Research Interest

Astrodynamics, space flight mechanics, trajectory analysis and design, mission operation mission design for planetary research, optimization of trajectories to trans-Neptunian objects (see Research Statement). 

 Work Experience 

Researcher (since 2018)

Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 

Department of Space Dynamics and Mathematical Information Processing

(Leading research facility in Russia for planetary science and development of space instrumentation, 1000+ employees)

Responsibilities and achievements:

• Designing and implementing research methodologies, including surveys, experiments, and qualitative interviews.

• Space mission ballistic design for exploration of planetary satellites and other bodies in the solar system.

• Theoretical and practical research into space mission planning. Development of navigation and ballistic support for space missions of future space projects.

• Optimization of spacecraft trajectories for various missions to planetary bodies.

• Optimization of spacecraft control systems for operations around libration points in space.

• Development of methods to control small asteroids and potentially dangerous near-Earth objects, including the possibility of utilizing kinetic impact to redirect asteroids to study them.

•  Exploration of ways to expand the range of landing sites on celestial bodies, such as planets and satellites.

• Presenting research findings at domestic and international conferences and contributing to peer-reviewed publications in leading scientific journals. 

Associate Professor (since 2021)

Bauman Moscow State Technical University, Department of Space Vehicles

(Leading technical university in Russia, 1000+ teaching staff, 10,000+ students)

Responsibilities and achievements:

• Academic courses and seminars on celestial mechanics, planetary orbits, and eclipse prediction, enriching students' understanding of complex astronomical phenomena.

• Mentoring and supervising graduate students and researchers in conducting high-impact research projects, fostering a collaborative and intellectually stimulating research environment.

• Publishing research findings in top-tier astrophysical journals and presenting at prestigious conferences to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in astrophysics and planetary science.

 Education

2024

Joint PhD in Space and Planetary Sciences and Aerospace Engineering

Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences

PhD thesis “Using gravity assists and resonant orbits for expanding Venus and minor planet’s exploration”

2021 - 2024

PhD Course

Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences

Theme Thesis “Gravity assists maneuvers exploitation for enhancing planetary research”

2015 - 2021

Aerospace Engineer (with honors) analogue to M.Sc. degree

Bauman Moscow State Technical University

Thesis “Analysis of optimal flight scenarios to trans-Neptunian object Sedna”

Publications (Google/Scopus/WoS citations 100/58/46) 

ORCID: 0000-0003-0033-5305 / Web of Science (WoS) ID: AAB-7331-2022 / ScopusID: 57224900683

H index: Google scholar 7 / Scopus 5 / WoS 4 

Selected peer reviewed articles

1. Zubko, V. The feasibility of potentially hazardous asteroids flybys using multiple Venus gravity assists. // Acta Astronautica. – 2026. V – 241. – P. 504–528. 

2. Zubko V., Belyaev A. A simplified analytical approach for determining eclipses of satellites occulted by a celestial body //Acta Astronautica. – 2024. – V. 220. – P. 374-391. 

3. Zubko, V.A., Eismont, N.A., Nazirov, R.R. et al. Analysis of Spacecraft Flight Trajectories to Venus with a Flyby of Asteroids. Sol Syst Res 58, 334–352 (2024).

4. Zubko, V. A., Eismont, N. A., Fedyaev, K. S., & Belyaev, A. A. (2023). A method for constructing an interplanetary trajectory of a spacecraft to Venus using resonant orbits to ensure landing in the desired region. Advances in Space Research, 72(2), 161-179. (Moscow Government Award for Young Scientists 2023)

5.  Zubko, V. (2023). Analysis of prospective flight schemes to Venus accompanied by an asteroid flyby. Acta Astronautica, 210, 56-70. (Moscow Government Award for Young Scientists 2023)

6. Zubko, V. (2022). The fastest routes of approach to dwarf planet Sedna for study its surface and composition at the close range. Acta Astronautica, 192, 47-67.

7. Eismont, N., Zubko, V., Belyaev, A., Fedyaev, K., Zasova, L., Gorinov, D., ... & Nazirov, R. (2022). Expansion of landing areas on the Venus surface by using resonant orbits in the Venera-D project. Acta Astronautica, 197, 310-322.

8. Zubko, V. A., Sukhanov, A. A., Fedyaev, K. S., Koryanov, V. V., & Belyaev, A. A. (2021). Analysis of mission opportunities to Sedna in 2029–2034. Advances in Space Research, 68(7), 2752-2775. (COSPAR Outstanding Paper Award 2022)

9.  Zubko, V. A., Sukhanov, A. A., Fedyaev, K. S., Koryanov, V. V., & Belyaev, A. A. (2021). Analysis of Optimal Flight Trajectories to the Trans-Neptunian Object (90377) Sedna. Astronomy Letters, 47(3), 188-195.

10. Eismont, N.A., Nazirov, R.R., Fedyaev, K.S. et al. Resonant Orbits in the Problem of Expanding the Reachable Landing Areas on the Surface of Venus. Astron. Lett. 47, 316–330 (2021).  (Best article published in the year of 2021, Editor picks)

11. Eismont N.A., Zubko V.A., Belyaev A.A. et al. Gravity assists maneuver in the problem of extension accessible landing areas on the Venus surface // Open Astronomy. 2021. V. 30. No. 1. P. 103–109. (GLEX Best Technical Presentation Award 2021)

12. Zubko, V.A and Belyaev, A.A. (2021). Possible space mission to the trans-Neptunian object 2012 VP113. JBIS-Journal of British Interplanetary Society, 74(10), 358-366.

Awards & Scholarships