Prof. Dr.-Ing. Hakan Kayal serves as University Professor for Aerospace Engineering at the University of Würzburg, holding the Chair of Computer Science VIII (Space Technology) and chairing the Interdisciplinary Research Center for Extraterrestrial Studies (IFEX). His leadership bridges computer science and space systems engineering within the university's Institute of Computer Science. Research focuses on three synergistic domains: nanosatellite development for extraterrestrial missions (including the SONATE-2 6U platform demonstrating AI-driven onboard processing), scientific investigation of Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP) through the university's collaboration with the Federal Aviation Office, and spacecraft autonomy systems enabling higher mission independence. Current projects include the NEAlight mission (extended to develop the Apophis Interceptor concept for the 2029 asteroid flyby), VaMEx3-MarsSymphony for Mars exploration, and JMU Space Observatory initiatives. Publication trends reveal strong emphasis on asteroid defense strategies (particularly for Apophis), CubeSat-based UAP detection methodologies, and real-time AI processing in constrained space environments. His team actively engages students through ADS-B tracking, Meteosat App development, and Moon Base 2030 projects, while recent recognition includes co-authoring a landmark UAP review in Progress in Aerospace Sciences with 33 international scientists.
Prof. Alessandro Golkar is a Professor at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), leading the Chair of Picosatellites, Nanosatellites, and Satellite Constellations. He joined TUM in September 2022 and previously served as one of the founding faculty members at Skoltech, a Moscow-based graduate research university. His research focuses on advanced space mission concepts, systems engineering for picosatellites, and federated satellite systems. Prior to academia, he held roles at Airbus CTO, contributing to technology roadmapping and planning. His academic background includes expertise in aerospace engineering, systems design, and agile development methodologies for space hardware. Key research areas include CubeSat constellations, distributed satellite systems, and the integration of AI tools like Large Language Models (LLMs) into spacecraft design processes. He has pioneered projects such as the FSSCat mission, winner of the ESA Sentinel Small Satellite Challenge, and has explored applications of additive manufacturing for lunar missions. Prof. Golkar’s awards include the 2021 Karman Fellowship and IEEE Senior Membership (2018). His recent work emphasizes optimizing satellite networks, digital twin implementation, and orbital maneuvering for collision avoidance. He actively contributes to technology roadmapping, focusing on future human landing systems and lunar infrastructure development. Education: Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering (details not explicitly stated). Grants & Funding: Extensive grants for CubeSat projects, federated systems research, and space technology innovation. Labs/Teams: Leads the Chair’s research group at TUM and collaborates with industry partners like Airbus on advanced mission concepts. His publications span over two decades, addressing topics like constellation design, machine learning in space, and agile processes for hardware development. He advocates for hybrid agile methodologies to bridge traditional systems engineering and modern product development.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityUnited States
Kevin A. Shinpaugh is Collegiate Professor in the Department of Aerospace and Ocean Engineering at Virginia Tech’s College of Engineering. Since 2019 he has led instruction and research in spacecraft design and propulsion, leveraging decades of experience in high-performance computing and space-systems engineering. Education Ph.D., Aerospace Engineering, Virginia Tech (1994) M.S., Aerospace Engineering, Virginia Tech (1989) B.S., Aerospace Engineering, Virginia Tech (1986) Research Focus Dr. Shinpaugh’s scholarship centers on the intersection of high-performance computing (HPC) and space systems engineering . He develops and applies advanced computational techniques to spacecraft design, propulsion analysis, and mission planning. His work spans numerical simulation of complex aerospace systems, optimization of propulsion architectures, and creation of scalable HPC frameworks that enable rapid design iteration for spacecraft and launch vehicles. Publication Trends Across more than thirty refereed papers and design-competition reports, a clear trajectory emerges: early contributions in experimental fluid-mechanics instrumentation (laser-Doppler velocimetry, fiber-optic sensors) evolved into large-scale computational studies of space systems, and most recently into student-led mission-concept designs for CubeSats, lunar exploration, and interplanetary missions. Keywords consistently include spacecraft design, propulsion, deployable structures, and mission architecture. Service & Committees Chair, Virginia Tech HPC User Committee (2004–2011) Member, VT HPC Advisory Board (2007–present) NSF TeraGrid/XSEDE Campus Champion for Virginia Tech (2006–2013) IBM HPC/AI Customer Advisory Council DC (2019–present) Member, VT AOE Seminar Committee (2019–present) Laboratory & Computing Resources Dr. Shinpaugh has long stewarded Virginia Tech’s high-performance computing ecosystem. He directs students and collaborators in leveraging the university’s Advanced Research Computing (ARC) clusters, as well as national facilities through XSEDE and DoD HPCMP, to execute spacecraft-design simulations and propulsion analyses at scale.
Eleonora Vacca is a PhD student and Research Fellow in the Department of Automatic Control and Computer Science (DAUIN) at the Polytechnic University of Turin. She holds a B.S. in Electronic Engineering from the University of Palermo (2018) and an M.S. in Electronic Engineering-Embedded Systems from Politecnico di Torino (2021). Her research focuses on digital hardware design, reliability engineering, reconfigurable devices, and AI applications in aerospace and safety-critical systems. She is a member of the Aerospace and Safety Computing Lab and the CAD - Electronic CAD & Reliability Group (DAUIN). Her work addresses challenges such as radiation effects mitigation in space missions, fault-tolerant AI accelerators, and real-time anomaly detection in satellite telemetry. She has contributed to projects like the RAMSES CubeSat-1 Development (2025-2026), funded by commercial contracts. In 2024, she won the Best Student Paper Award at the NEWCAS Conference for her research on radiation effects in space missions. Vacca collaborates on teaching, including assisting in the course 'Electronic Calculators' for Computer Engineering students. Her recent publications explore AI resilience in RISC-V ecosystems, radiation environment analysis for space missions, and gesture recognition systems for smart cities. She actively contributes to conferences such as the ACM International Conference on Computing Frontiers and the IEEE International Smart Cities Conference.
Professor Marios C. Angelides is a full-time faculty member at Brunel University London , serving as Professor of Computing and Divisional Lead within the College of Engineering, Design and Physical Sciences . He leads the Creative Computing Research Group under the Institute of Digital Futures and contributes to the Digital Media department at Brunel Design School. BSc (First Class Honours) and PhD in Computing from the London School of Economics (LSE) Chartered Engineer (CEng) and Chartered Fellow of the British Computer Society (FBCS CITP) His research focuses on Creative Computing , specifically applying Machine Learning , Serious Gaming , and Cognitive Modeling to develop Smart IoT Applications . His work spans autonomous drone fleets for environmental monitoring, cybersecurity middleware for Android systems, wearable technology for lifestyle recommendations, and historical analysis of Alan Turing’s legacy in modern AI. Recent publications highlight trends in deploying Machine Learning for: IoT systems optimization Autonomous aerial/underwater vehicle coordination Deepfake detection using Turing’s Imitation Game Energy allocation in CubeSats via gaming mechanics Scientific recognition includes being Deputy Editor of The Computer Journal and runner-up for the 2016 Oxford University Press Wilkes Award . He has supervised PhD students in topics like Smart Android Middleware for Cybersecurity and Wearable Recommendation Systems , with active involvement in editorial boards and international conferences.
Dr. Jayshri Sabarinathan is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Western University's Faculty of Engineering, and a Faculty Member with the Institute for Earth and Space Exploration. She joined Western University in Fall 2003, received the NSERC University Faculty Award in 2004, and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2010. She previously served as Associate Director of Training (2019-2022) with the Institute for Earth and Space Exploration. Education: Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (2003) M.S.E. in Electrical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (1999) B.S.E. in Electrical Engineering and Engineering Physics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (1997) Her research focuses on developing novel nano-photonic sensors and miniature remote sensing instrumentation, with expertise spanning photonic crystals, plasmonic sensors, and CubeSat technology. Her work integrates nanofabrication techniques with practical applications in precision agriculture, geology, and space exploration. She has extensive experience with nanofabrication facilities including the University of Michigan Solid State Electronics Laboratory and Western's nanofabrication facility. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals strong emphasis on plasmonic sensing technologies, photonic crystal applications, and nanoscale optical phenomena. Her research consistently bridges fundamental photonics with practical sensor development, particularly for environmental monitoring and space applications. The publications demonstrate progression from basic photonic crystal research to applied space instrumentation. Scientific Awards: NSERC University Faculty Award (2004) US Patent 8839683 for Photonic Crystal Pressure Sensors (2014) OSA (Optica) Senior Member Co-founder of LightSail Ltd space startup Dr. Sabarinathan actively mentors graduate students through her Nanophotonic Sensors Engineering (NPSE) and Remote Sensing Instrumentation (RSI) research groups. She has secured significant funding including Canadian Space Agency projects, notably as PI for the Western University-Nunavut Arctic College CubeSat Project Ukpik-1. Her research has resulted in three patents for micro photonic-sensors and multi-spectral camera innovations. Her labs focus on two primary research thrusts: the NPSE group developing hybrid photonics micro/nano-sensors including IR/THz plasmonic sensors and bio-photonic sensors, and the RSI group creating multispectral camera imagers for UAV/mobile robots with XRD instrumentation miniaturization for Mars rovers.
Dr. Penina Axelrad is a University of Colorado Distinguished Professor and Joseph T. Negler Professor of Aerospace Engineering Sciences at the University of Colorado Boulder. She has held academic roles since 1992, serving as Department Chair from 2012–2017. A member of the National Academy of Engineering since 2019, her research focuses on GNSS technology, satellite navigation, and remote sensing applications. She has authored over 223 publications and secured $17.5M in research grants. Education: Ph.D., Aeronautics and Astronautics, Stanford University, 1991 S.M., Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering, MIT, 1986 S.B., Aeronautical Engineering (Avionics Option), MIT, 1985 Research Interests: Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), multipath mitigation, GNSS reflectometry, orbital dynamics, and quantum sensing for Earth science. Her work bridges astrodynamics, satellite navigation, and environmental monitoring. Awards: Member, National Academy of Engineering (2019) Women In Aerospace Educator Award (2016) Institute of Navigation Samuel Burka Award (2012) AIAA Summerfield Book Award (2011) Advising & Grants: Advised numerous students (no names listed) and led major grants including NASA Quantum Pathways Institute and Sentinel-6 orbit determination projects. Active in Institute of Navigation leadership roles. Labs/Teams: Colorado Center for Astrodynamics Research (CCAR), Quantum Pathways Institute, and collaborative efforts on CubeSat atomic clock experiments.
Ricardo Valerdi is a Professor and Department Head in the Department of Systems and Industrial Engineering at the University of Arizona's College of Engineering. He is a Distinguished Outreach Professor, Faculty Athletics Representative for the Big 12 Conference and NCAA, and a member of the Graduate Faculty. His academic journey includes positions at MIT (2005–2011) and continuous service at the University of Arizona since 2011, with current roles beginning in 2018 and ongoing leadership since 2020. His educational background includes a PhD in Industrial and Systems Engineering from the University of Southern California, an MS in System Architecture and Engineering from the same institution, and a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of San Diego. Valerdi's research spans systems engineering, cost estimation, model-based systems engineering (MBSE), digital engineering, sports analytics, and test and evaluation of complex systems. He is renowned for his work on the Constructive Systems Engineering Cost Model (COSYSMO) and has pioneered the integration of virtual reality with MBSE. His recent publications reflect a strong focus on executable modeling, systems thinking education, cost modeling convergence, and applications in space and defense systems. His body of work from 2020 to 2025 shows a consistent trajectory in advancing digital engineering tools, integrating immersive technologies into systems design, refining parametric cost models, and assessing systems thinking competencies in education. The publications emphasize interdisciplinary applications, including space missions, ERP systems, and cyber resiliency, demonstrating a blend of theoretical and applied systems engineering. Best paper award, Journal of Systems Engineering International Council of Systems Engineering, Summer I 2016 Foreign Member, Mexican Academy of Engineering, Summer I 2016 Frank Freiman Award for Lifetime Achievement in Cost Estimation and Parametric Modeling, International Cost Estimating & Analysis Association, Fall 2015 Dr. Valerdi has advised numerous graduate students and led educational initiatives integrating industry-focused projects. He founded and co-edited the Journal of Enterprise Transformation and served as editor-in-chief of the Journal of Cost Analysis and Parametrics. He has received significant recognition and grants supporting research in systems engineering cost modeling, human systems integration, and digital transformation. His leadership extends to service as a Fulbright Scholar, visiting professor at West Point, and visiting fellow of the UK Royal Academy of Engineering. He leads research teams focused on cost estimation, digital engineering, and systems integration, often collaborating with defense and aerospace stakeholders. His labs and initiatives emphasize virtual reality integration, executable modeling, and systems thinking assessment. Future work is expected to further explore AI-driven cost models, digital twins for complex systems, and scalable frameworks for MBSE adoption across domains.
Dr Charlie Ryan is an Associate Professor in the School of Engineering at the University of Southampton , specializing in low-cost micropropulsion systems for small spacecraft. He leads the Astronautics Group and has a primary research focus on electrospray thrusters , Hall-effect thrusters , and small chemical propulsion systems using hydrogen peroxide. PhD in electrospray voltage effects from Queen Mary University of London (2011) Postdoctoral work on MEMS electrospray thrusters for cubesats (2011-2013, European Commission FP7 'MicroThrust') Post Doctoral Research Fellow at University of Surrey’s Space Centre (2014-2015) developing low-cost Hall-effect thrusters His recent research involves experimental characterization of ionic liquid ion sources , porous electrospray thrusters , and in-situ lunar propellants . Current projects include Protolaunch and SPRINT (Research England), Cryptalabs , and collaborations with SmallSpark. He has supervised 10 PhD students in propulsion technology and related fields. Publications demonstrate expertise in: Electrospray thruster diagnostics Dual-species ion emission mechanisms Flight-ready microthruster development Alternative propellants for Hall thrusters Lunar regolith-derived propulsion Modular thruster design Research funded by EPSRC , Royal Society , and Research England . His hardware has flown on space missions including the International Space Station.
Ediz Cetin is an Associate Professor in Digital Electronics Engineering at Macquarie University's School of Engineering and a member of the Astrophysics and Space Technologies Research Centre. He serves as Course Director for the MEng Electronics Engineering program and Chair of the School's Postgraduate Coursework Committee. His research focuses on radio frequency interference mitigation, fault-tolerant reconfigurable circuits for space applications, machine learning in RF signal analysis, and low-power digital circuit design. Education: PhD in Signal Processing (Unsupervised Adaptive Signal Processing Techniques for Wireless Receivers) B.Eng. (Hons.) in Control and Computer Engineering Research Interests: RF interference detection and localization GNSS anti-jamming and spoofing detection FPGA-based reconfigurable systems Space instrumentation and CubeSat technologies Machine learning for signal processing Awards: Excellence in Learning Innovation (FSE Teaching Award, 2022) Highly Commended Finalist – Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Learning Innovation (2022) Innovative Approaches – Highly Commended (FSE Teaching Award, 2020) Key Projects: SmartSat CRC (2020–2026): Smart Satellite Technologies and Analytics Spacecraft Innovation Lab (2021–2022) CubeSat Biological Payload (2019–2022) Teaching Contributions: Led the 'Improving Student Engagement with Anywhere and Any-time Laboratory Access' initiative (2019–2020), enhancing remote lab accessibility for students.
Angelo Cervone is a Professor at Delft University of Technology's Department of Astrodynamics & Space Missions within the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering. His research focuses on advanced propulsion systems, CubeSat technology, additive manufacturing for space applications, and space systems design. He leads projects like LUMIO, a CubeSat mission to monitor lunar meteoroid impacts, and has contributed to the development of green propellants and smart composite structures with embedded sensors. His work integrates cutting-edge manufacturing techniques like laser powder directed energy deposition with propulsion system optimization, emphasizing sustainable and robust space technologies. Cervone has authored over 130 publications and edited the book Adaptive On- and Off-Earth Environments , reflecting his expertise in off-world infrastructure and robotic production systems. He received the Rhizome Award (2021) for advancing autarkic systems in off-Earth habitat development. Key Projects: LUMIO CubeSat mission, Rhizome habitat system development, smart propellant tank design Research Themes: CubeSat propulsion, lunar exploration, additive manufacturing for space, in-situ resource utilization His articles highlight advancements in micro-thrusters, structural health monitoring via fiber optics, and autonomous navigation systems for deep-space CubeSats. Cervone collaborates globally on missions requiring innovative propulsion architectures and materials science breakthroughs.
Professor John G Rarity serves as Professor of Optical Communication Systems within the School of Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Bristol, where he leads research at QET Labs and the Bristol Quantum Information Institute. His work spans quantum communication, photonics, and quantum information systems with significant contributions to quantum cryptography and sensing. Research focuses on quantum communication networks , quantum cryptography , and quantum sensing applications . His fingerprint reveals dominant expertise in Quantum Dot Physics (100%), Photonics Physics (94%), Photonic Crystal Material Science (60%), and Quantum Cryptography (48%). Current work emphasizes entanglement distribution, counterfactual communication protocols, and quantum-enhanced sensing for environmental monitoring. Recent publications (2025) demonstrate leadership in multi-node quantum networks, deterministic teleportation, and methane sensing via quantum techniques. His 438 research outputs show consistent focus on practical quantum systems integration, particularly in overcoming classical-quantum channel coexistence challenges in fiber networks. Principal Investigator for 75 projects including active EPSRC grants EP/N00762X/1, EP/R022054/1, and EP/R023018/1 Supervised 36 research students Developed quantum communication systems for CubeSat deployment Pioneered quantum sensing applications for greenhouse gas detection Rarity actively collaborates across international quantum research networks, with recent work involving hollow-core fiber quantum channels, NV-center quantum sensors, and photonic integrated circuits for scalable quantum systems. His lab maintains strong industry partnerships with BT Research and optical communications firms.
Brian Walsh is an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Boston University, with affiliations in the Departments of Astronomy and Electrical and Computer Engineering. He holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Boston University (2011) and a B.A. from Colgate University (2006). His research focuses on experimental space physics and spacecraft instrumentation, particularly studying solar wind-magnetosphere interactions, magnetopause reconnection, and X-ray imaging techniques. His work investigates energy transfer from the Sun to Earth's space environment, with a primary focus on the magnetopause. Walsh develops instruments for NASA and ESA missions, including the LEXI lunar X-ray imager and the CuPID CubeSat. He has contributed to missions like SMILE and pioneered compact solar energetic particle telescopes. His research spans CubeSat-based observations and large-scale space missions, emphasizing cross-scale coupling and global magnetospheric dynamics. Key research interests include plasma turbulence, magnetosheath dynamics, and exosphere variability. Walsh collaborates on projects like the Trans-Heliospheric Survey and the Magnetospheric Constellation (MagCon), aiming to advance understanding of heliospheric plasma behavior. His work also addresses space weather prediction and instrument calibration, such as the Carruthers Observatory Student Solar Monitor (COSSMo). Walsh's recent studies explore solar wind acceleration, ionospheric outflow asymmetry, and the role of recirculated plasmasphere material in ring current dynamics. His contributions to instrumentation and mission design highlight his dual role as a researcher and engineer in aerospace and space physics.
Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyUnited States
Kerri Cahoy is the Sheila Evans Widnall (1960) Professor in MIT's Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, where she serves as Director of the Small Satellite Collaborative and Head of the Space Sector. Her work bridges electrical engineering and aerospace to advance space-based sensing and communication technologies through nanosatellite platforms. Her academic foundation includes: Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Stanford University (2008) M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Stanford University (2002) B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Cornell University (2000) Professor Cahoy's research integrates atmospheric sensing with exoplanet detection , pioneering laser communications and adaptive optics for space applications. She develops autonomy systems for nanosatellites to enable cost-effective Earth observation and astronomical missions, transforming how we study planetary atmospheres and distant worlds through innovative small satellite constellations. Her recent publications (2018-2020) demonstrate consistent focus on optical engineering for space systems, with core themes in CubeSat-based atmospheric tomography, laser communication terminal development, and wavefront correction techniques for exoplanet imaging. These works reveal interdisciplinary convergence of aerospace engineering, optics, and machine learning to solve extreme-environment challenges. Her scientific recognition includes: MIT Committed to Caring Award (2020) AIAA Associate Fellow (2018) MIT Outstanding UROP Mentor (2013) Cornell Co-Op Mentor of the Year (2008) As an educator, Cahoy champions hands-on satellite development through MIT's UROP program, with mentoring philosophy emphasizing technical rigor and mission-driven innovation. Her STAR Lab provides students direct experience in spacecraft design, laser communication testing, and orbital operations while securing research funding from NASA and aerospace industry partners for cutting-edge space technology development. She directs the Space Telecom, Astronomy & Radiation Lab (STAR Lab) and leads the Small Satellite Collaborative, driving projects in laser communication terminals, adaptive optics for space telescopes, and nanosatellite constellations for atmospheric science. These initiatives position MIT at the forefront of miniaturized space instrumentation and autonomous satellite operations.
Federico Dogo serves as a Fixed term researcher at the Department of Physics, University of Trieste. He holds multiple institutional roles including membership on the Department's Board and participation in Boards of Studies for three academic programs: M203 - MEDICAL PHYSICS, SM20 - PHYSICS, and SM23 - PHYSICS. His research expertise spans Astrophysics, Cosmology and Space Science, with particular focus on space technology applications. Dr. Dogo's current work centers on antenna design for satellite systems, specifically developing compact antenna solutions for CubeSat platforms. He is actively engaged in the research project titled "Progettazione di un'antenna di tipo dual reflector, nello specifico un'Axially Displaced Axis (ADE) Antenna per applicazioni CubeSat" (Design of a dual reflector antenna, specifically an Axially Displaced Axis (ADE) Antenna for CubeSat applications), which was last updated on August 14, 2025 and remains active. Dr. Dogo contributes to the academic community through his teaching assignments and participation in curriculum development across multiple physics programs at the university.
