Design, Optimize, Fly High – Georgia Tech's SDO Explained
What Is Georgia Tech System Design and Optimization? (Quick Facts & Fast Answers)
Georgia Tech system design and optimization is a world-leading research and educational ecosystem focused on building, analyzing, and improving complex systems—from aircraft and spacecraft to supply chains and AI-driven platforms. The program blends advanced engineering, data-driven optimization, and digital experimentation to help organizations design better, faster, and more cost-effectively.
Quick Guide: Georgia Tech System Design and Optimization—What You Need to Know
Key Aspect What It Means What is it? Multidisciplinary methods for designing and optimizing complex systems Who leads it? Global experts in aerospace, industrial engineering, and systems science Core focus areas Aerospace vehicles, space missions, supply chain, digital engineering Key labs & groups ASDL, SSDL, Space Systems Optimization Group (SSOG), ISyE Methodologies used Integer programming, network optimization, simulation, AI tools Real-world impact Faster innovation, lower costs, data-driven decisions, industry partnerships Who is it for? Engineers, business leaders, students, and tech innovators
“ASDL is a leader in the area of systems design, architecting, and optimization and is the largest lab of its kind in the world.”
If you’re a tech-savvy business leader or organization seeking smarter ways to engineer solutions, Georgia Tech’s system design and optimization ecosystem offers unrivaled expertise and proven results.
In the rest of this guide, you'll find how Georgia Tech brings together cutting-edge research, hands-on education, and real-world collaboration to help you design, optimize, and fly high—whatever your industry.
Why This Guide Matters
Let’s face it—innovation doesn’t just happen by accident. Whether you’re building rockets, reinventing your supply chain, or launching the next AI SaaS breakthrough, there’s a growing need for smarter, more cost-effective system design. The stakes are higher than ever, and getting it right can mean the difference between leading the pack and playing catch-up.
That’s where Georgia Tech system design and optimization comes in. Their research, tools, and educational programs are powering real progress, from aerospace to analytics. But let’s be honest—most guides on this subject are either too technical, too fluffy, or just plain confusing. This guide is different. We’ve written it to be your shortcut to understanding exactly how Georgia Tech’s SDO ecosystem is shaping the future—and how you (or your business) can benefit.
You’ll see how cutting-edge methods, like advanced optimization and digital prototyping, aren’t just buzzwords—they’re practical tools that solve real-world problems. We’ll highlight not just the technology, but the people and labs making it happen. And we’ll show you how these ideas connect directly to your world—whether you’re an engineer, a business leader, or someone just curious about how the future gets built.
Throughout this guide, you’ll find quick-links, skim-friendly tips, and real case studies, so you can jump straight to what matters most to you. Our goal? Help you see the bigger picture, but also give you practical insights you can use today.
Ready to find how Georgia Tech system design and optimization can help you innovate faster, cut costs, and make smarter decisions? Let’s get started—because in a world racing toward the future, you deserve a guide that helps you stay ahead.
And if you ever need tech advice for your own business or project, don’t forget—Justin McKelvey is here to help you turn complexity into clarity, every step of the way.
How to Steer the Article
Not sure where to start? Don’t worry—we’ve made this guide as friendly as possible, whether you’re in a hurry or ready to dive deep.
If you’re short on time, head straight for the quick-facts tables and infographics sprinkled throughout the article. They’ll give you a bird’s-eye view of what Georgia Tech system design and optimization is all about—no jargon, just the essentials.
Craving more detail? You’ll find plenty of substance in the case studies, lab spotlights, and methodology explainers coming up. These sections show how Georgia Tech’s SDO teams actually build solutions, not just in theory but in the real world.
And if you’re here for actionable strategies you can use, don’t miss the parts on educational pathways and our guide to Tech Problem Solving Strategies. Whether you want to upskill, join a lab, or apply these methods in your own business, we’ll show you the steps.
Wherever you begin, you’ll find clear signposts and quick-links to help you jump to the topics that matter most. Consider this your personal roadmap to Georgia Tech system design and optimization—explore at your own pace, and don’t hesitate to circle back if inspiration strikes!
Systems Design & Optimization 101
What Is Systems Design?
Systems design is all about turning big ideas into real-world solutions. If you think of designing a system like planning a city, you’re not just placing buildings—you’re making sure roads connect, power flows, and people can actually live there. At Georgia Tech system design and optimization, this approach is used to build everything from rocket fleets to digital supply networks.
The process starts with requirements flow-down—taking a large goal (like “build a satellite that survives Mars entry, sends back data, and runs for 10 years”) and breaking it into clear, doable steps. Every detail matters, so nothing important slips through the cracks.
Next comes integration. Here, all the different puzzle pieces—hardware, software, even human operators—have to fit together smoothly. It’s the difference between a team playing as one or everyone running in different directions.
A good designer also needs to weigh the options. That’s where trade studies come in. Should you use solar panels or nuclear power? Is it better to launch this year, or wait for better tech? By comparing alternatives, you find the smartest path forward.
Finally, there’s lifecycle analysis. Great systems aren’t just built—they’re maintained, upgraded, and, someday, retired. Planning for every phase means fewer surprises down the road.
As the Georgia Tech Systems Optimization Course puts it:
“Managers and engineers are constantly attempting to optimize, particularly in the design and operation of complex systems.”
Why Optimization Powers Modern Engineering
Optimization is the secret sauce in modern engineering. Instead of guessing or hoping for the best, it uses math, algorithms, and computer models to hunt for the smartest solution—even if there are billions of choices.
At Georgia Tech system design and optimization, some of the most important optimization tools include integer programming (great for yes/no choices, like “launch this year or next?”), convex optimization (ideal for things you can tweak, like fuel use or flight paths), and network optimization (which helps untangle complex webs like supply chains or satellite constellations). When things get unpredictable, Monte Carlo simulation steps in to test designs against countless “what if” scenarios.
Why does all this matter? Because real-life systems are messy. Budgets shift, materials break, and unexpected events happen. Robust optimization means your design can handle curveballs—keeping your project on track when life gets complicated.
Understanding systems design and optimization isn’t just for engineers. Businesses, agencies, and anyone wrestling with complex challenges can benefit from these principles. By bringing clear structure and smart decision-making to tough problems, the Georgia Tech system design and optimization ecosystem helps you build stronger, more resilient solutions—no matter your industry.
Ready to get hands-on? Keep reading to see how these ideas come alive in Georgia Tech’s labs, classrooms, and real-world projects.
Inside Georgia Tech's System Design and Optimization Ecosystem
When you picture Georgia Tech system design and optimization, don’t imagine a single building or a lone professor at a chalkboard. Instead, picture a buzzing beehive—a vibrant network of labs, faculty, students, and industry partners, all working together to solve some of the toughest problems in engineering and technology.
Primary Research Areas in Georgia Tech System Design and Optimization
At the heart of this ecosystem are several cutting-edge research areas. Aeronautical vehicles come first to mind—think commercial airplanes, helicopters, drones, and the latest in air mobility. Georgia Tech researchers are not just designing better aircraft; they’re rethinking how entire fleets operate, from fuel efficiency to safety and cost.
Next up is space logistics. Here, teams tackle the big (and small) challenges of space: building reliable spacecraft, launching vehicles, planning planetary entry, and orchestrating satellites into constellations with the precision of a chess grandmaster.
Then there’s digital engineering—a field where physical prototypes are replaced (or at least, heavily supplemented) with virtual ones. Georgia Tech uses digital twins and high-powered simulations to test designs and iron out problems before anything is built.
Finally, fleet economics ties it all together. It’s not enough to build a great plane or satellite; you have to make sure the entire system is affordable, sustainable, and ready when you need it. Researchers analyze costs, emissions, and readiness, giving industry and government real numbers to drive decisions.
Flagship Laboratories & Their Unique Contributions
Now, let’s get to know the superstars—the labs and groups driving all this innovation.
The Aerospace Systems Design Laboratory (ASDL) is the heavyweight champion here. Founded in 1992, ASDL has shaped the field with over 1,400 graduates and more than $300 million in research. The lab is famous for its work in digital engineering and the design of complex vehicles, and it’s organized into seven divisions—each one tackling a new piece of the aerospace puzzle.
Over in the Space Systems Design Laboratory (SSDL), small satellites are big news. Students here work on cubesat missions like RECONSO and Prox-1, experiment with planetary entry technologies, and even run real spacecraft from the campus mission control room. The lab’s clean room supports hands-on hardware development right on site.
For those fascinated by optimization, the Space Systems Optimization Group (SSOG) is leading the way. Under Professor Koki Ho, SSOG pioneers methods to make space missions less expensive and more efficient, using advanced tools like probabilistic modeling and reinforcement learning. Their focus? Making campaign scheduling and constellation management smarter and more robust.
Of course, you can’t talk about optimization at Georgia Tech without mentioning the H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISyE). With the top-ranked program in the U.S. and more than 18,000 alumni, ISyE brings global clout to the field. Faculty here have won the John Von Neumann Theory Prize and the Dantzig Prize, among others, and they continue to redefine what’s possible in operations research and systems optimization.
Finally, the AE-SDO Group unites aeronautical and space vehicle design under one roof. Their research spans everything from entry, descent, and landing to astrodynamics, all powered by next-gen visualization tools like the Collaborative Visualization Environment (CoVE) and the Collaborative Design Environment (CoDE). If you want to see 3-D systems engineering in action, this is the place.
Lab / Group Key Focus Areas & Contributions ASDL Aerospace Systems Design Laboratory: Largest lab of its kind, $300M+ research, 1,400+ graduates, digital engineering, complex vehicle design. SSDL Space Systems Design Laboratory: Small satellites, cubesat missions (e.g., RECONSO, Prox-1), planetary entry, mission control. SSOG Space Systems Optimization Group: Pioneers system-level optimization for space logistics, campaign scheduling, constellation management. ISyE Industrial & Systems Engineering: No. 1–ranked U.S. program, global leader in operations research and optimization. AE-SDO Group Unifies aeronautical and space vehicle design, uses advanced visualization (CoVE, CoDE), supports research for NASA, FAA, AFRL, ONR.
ASDL: Aerospace Systems Design Laboratory
ASDL isn’t just big—it’s a powerhouse. With a focus on systems architecting and optimization, its team has shaped government policies and driven industry advancements worldwide. Students and faculty work across everything from full-scale aircraft to unmanned vehicles, and the lab’s digital engineering strengths are second to none.
“ASDL is widely recognized for graduate education and research in systems engineering and vehicle design.”
SSDL: Space Systems Design Laboratory
SSDL’s fingerprints are all over Georgia Tech’s space accomplishments. From designing and launching cubesats to managing real missions in the campus control room, SSDL makes space hands-on and accessible. Its clean room is where bold ideas take shape—turning sketches into flight hardware that makes it to orbit.
SSOG: Space Systems Optimization Group
If you love optimization (and who doesn’t?), SSOG is your destination. Led by Professor Koki Ho, the group uses math and machine learning to slash costs and simplify space missions. Their work—focusing on campaign optimization and constellation management—helps agencies like NASA make better, faster decisions.
“Our research explicitly aims to reduce cost, time, and effort in space mission design practice.” — Prof. Koki Ho
ISyE: H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering
ISyE is where the world’s best go to master operations research and optimization. With a trophy case full of top research awards and a roster of all-star faculty, ISyE tackles problems from supply chains to healthcare analytics—way beyond aerospace. Its alumni network and industry connections open doors worldwide.
AE-SDO Group
Bringing together the best in aircraft and space system design, the AE-SDO Group uses immersive environments like CoVE and CoDE to allow teams to visualize and engineer complex systems in 3-D. Their projects support the biggest names in aerospace, from NASA to the FAA and the Air Force Research Lab.
Key Faculty & Leadership in Georgia Tech System Design and Optimization
The heartbeat of Georgia Tech system design and optimization is its people. You’ll find pioneers like Professor Dimitri Mavris, founder and director of ASDL, whose leadership has shaped the entire field of digital engineering and aerospace systems architecting. Over in SSDL, Professor Glenn Lightsey is known for his expertise in cubesats and as the John W. Young Endowed Chair in space systems.
Professor Koki Ho leads the charge in campaign modeling and space mission optimization at SSOG, developing the methods that help make modern space missions more efficient. And across these labs, more than 50 research faculty contribute deep expertise, winning major awards and serving on government boards.
In short, Georgia Tech’s ecosystem isn’t just a collection of labs—it’s a living, breathing network of innovation. Whether you’re interested in building the next generation of aircraft, sending satellites into deep space, or just looking for smarter ways to solve tough business problems, Georgia Tech system design and optimization gives you access to world-class resources and a community ready to help you soar.
Methodologies, Tools & Facilities
What sets Georgia Tech system design and optimization apart isn’t just the brilliant minds—it’s the power of their toolbox and the playground where ideas come to life.
Georgia Tech researchers are masters of cutting-edge optimization methods. They use mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) to tackle tough problems where both choices and relationships get complicated—like planning rocket launches, payload mixes, or even major airline schedules. Network design optimization helps them map out the best ways to route satellites, manage airline fleets, or streamline supply chains. When the future is uncertain (and let’s be honest, whose isn’t?), probabilistic modeling and robust, stochastic optimization step in, making sure solutions stay solid even when reality doesn’t cooperate. Imagine planning a cross-country road trip, only every road might shut down at random—Georgia Tech tools help you still arrive on time.
How Optimization Is Integrated into Design Curricula
One thing you’ll notice about Georgia Tech: they don’t just talk theory. Learning is hands-on, practical, and plugged into the real world. In ISyE’s famous optimization sequence, students explore linear, nonlinear, integer, and network optimization, all the way from basic modeling to sensitivity analysis. In CS 6291: Embedded Systems Optimization, the focus shifts to making code run faster and smarter—a must for anyone blending hardware and software. The AE-SDO electives dive deep into topics like fleet synthesis, digital engineering, and system architecting, giving students a real taste of industry challenges.
There are also workshops that blend lectures with live modeling and simulation labs. These sessions use actual industry case studies, so students see how the math and theory solve messy, stubborn, real-world problems. As one participant in the Modeling & Simulation for Systems Engineering course put it, “The course schedule was well-structured, with a mix of lectures, class discussions, and hands-on exercises led by knowledgeable and engaging instructors.”
If you’re curious about how these mind-bending problems get cracked, don’t miss Tech Problem Solving Strategies for even more insights.
Software, Visualization & Testbeds
The facilities at Georgia Tech system design and optimization are something special. The Collaborative Visualization Environment (CoVE) gives teams an immersive, 3-D space to see and tweak their designs together, making complicated systems understandable at a glance. The Collaborative Design Environment (CoDE) brings “VR for system architects” to life, letting engineers explore ideas in stereoscopic 3-D. When it’s time to move from computer to prototype, the Adaptive Design Prototyping and Testing Lab (ADePT) provides a space for multi-domain prototyping—even autonomous vehicles.
Space fans will love the GT-SORT (Space Objects Research Telescope). This telescope lets students and researchers track cubesats in real time, helping keep up with the ever-changing world of satellites and orbital debris. Meanwhile, the Flight Hardware Laboratory Clean Room offers a pristine spot to assemble and test spacecraft hardware—no dust bunnies allowed. And for those dreaming of mission control, Georgia Tech’s dedicated room lets students operate real cubesat missions, bringing textbook knowledge into orbit.
In short, Georgia Tech system design and optimization isn’t just about big ideas—it’s about having the right tools, the best playground, and the hands-on experience to turn those ideas into reality. Whether you want to optimize a rocket launch or streamline a global supply chain, this is where you’ll find both the brainpower and the tech to make it happen.
From Lab to Sky: Projects, Collaborations & Impact
When it comes to real-world results, Georgia Tech system design and optimization takes flight—quite literally. The research happening here isn’t just academic; it powers missions, guides industries, and reshapes how we solve tough engineering problems. Whether it’s a satellite circling above or a complex supply chain humming below, Georgia Tech’s SDO ecosystem is built for impact.
Notable Case Studies & Publications
The projects at Georgia Tech SDO are as ambitious as they are practical. For example, the Space Systems Optimization Group (SSOG) developed groundbreaking reinforcement learning and optimization models for human space exploration campaign scheduling. These models help plan Mars missions, weighing risk, cost, and astronaut safety all at once. You can see the science in action in their published research.
Another bright spot is their work on constellation spare strategies—Georgia Tech researchers have found ways for satellite operators to keep constellations running with minimal downtime and cost by optimizing where to store spare parts. This kind of inventory control is a game-changer for mega-constellations.
And it’s not just about sending things up. Orbital depot siting research at Georgia Tech uses network optimization to figure out the best places to put in-orbit fuel depots, driving down costs for both commercial and government missions. The lab is also a leader in In-Space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (ISAM) logistics, where probabilistic modeling helps planners account for all sorts of uncertainties—because, as we know, space doesn’t always play by the rules.
As Professor Koki Ho puts it:
“We integrate optimization and probabilistic modeling to add a system-level dimension to classical astrodynamics research.”
Government & Industry Synergy
One of the things that sets the Georgia Tech system design and optimization program apart is its deep partnerships with the world’s leading organizations. SDO teams at Georgia Tech work hand-in-hand with NASA on NextSTEP habitats and tech demo missions, and with the FAA on big-picture studies of air transportation fleets and emissions.
The impact stretches even further through collaborations with the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) and Office of Naval Research (ONR), focusing on advanced vehicle architectures and mission planning. Industry giants like Mitsubishi Electric and United Launch Alliance rely on Georgia Tech’s expertise to solve their toughest system design challenges.
It’s no surprise, then, that:
“Georgia Tech’s ASDL has completed over $300 million in sponsored research and 425+ studies for both government and industry sponsors.”
Cross-Domain Impact Beyond Aerospace
Georgia Tech system design and optimization isn’t just for rockets and planes. The same tools and methods power up whole new industries. For instance, their optimization models help streamline supply chains for eCommerce and manufacturing—think production, inventory, and distribution, all running smoother and smarter.
In healthcare analytics, Georgia Tech’s data-driven models help hospitals optimize everything from patient flow to medical supply chains—critical for saving both time and lives. Their work in energy systems brings smart planning to renewable grids and infrastructure, while expertise in robust decision frameworks helps AI and digital platforms deliver better, more reliable services.
Curious how these cross-industry solutions could work for your business? Check out Cloud-Based Business Solutions for more insights.
At Justin McKelvey, we believe that the value of technology is measured by the results it brings. Georgia Tech’s SDO projects are proof that smart design and optimization can launch ideas—sometimes literally—into new heights. Whether you’re interested in aerospace or looking for ways to optimize your own business systems, this is where research meets reality—and where future-ready solutions are born.
Learning, Careers & Future Horizons
Educational Pathways & Student Experience
Georgia Tech system design and optimization isn’t just for rocket scientists. If you’re excited by the idea of building things, solving problems, or making smarter decisions—there’s a place for you here.
At the graduate level, you can pursue MS or PhD tracks in Aerospace Engineering, Industrial & Systems Engineering, or even mix-and-match with interdisciplinary minors. These programs are designed to give you not just technical skills, but also the creativity and systems thinking businesses crave.
But it’s not all theory. Undergraduates jump right into hands-on projects: designing UAVs, building cubesats, and tackling national competitions. If you want to see your ideas fly—literally—there are design teams and research projects waiting for you.
Professionals aren’t left out, either. Georgia Tech offers short courses and workshops in modeling, simulation, and optimization. These are perfect if you’re a working engineer, manager, or just looking to sharpen your problem-solving skills.
One of the best parts? Real hands-on research. Students don’t just read about missions—they work in SDO labs, operate actual satellites, and collaborate on projects with industry sponsors. You’ll find yourself using the same tools and strategies that have landed Georgia Tech grads in top jobs and leadership roles.
Fun fact: Nearly 1 in 10 ISyE alumni become C-suite executives or university presidents. That’s the kind of career leverage that comes with SDO skills.
Future Directions & Grand Challenges
The future of georgia tech system design and optimization is as bold as it is bright. Researchers and students are pushing boundaries with AI-driven optimization, making design smarter and faster using machine learning. Picture algorithms that can explore huge design spaces and tune entire systems, all while you sip your morning coffee.
Autonomous system design is another exciting frontier—think vehicles and networks that can adapt and optimize themselves in real time, whether on the road, in the sky, or in orbit.
Sustainability is now front and center, too. Teams are working on greener fleets, smarter cities, and supply chains that don’t cost the earth. And as the space economy grows, Georgia Tech is leading efforts in space logistics, in-space servicing, assembly, and the management of mega-constellations.
“Integration of advanced computing with legacy physics-based methods enables large-scale virtual experimentation and credible assessment capabilities.”
These grand challenges mean that the skills you learn here will be in demand across the globe—for decades to come.
Frequently Asked Questions about Georgia Tech System Design and Optimization
Q: What’s the difference between optimization and simulation?
A: Great question. Optimization is about finding the very best solution—lowest cost, highest performance, you name it. Simulation, on the other hand, is about testing how a system behaves in different situations. At Georgia Tech, you’ll often use both: optimize first, simulate to check your work.
Q: How do I join a lab or project?
A: There are lots of pathways. Apply through your academic program, connect with faculty, or join a design team. Whether you’re undergrad, MS, or PhD, there’s a spot for you—often with options to work directly with industry.
Q: Are there industry internship opportunities?
A: Absolutely. Georgia Tech SDO has strong ties to NASA, major aerospace companies, top consulting firms, and startups. Many students intern with project sponsors, and some get to tackle real-world challenges as part of their coursework.
Q: Is this just for aerospace?
A: Not at all! The tools and mindsets you’ll learn apply to supply chains, healthcare, energy, SaaS, and more. If you want to make things better, optimization is everywhere.
Curious how these strategies can boost your own business or career? Learn more at Tech Problem Solving Strategies, or check out The Ultimate AI Toolkit for Businesses & Startups for practical tools you can use right now.
Conclusion & Next Steps
At Justin McKelvey, we believe that making sense of complexity is where real innovation—and enduring business success—begin. The work happening in Georgia Tech system design and optimization is a shining example of how collaborative, multi-disciplinary thinking and practical, data-driven methods can transform not just aerospace, but digital platforms, supply chains, and just about any business domain you can name.
If you're dreaming about a career in engineering, wanting to boost your team’s problem-solving superpowers, or simply looking to bring some of that systems-level optimization magic to your own business, take a page from Georgia Tech’s playbook. Their SDO ecosystem—and partners like us—are built to help you design smarter, optimize boldly, and reach for bigger goals.
Curious about what optimization and AI could do for your business?
It’s easier (and more exciting) than you might think. Start your journey with The Ultimate AI Toolkit for Businesses & Startups, and find practical tools and strategies to help your business move faster and smarter.
So, whether you want to build rockets, streamline logistics, or simply run a better business, let’s team up. With the right knowledge and a dash of creativity, there’s no limit to what we can achieve.
Let’s design with clarity, optimize with confidence, and reach new heights—together.
