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People

Our strength lies in our collaborations and the expertise of our dedicated team. We partner with leading academic institutions and industry innovators to drive advancements in AI for space sustainability. Meet our partners and experts who bring diverse skills and knowledge, working together to ensure a safe and sustainable space environment. Explore their profiles to learn more about their contributions and how they support our mission.

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Experts Panel

Our Experts

Our experts tackle the toughest challenges in space sustainability. They use AI to prevent collisions and keep space safe. They bring practical solutions to real-world problems. Meet the people shaping the future of space.

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Achievements:

  • Leads the Stardust and UTOPIAE networks on space debris and asteroids

  • Received the Innovative Computational Methods in Dynamical Astronomy award (2023)

  • Recognised as an AIAA Associate Fellow and Senior IEEE member (2022)

  • Multiple best paper awards from AAS/AIAA and IAC

  • Member of the UK delegation to the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee

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Expert in:

  • Computational intelligence for aerospace engineering

  • Global optimisation techniques for space trajectory design

  • Uncertainty quantification in space flight mechanics

  • Evidence-based robust optimisation

  • Non-deterministic planning for robots

  • Applications in space debris and asteroid manipulation

Prof. Massimiliano Vasile

Professor Vasile is the Director of the Aerospace Centre of Excellence (ACE) and the Institute on AI for Space Sustainability at the University of Strathclyde. He focuses on computational intelligence for aerospace engineering, specialising in global optimisation techniques and uncertainty quantification.

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Networking Event

Our Partners

We work with leading organisations worldwide. Our partners contribute unique expertise and resources to advance AI for space sustainability. Together, we tackle complex challenges and develop innovative solutions. Learn about our partners and how they help make space safer and more sustainable.

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Projects & Collaborations

  • UK Space Agency-funded Projects: Completed 6 out of 8 projects focused on space sustainability.

  • European Space Agency (ESA)-funded Projects: Involved in over 13 projects, including development of new space environment models, advancements in collision avoidance automation, pioneering AI for autonomous operations, and progress in in-orbit servicing technologies.

  • International Networks: Leads the Stardust and UTOPIAE networks on space debris, asteroids, and uncertainty in aerospace engineering.

  • Inter-Agency Collaboration: Prof. Massimiliano Vasile serves as a member of the UK delegation to the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee.

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Focus Areas & Key Contributions

  • Explainable AI for Space Operations: Developing AI models that enhance decision-making and transparency in space missions.

  • Collision Avoidance Automation: Creating AI techniques for autonomous collision avoidance manoeuvres in increasingly crowded orbits.

  • Attitude Determination from Spectral Time History: Advancing methods to determine satellite orientation using spectral data over time.

  • Modelling and Analysis of Long-term Space Sustainability: Studying the long-term impacts of space activities to ensure sustainable operations and the health of the space environment.

University of Strathclyde (UK)

The University of Strathclyde's Aerospace Centre of Excellence (ACE) leads the creation and development of the Institute on AI for Space Sustainability. Located in Glasgow, Scotland, ACE coordinates with international partners to advance space safety and sustainability. The centre brings extensive expertise in artificial intelligence applications for space operations and plays a pivotal role in coordinating developments among the Institute's global partners.

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Achievements & Recognition

  • Innovative Computational Methods in Dynamical Astronomy Award (2023): Recognised for groundbreaking computational methods in space dynamics.

  • Professional Fellowships: Faculty members recognised as AIAA Associate Fellows and Senior IEEE members.

  • Best Paper Awards: Multiple awards from AAS/AIAA and IAC for outstanding research in aerospace engineering.

  • Contributions to International Standards: Team members have contributed to international telecommunications standards.

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Achievements:

  • Collaborated with institutions in the USA, China, and Europe

  • Awarded second place in the Galileo Masters EUSPA Space for FUN Challenge (2021)

  • Won the Copernicus Masters BMVI Transport Challenge (2020)

  • Received Best Paper awards for radar and signal processing research

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Expert in:

  • Radar signal processing

  • Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Earth Observation

  • Automatic Target Recognition

  • Multi-static, MIMO, Passive, and Cognitive radars

  • Machine learning and AI in radar applications

Prof. Carmine Clemente

Professor Clemente is a Professor of Radar Systems and Signal Processing at the University of Strathclyde. He specialises in RF sensor signal processing for defence and civilian applications, with a focus on machine learning and AI.

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Achievements:

  • Designed future communication satellites at the Canadian Spectrum Engineering Division

  • Contributed to international telecommunications standards with the Canadian Delegation to the ITU

  • PhD research on altering asteroid trajectories using spacecraft formations with solar concentrators

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Expert in:

  • Access to space systems

  • Multidisciplinary design optimisation

  • Atmospheric flight dynamics

  • Spacecraft formation flying

  • Satellite telecommunications

Dr Christie Maddock

Dr Maddock is an expert in mathematical modelling and system design optimisation at the University of Strathclyde. She specialises in transatmospheric flight vehicles and spaceplane-based launch systems.

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Projects & Collaborations

  • Algorithm Development: Creating AI models for space object tracking and behavioural analysis. Enhancing machine learning applications with real observational data.

  • Data Sharing Platforms: Utilising platforms like VerSSA for anonymous data sharing. Supporting international collaborations, including projects with our Institute.

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Focus Areas & Key Contributions

  • AI and Machine Learning for Space Situational Awareness: Utilising reinforcement learning and physics-informed neural networks. Developing algorithms for spacecraft guidance, navigation, and control.

  • Observational Data Capabilities: Operating optical sensors and passive radar systems. Providing critical observational data for machine learning applications.

University of Arizona (USA)

The University of Arizona's Space4 Center focuses on artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques for space object characterisation, behavioural analysis, and orbit determination. The Centre enhances its research through simulated environments and high-performance computing systems.

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Achievements & Recognition

  • Research Funding: Secured over $80 million in funding for space-related research.

  • Mission Contributions:

    • Systems engineering lead for the OSIRIS-REx mission.

    • Leads the Target Follow-up Working Group for the NASA NEO Surveyor Mission.

  • Honours: Asteroid 133474 named "Roberto Furfaro" in honour of Prof. Furfaro.

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Relevant Links

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Projects & Collaborations

  • MOCAT Development: Created MOCAT to forecast orbital capacity and congestion scenarios. Collaborated with the University of Strathclyde to enhance space sustainability tools.

  • MOCAT-ML: Developed machine learning models (MOCAT-ML) to enhance prediction efficiency. Facilitates real-time monitoring and policy evaluation.

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Focus Areas & Key Contributions

  • AI-Driven Space Environment Modelling: Leveraging AI to construct surrogate models based on the MIT Orbital Capacity Assessment Tool (MOCAT). Enables rapid and accurate long-term predictions of space environment evolution.

  • Evaluation of Space Policies: Using AI tools to assess the efficacy and impacts of various space policies on Low Earth Orbit (LEO) sustainability. Contributes to responsible stewardship of LEO for future generations.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) (USA)

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics collaborates with the Institute on AI for Space Sustainability to apply artificial intelligence for the long-term sustainable use of space and the life cycle management of space objects.

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Achievements & Recognition

  • Research Leadership: Led by Prof. Richard Linares, a prominent figure in AI applications for space. Prof. Linares has co-authored over 100 papers in astrodynamics and space sustainability.

  • Awards:

    • AFOSR Young Investigator Research Program Award (2018).

    • DARPA Young Faculty Award (2020).

    • Recognised as a National Academy of Engineering Fellow (2019).

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Projects & Collaborations

  • Industry Partnerships: Collaborated with companies like Toyota and BlackBerry. Partnered with Columbiad Launch Services on AI-driven space traffic management.

  • International Projects: Involved in projects with the UK Space Agency and other global partners.

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Focus Areas & Key Contributions

  • Controls and Automation Systems: Developing advanced control systems for various applications, including space.

  • AI-Driven Space Traffic Management: Collaborating on AI-driven space traffic management and collision avoidance solutions.

  • Explainable AI (XAI) and Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL): Focusing on resident space object (RSO) collision risk assessment using XAI. Planning collision avoidance using DRL techniques.

University of Waterloo (Canada)

The Automation and Intelligent Systems (AIS) group at the University of Waterloo, led by Dr Nasser Lashgarian Azad, develops advanced technologies in controls, perception systems, and automation. The group has a strong history of partnerships with major companies and contributions to industries like automotive, robotics, and space.

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Achievements & Recognition

  • Publications and Patents: Published over 85 peer-reviewed articles and 62 conference papers. Holds two patents in automation and intelligent systems.

  • Professional Engagements: Presented at renowned conferences like IEEE CDC, ACC, and IFAC. Delivered invited talks at international institutions.

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Projects & Collaborations

  • AI/ML Algorithm Development: Contributed expertise in resident space object (RSO) orbit prediction and collision risk assessment.

  • Metasat UK: Through sister company Metasat UK, developing AI-driven tools for space asset longevity.

  • International Engagement: Engaged in projects with the University of Waterloo and other international partners.

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Focus Areas & Key Contributions

  • AI-Driven Space Asset Management: Developing platforms to manage satellites and space assets using artificial intelligence.

  • Space Domain Awareness: Enhancing space situational and domain awareness through AI/ML algorithms.

  • Propulsion and Energy Systems: Working on propulsion technologies and energy solutions for space applications.

Columbiad Launch Services (Canada)

Columbiad Launch Services, based in Ontario, focuses on low-cost space access, propulsion, energy, and space domain awareness. Founded in 1999, the company is developing an AI-driven platform for managing space assets and satellites.

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Linked to:

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Achievements & Recognition

  • Industry Leadership: Actively involved in creating long-term solutions for space safety and sustainability.

  • Community Contributions: CEO Haroon Oqab participates in various space organisations and committees.

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Projects & Collaborations

  • ESA Projects: Led over 30 projects related to space safety and sustainability.

  • Military and Defence Initiatives: Supporting initiatives across Europe and the USA.

  • Commercialisation Efforts: Aiming to commercialise developed solutions to raise their technology readiness level (TRL).

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Focus Areas & Key Contributions

  • Space Object Behavioural Analysis: Providing simulation training data through low and high-fidelity simulators.

  • Collision Avoidance Services: Offering collision avoidance services to over 10 operators and 80 satellites.

  • Attitude State Estimation and Manoeuvre Prediction: Focusing on estimating satellite attitudes and predicting manoeuvre patterns.

GMV (UK)

GMV is a global leader in Space, Defence, IT, and Transportation, with over 50% of its business in space. They have led more than 30 space safety projects for the European Space Agency (ESA) and offer comprehensive Space Surveillance and Tracking (SST) systems.

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Linked to:

  • Experts from GMV collaborating with the Institute.

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Achievements & Recognition

  • Industry Expertise: Recognised as a leader in space safety and surveillance systems.

  • Service Excellence: Trusted by multiple operators for collision avoidance and SST services.

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Relevant Links

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Projects & Collaborations

  • AUDACITY Mission: Worked on key projects focusing on in-orbit servicing and RPO technologies.

  • SSA Software Development: Developed space situational awareness software for the UK Space Agency.

  • Propulsion Systems: Designed the propulsion system for Astroscale's ADRAS-J mission.

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Focus Areas & Key Contributions

  • Space Domain Awareness Payloads: Developing payloads for enhanced space situational awareness.

  • Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO): Providing solutions for close proximity and docking operations in space.

  • Autonomous Data Processing: Creating software for autonomous processing of space data.

Lift Me Off (LMO) (UK)

Lift Me Off (LMO) specialises in Space Situational Awareness (SSA), proximity payloads, and propulsion subsystems for small satellites and in-orbit servicing. They provide rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) solutions and autonomous data processing software for commercial and defence applications.

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Linked to:

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Achievements & Recognition

  • Innovative Solutions: Known for delivering advanced SSA and RPO solutions.

  • Expert Team: Comprises professionals from space, defence, and software industries.

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Relevant Links

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Projects & Collaborations

  • Defence and Security Programmes: Leading themes in AI for the electromagnetic environment, synthetic data, and edge AI.

  • Institute Collaboration: Contributing advanced AI models to the Institute's space sustainability efforts.

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Focus Areas & Key Contributions

  • Foundation Model Technology: Developing models to fuse multi-modal sensor data for enhanced analysis.

  • Anomaly Detection and Scenario Generation: Creating methods to detect anomalies and predict future scenarios in space operations.

  • Space Object Behavioural Analytics (SOBA): Focusing on unsupervised training and robust anomaly detection techniques.

The Alan Turing Institute (UK)

The Alan Turing Institute is the UK's national institute for data science and artificial intelligence. Its Defence Artificial Intelligence Research (DARe) centre focuses on cutting-edge AI and data science applications in defence and security.

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Achievements & Recognition

  • Research Excellence: Managed by Dr Victoria Nockles, who brings over 15 years of experience.

  • Innovative Prototypes: Developing AI and data science prototypes addressing real-world challenges.

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Projects & Collaborations

  • Gilmour Space Technologies: NDT technology used for G-Class satellite development.

  • UNSW Canberra: Provided NDT for hardware-in-the-loop testing in intelligent constellation testbeds.

  • Support to Partners: Enhancing technology for project partners, including light-curve analysis and simulations.

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Focus Areas & Key Contributions

  • Digital Twin Technology: Providing data-driven digital twin solutions to simulate and analyse systems.

  • Simulation Testbeds: Offering simulation environments for satellite constellation developers and mission planning.

  • Synthetic Data Generation: Generating synthetic data to support algorithm development and testing.

Nominal Systems (Australia)

Nominal Systems simplifies the design, testing, and operation of complex remote systems through digital twins—exact digital replicas that offer data-driven insights. They have commercialised their Nominal Digital Twin (NDT) products for sectors like defence, civil space, and academia.

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Linked to:

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Achievements & Recognition

  • Commercial Success: Successfully commercialised NDT products across multiple sectors.

  • Mission Contributions: Contributed to the Royal Australian Air Force's M2 CubeSat mission.

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Relevant Links

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Achievements:

  • Completed PhD on optimisation techniques for rocket design at the University of Bremen

  • Worked as a research fellow at the European Space Agency

  • Expanded research into uncertainty propagation and optimisation across various sectors

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Expert in:

  • Machine learning and optimisation algorithms

  • Natural language processing for space engineering

  • Explainable AI for decision support

  • Data-driven planning

  • Socio-economic applications of Earth Observation data

  • Blockchain in aerospace

Dr Annalisa Riccardi

Dr Riccardi is the Associate Director of the Intelligent Computational Engineering Laboratory (ICE Lab) at the University of Strathclyde. She focuses on machine learning, optimisation algorithms, and explainable AI for aerospace applications.

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Achievements:

  • Authored 19 journal papers and 22 conference papers

  • Co-authored the book "Low-Energy Flight: Orbital Dynamics and Mission Trajectory Design" (Springer)

  • Investigated the impact of sublimations on comet rotation

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Expert in:

  • Dynamics and control in highly nonlinear systems

  • Effects of model uncertainties on orbital propagation

  • Space debris removal

  • Asteroid deflection

  • Contact binary asteroid systems

Dr Jinglang Feng

Dr Feng is a researcher at the University of Strathclyde, specialising in orbital dynamics and uncertainty analysis for small solar system bodies.

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Achievements:

  • Principal Investigator on the EPSRC-funded project for Autonomous Inspection in Nuclear Fuel Manufacture

  • Deputy Director of the Hyperspectral Imaging Centre

  • Implemented PhD outcomes in various UK and US research labs

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Expert in:

  • Artificial intelligence and machine learning

  • Image stitching and object detection

  • Hyperspectral imaging

  • Mathematical morphology

  • Biomedical signal processing

Prof. Paul Murray

Professor Murray is a Reader at the University of Strathclyde, specialising in signal, image, video, and hyperspectral data processing. He applies his expertise to diverse research and industrial projects.

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Achievements:

  • Researched the utility of uncertainty measures for anomaly detection

  • Investigated the effects of dataset curation on classification of ambiguous sources

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Expert in:

  • Bayesian machine learning architectures

  • Uncertainty quantification for robust predictions

  • Natural language processing for model explainability

  • Deep learning classification of radio galaxies

  • Anomaly detection in astronomical data

Fiona Porter

Fiona Porter is a researcher at the University of Strathclyde, focusing on explainable AI for space applications. She completed her PhD at the Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics.

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Achievements:

  • Part of the AI4S3 project within the Aerospace Centre of Excellence

  • Experience in systems design engineering for aerospace applications

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Expert in:

  • Multi-objective and multi-fidelity optimisation

  • Optimal control and surrogate modelling

  • Evolutionary algorithms and machine learning

  • Dynamics and control systems modelling

  • Uncertainty quantification for aerospace systems

Ben Parsonage

Ben Parsonage is a Research Assistant and final-year PhD student at the University of Strathclyde. He concentrates on autonomous operations for robust space traffic management.

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Achievements:

  • Developing NESSY to model the space environment as a dynamic temporal network

  • Assistant Head of Secretariat of the Marie Curie Alumni Association China Chapter

  • Marie Curie Early Stage Researcher of the H2020 Stardust-Reloaded Network

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Expert in:

  • Astrodynamics

  • Space sustainability

  • Planetary defence strategies

  • Network model for space sustainability (NESSY)

  • Space environment modelling

Yirui Wang

Dr Yirui Wang is an Associate Researcher in the Aerospace Centre of Excellence at the University of Strathclyde. He focuses on astrodynamics and space sustainability.

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Achievements:

  • Developed algorithms to identify satellites from hyperspectral data

  • Created tools to estimate materials and classify satellites by purpose

  • Worked on spectral imaging tools for nuclear inspection

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Expert in:

  • Hyperspectral imaging

  • Algorithm development

  • Image segmentation and analysis

  • Space debris identification

  • Spectral analysis tools

Andrew Campbell

Andrew Campbell is a Knowledge Exchange Fellow at the University of Strathclyde, specialising in hyperspectral imaging and algorithm development for industrial environments.

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Achievements:

  • Developed surrogate models based on MOCAT

  • Awarded the AFOSR Young Investigator Research Program Award (2018)

  • Received the DARPA Young Faculty Award (2020)

  • Recognised as a National Academy of Engineering Fellow (2019)

  • Co-authored over 100 papers

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Expert in:

  • Astrodynamics

  • Space domain awareness (SDA)

  • Artificial intelligence in space applications

  • Space traffic management

  • Space environment evolution modelling

Prof. Richard Linares

Professor Linares is the Rockwell International Career Development Associate Professor at MIT's Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics. His research focuses on astrodynamics, space domain awareness, and space sustainability.

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Achievements:

  • Secured over $80 million in funding

  • Published over 85 peer-reviewed papers

  • Systems engineering lead for the OSIRIS-REx mission

  • Leads the Target Follow-up Working Group for the NASA NEO Surveyor Mission

  • Asteroid 133474 named "Roberto Furfaro" in his honour

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Expert in:

  • Planetary landers and exploration systems

  • Machine learning for space situational awareness

  • Spacecraft guidance, navigation, and control

  • Space mission design

Prof. Roberto Furfaro

Professor Furfaro is a Full Professor at the University of Arizona and Deputy Director of the Space4 Center. He specialises in planetary landers, close-proximity operations, and machine learning for space situational awareness.

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Achievements:

  • Earned Ph.D. in Aeronautical and Space Engineering from Sapienza University of Rome (2022)

  • Developed advanced optimization techniques for spacecraft trajectories

  • Contributed to orbit determination and cataloging efforts at the University of Arizona

  • Implemented machine learning models for estimating space object behavior from observational data

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Expert in:

  • Spacecraft and rocket trajectory optimization

  • Convex programming and model predictive control

  • Machine learning applications in space engineering

  • Orbit determination and space object cataloging

  • Light curve analysis for space object characterization

  • Data management and privacy preservation in SSA

Dr. Boris Benedikter

Dr. Boris Benedikter is a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Arizona. He earned his Ph.D. in Aeronautical and Space Engineering from Sapienza University of Rome in 2022. His research specializes in optimizing spacecraft and rocket trajectories using convex programming, model predictive control, and machine learning. At the University of Arizona, he works on orbit determination, cataloging, and light curve analysis of space objects observed by the university's telescopes at Biosphere 2. At the Institute on AI for Space Sustainability, Dr. Benedikter develops machine learning techniques for Space Situational Awareness (SSA) tasks. This includes estimating a space object's behavior—such as attitude and angular velocity—from light curve data, which are measurements of an object's brightness over time. He also provides expert support in data management, sharing, and privacy preservation.

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Achievements:

  • Earned Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD degrees from Sapienza University of Rome

  • Postdoctoral Research Associate at MIT's Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics (Feb 2022 – Jan 2023)

  • Developed advanced physics-informed neural network algorithms for space applications

  • Contributed to research in optimal guidance and control for space missions

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Expert in:

  • Optimal guidance and control

  • Space situational awareness

  • Physics-informed neural networks

  • Machine learning algorithms applied to astrodynamics

  • Space object behavioural analysis

  • Satellite bus architecture classification

  • Attitude estimation and manoeuvre detection

Dr Andrea D'Ambrosio

Dr Andrea D'Ambrosio is a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Space Systems Engineering Laboratory of the University of Arizona. He earned his Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD degrees from Sapienza University of Rome. From February 2022 to January 2023, he was a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics. His main research fields involve optimal guidance and control, space situational awareness, physics-informed neural networks, and machine learning algorithms applied to astrodynamics. At the Institute on AI for Space Sustainability, Dr D'Ambrosio develops physics-informed neural network algorithms for space object behavioural analysis. This includes the classification of satellite bus architectures, estimation of attitude and attitude rates, as well as detecting attitude manoeuvres.

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Achievements:

  • Published over 75 papers in prestigious peer-reviewed journals

  • Presented 53 conference papers at renowned events

  • Delivered invited talks at international institutions

  • Hosted a live webinar for the IEEE Guide to AV Technology

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Expert in:

  • Controls and automation

  • AI-driven space traffic management

  • Explainable AI (XAI)

  • Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL)

  • Autonomous vehicle technology

Dr Nasser Lashgarian Azad

Dr Azad is a researcher at the University of Waterloo, leading the Automation and Intelligent Systems (AIS) group. His work spans vehicular technology, soft computing, and mechatronics.

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Achievements:

  • Member of the Space Power Committee for the International Astronautical Federation

  • Executive Director of the Earthlight Foundation

  • National Technical Program Manager for the Canadian Space Society

  • Contributes to Space Canada initiatives

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Expert in:

  • Space asset management

  • Low-cost space access

  • Propulsion and energy systems

  • Space domain awareness

Haroon Oqab

Haroon B. Oqab is the President and CEO of Columbiad Launch Services and Director of Research and Development at the Kepler Space Institute. He brings a multidisciplinary approach with expertise in mechanical and electrical engineering.

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Achievements:

  • Developed AI-driven computer vision programmes for commercial and defence projects

  • Worked on space thermal infrared cameras and metrology systems for precise formation flying

  • Contributed to missions like Telesat Leo, Quantum, and SAOCOM-1A

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Expert in:

  • AI-driven computer vision programs

  • Space Situational Awareness (SSA)

  • Space Domain Awareness (SDA)

  • Propulsion developments

  • Systems engineering

Marcos Perez

Marcos Perez is the Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder of LIFT ME OFF (LMO). He leads the company's technology roadmap, focusing on AI-driven solutions for space applications.

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Achievements:

  • Manages a team of 14 researchers developing cutting-edge AI prototypes

  • Previously a Radio Frequency Fellow at the Turing Institute

  • Worked as a SAR scientist and data scientist at Dstl

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Expert in:

  • Artificial intelligence and data science

  • Machine learning applications in radar and communications

  • Synthetic data generation

  • Edge AI

  • Vulnerabilities and deception in AI systems

Dr Victoria Nockles

Dr Nockles is the Principal Data Scientist at the Alan Turing Institute. She leads four major Defence and Security programme themes, focusing on AI and data science prototypes.

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Achievements:

  • Pioneered contributions to the UNSW Canberra M2 mission

  • Designed helicopter simulation products for aerial firefighting training

  • Led formation flying efforts for the Royal Australian Air Force's M2 CubeSat mission

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Expert in:

  • Satellite close proximity operations

  • Formation flying

  • Digital twin technology

  • Simulation testbeds

  • Space mission design

Dr Brenton Smith

Dr Smith is the Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Nominal Systems. He leads research and development, focusing on satellite close proximity operations and formation flying.

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