Biography

Vincenzo Messina is a Research Associate and Doctoral Candidate at the Chair of Spacecraft Systems at the Technical University of Munich.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Turin and a Master’s degree in Space Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Milan. During his master’s studies, he conducted his master thesis and served as a Research Technician at the University of Southampton, where he focused on on-board propulsion systems.

Since 2022, he has been pursuing his doctoral research, concentrating on the development of novel algorithms and methodologies for decentralized operations in Distributed Satellite Systems (DSS). His work aims to enable autonomous decision-making among satellites while ensuring network-wide consensus, with a particular emphasis on the strategic exchange of observational tasks to achieve coordinated, collective objectives.

Research Topics

- Decentralized Satellite Networks

- Distributed Satellite Systems 

- Satellite Constellations

Journal Papers

1. S. Scrocciolani, V. Messina, R. M. García Alarcia, J. Sindermann, A. Golkar, "Advancing Satellite Network Performance: Network Analysis for Federated Satellite Systems", IEEE Access, 12, 2024. Paper Available: Here

 

Conferences and Workshops

    

   2025

1. V. Messina, A. Golkar, "Efficient and Responsive Task Allocation in Distributed Satellite Systems: The Role of Central Nodes", Fourteenth International Workshop on Planning & Scheduling for Space (IWPSS), 2025.

2. V. Messina, A. Golkar, "Advancing Federated Satellite Systems Performance: A Collaborative Method for Improved Object Detection in Space", AIAA SCITECH 2025 Forum, 2025, pp. 0588. 

   2024

3. 3. V. Messina, A. Golkar. "Latency optimization in Centralized and Decentralized Coordination of Time-Varying Evolutionary Satellite Networks: The Impact of packet size", 75^th International Astronautical Congress, 2024.
4. L. Schuberth, V. Messina, et al. “Leveraging event-based cameras for enhanced space situational awareness: a nanosatellite mission architecture study”, 75^th International Astronautical Congress, 2024.
5. M. Kura, V. Messina et al, "Tradespace Analysis and Conceptual Design for a Lunar Navigation and Communication Constellation", 75th International Astronautical Congress, 2024.
6. L. Kessler, V. Messina, A. Golkar, "Advancing Digital Twin implementation for CubeSats: Integrating theoretical insights with real-world applications”, 75^th International Astronautical Congress, 2024.

7. A. Monibas, V. Messina, A. Golkar, "Orbital Manoeuvring Optimization Techniques for Collision Avoidance through Decentralized Algorithms”, 75^th International Astronautical Congress, 2024.

   2023

8. V. Messina, A. Golkar, "Initial formulation of a time varying dynamic graph decentralized optimization framework for scaled satellite network infrastructure operations", 74th International Astronautical Congress, 2023.

9. Strasser, F., V. Messina, A. Golkar et al, "Schedule Optimization for a Heterogeneous Earth Observation Satellite Constellation", 74th International Astronautical Congress, 2023.

   2022

10. C. Ma, V. Messina, et al, "Plume study of an electrospray thruster using a HAN-based dual-mode ionic liquid propellant," in Proceedings of the 37th International Electric Propulsion Conference, 2022.
11. Ma, C., V. Messina et al. "Emission characterization of porous electrospray thrusters with actively controlled flow rate," in Proceedings of the 37th International Electric Propulsion Conference, 2022.
12. V. Messina, et al. "Performance evaluation of A40N hybrid thruster using green propellants for space applications", 8th edition of the 3AF International Conference on Space Propulsion, 2022.

Teaching

Spacecraft Design - Fundamentals, Instructor, Grader	Summer 2023 & 2024 & 2025
Space Mission Design, Instructor, Grader	Winter 2023 & 2024
Introduction to Spaceflight, Instructor, Grader	Winter & Summer 2024
Systems Engineering – Fundamentals, Teaching Assistant, Grader	Winter & Summer 2024
Spacecraft Operations,  Teaching Assistant	Winter 2023
Space Systems Seminar, Teaching Assistant, Grader	Summer 2023 & 2024