Stardust Early Stage Researcher Natalia has recently been awarded the Amelia Earhart fellowship for her research on removal methods for space debris. Current Active Debris Removal methods (ADR) can help to remove those objects in orbit that pose the biggest collision risk; however, current ADR methods cannot be used for rapidly rotating objects. Ms. Ortiz Gómez’s research involves studying and developing a de-tumbling method to slow this rotation, in conductive objects, that depends on eddy currents induced by a magnetic field and requires no mechanical contact with the target. So far she has analyzed the feasibility from a theoretical point of view, developed new algorithms to evaluate the expected results and carried out a systems engineering analysis of the method. Several actual targets have been selected and analyzed for this de-tumbling process, including several uncontrolled objects that are now located in very populated orbits and pose a large potential risk. Experimental tests are the next step to validate all empirical models. 

The Zonta International Amelia Earhart Fellowships were established in 1938 in honor of Amelia Earhart, famed pilot and member of the Zonta Clubs of Boston and New York. The Fellowships are awarded annually to women pursuing Ph.D./doctoral degrees in aerospace-related sciences or aerospace-related engineering.

Today, women remain a distinct minority in science and engineering, representing approximately 10 percent of professionals in these fields. The Amelia Earhart Fellowship program helps talented women, pursuing advanced studies in the typically male-dominated fields of aerospace-related sciences and aerospace-related engineering, achieve their educational goals. The Fellowship enables these women to invest in state-of-the-art computers to conduct their research, purchase expensive books and resource materials, and participate in specialized studies around the globe. Amelia Earhart Fellows have gone on to become astronauts, aerospace engineers, astronomers, professors, geologists, business owners, heads of companies, even Secretary of the US Air Force.