Luke Walker (MS, AE 2012) received first place in the 20th annual Frank J. Redd Student Scholarship Competition at the Small Satellite Conference in Logan, Utah on August 15, 2012. Luke's paper is entitled "Automated Proximity Operations Using Image-Based Relative Navigation."

His work focuses on the development of an automated navigation system for orbital proximity operations using continuous thrust propulsion and passive visible and infrared imaging. His research has been developed under the advisement of Prof. David Spencer as part of the Prox-1 University Nanosat project within the Center for Space Systems and the Space Systems Design Laboratory. Luke received a $10,000 award along with this honor.