynomial Updates for the Unscented Kalman Filter
Under Review · arXiv · 2026
Space Navigation & Estimation
03
Machine Learning Based Prediction on Mechanical and Wear Characterization of Sisal Fiber Reinforced Dolomite Dust-Epoxy Hybrid Composites
Journal of Materials Research and Technology · 2026
AI/ML for Engineering Materials
Experience
From theory to engineering practice
My background spans graduate research, aerospace and marine engineering internships, graduate teaching, trajectory optimization, astrodynamics, and student rocketry.
View full experience →Research
Spacecraft estimation, covariance steering, and engineering materials.
Industry
Aerospace manufacturing, marine engineering, quality control, CAD, and fabrication.
Teaching
Graduate Linear Systems instruction, computational examples, and student support.
Leadership
University rocketry, recovery systems, testing, and engineering leadership.
Mission Log
Recent updates
2026
ManuscriptLEQG Covariance Steering Manuscript Under Review
2026
ManuscriptPolynomial Kalman Filtering Manuscript Under Review
2026
Publication