Space Systems Seminar
Meeting ID: 626 3806 6642
Passcode: 209642
Join us for an exciting series of seminars featuring leading international experts from industry, academia, and space agencies. Hosted by the Chair of Spacecraft Systems at TUM, this seminar series explores key topics shaping the future of space exploration, satellite technology, and the New Space Economy.
From 24th April to 24th July 2025, every Thursday at 16:00*, you'll have the unique opportunity to gain insights from prominent speakers, engage in stimulating discussions, and expand your knowledge on cutting-edge developments in space technology, logistics, and entrepreneurship.
The seminars will be held in a hybrid format—both on campus at the TUM Ottobrunn facility and online—making it accessible to everyone interested in the latest advancements in the space sector.
We look forward to your participation and to an inspiring semester of discovery, innovation, and collaboration!
*On some specific dates, the Seminar will be held at 13:00h, for more details and schedule updates, please visit our webpage.
Next Seminar
Prof. Dr. Alejandro Salado
22nd of May, 2025, 16:00 - 18:00
Bio:
Dr. Alejandro Salado is an associate professor of systems engineering with the Department of Systems and Industrial Engineering at the University of Arizona and the director of the systems engineering program. In addition, he provides part-time consulting in areas related to enterprise transformation, cultural change of technical teams, systems engineering, and engineering strategy. Alejandro conducts research to develop theory and methods in various areas of systems engineering, including problem formulation, design of verification and validation strategies, model-based systems engineering, and engineering education. Before joining academia, he held positions as systems engineer, chief architect, and chief systems engineer in manned and unmanned space systems of up to $1B in development cost. He has published over 150 technical papers, and his research has received federal funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Naval Surface Warfare Command (NSWC), the Naval Air System Command (NAVAIR), and the Office of Naval Research (ONR), among others. He is a recipient of the NSF CAREER Award and the International Fulbright Science and Technology Award. Dr. Salado holds a BS/MS in electrical and computer engineering from the Polytechnic University of Valencia, a MS in project management and a MS in electronics engineering from the Polytechnic University of Catalonia, the SpaceTech MEng in space systems engineering from the Technical University of Delft, and a PhD in systems engineering from the Stevens Institute of Technology. He is an associate fellow of AIAA and a senior member of IEEE. He currently serves as Director of Academic Matters at INCOSE.
Title:
Toward a Science of Systems Engineering: Theoretical Foundations and Practical Implications
Abstract:
Although systems engineering has a long history of successful application, its foundations have traditionally been grounded more in practice than in formal theory. This has led to a rich body of heuristics and methods, but also to ambiguity and inconsistency in core concepts and approaches. In this research seminar, I will explore recent developments in the theoretical foundations of systems engineering and their implications for practice. By introducing formal constructs and theoretical models, we challenge long-standing assumptions and practices in areas such as problem definition, system architecture, and verification and validation. These advances not only offer greater conceptual clarity but also lead to more robust, repeatable, and effective engineering outcomes. The talk aims to demonstrate how grounding systems engineering in theory can enhance both understanding and application.
Prof. Dr. Marcello Romano
5th of June, 2025, 16:00 - 18:00
Bio:
Prof. Romano specializes in spaceflight mechanics, with a primary focus on the rotational and orbital maneuvering of artificial satellites, autonomous guidance, navigation, & control, the engineering of advanced space systems and missions, and orbital robotics for in-space servicing, assembly, and debris removal. His broader research interests extend to entrepreneurial innovation, technology transfer, and space-enabled sustainability. Prof. Romano's research philosophy integrates theoretical investigation with simulation, laboratory experimentation, and flight testing.
After earning his doctorate in aerospace engineering at Politecnico di Milano (2001), Prof. Romano became a U.S. National Research Council postdoctoral fellow. He then served as a tenure-track professor and founding director of the Spacecraft Robotics Lab at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California (2004–2024). He held visiting professorships at TUM, NASA Ames, and Stanford University. In January 2025, Prof. Romano was appointed Chair Professor at TUM. He is a full member of the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) and an Associate Fellow of AIAA.
Title:
TBD
Abstract:
TBD
Dr. Nicola Garzaniti
12th of June, 2025, 16:00 - 18:00
Bio:
Dr. Garzaniti is a space systems engineer interested in the New Space Economy. His research interests include product development for New Space missions, mathematical models to optimize engineering systems design and development, applied AI.
He received the M.Sc. in Aerospace Engineering from Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy, and the Ph.D. in Systems Engineering from Skoltech.
Nicola is the co-founder of Golbriak Space OÜ, a European startup operating in the Aerospace sector, developing free-space optical communication solutions for space and airborne platforms. His work has contributed ESA missions, and he actively supports industry and government initiatives in space technology and policy.
Nicola joined Cranfield University (UK) in January 2022 as a Lecturer (Assistant Professor) in Space Engineering.
Title:
TBD
Abstract:
TBD
Prof. Dr. Stefanos Fasoulas
26th of June, 2025, 16:00 - 18:00
Bio:
Stefanos Fasoulas is Professor for Space Transportation Technology and Managing Director of the Institute of Space Systems, University of Stuttgart, Germany. He received his doctoral degree in 1995 in aerospace engineering at the University of Stuttgart, Germany. He has over 30 years of experience in research and teaching. He also served as Professor for Space Systems and Space Utilization and Director of the Institute for Aerospace engineering at the TU Dresden, Germany. He is author or co-author of more than 350 peer-reviewed or conference publications and has supervised about 50 doctoral researchers. Since 2021 he is acting as Dean of the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering and Geodesy, University of Stuttgart, and since 2024 as Spokesperson of the Collaborative Research Center “Advancing Technologies of Very Low Altitude Satellites” (CRC 1667 ATLAS), supported by the German Research Foundation (DFG).
Since 2024: Spokesperson of the Collaborative Research Center “Advancing Technologies of Very Low Altitude Satellites” (CRC 1667 ATLAS), supported by the German Research Foundation (DFG)
Since 2021: Dean Faculty of Aerospace Engineering and Geodesy, University of Stuttgart
Since 2014: Managing Director Institute of Space Systems, University of Stuttgart
Since 2010: Professor for Space Transportation Technology, Institute of Space Systems, University of Stuttgart
2006 - 2010: Director Institute for Aerospace Engineering, TU Dresden 1999 - 2010: Professor for Space Systems and Utilization, Institute of Aerospace Engineering, TU Dresden
1995: Doctoral degree (Dr.-Ing.) in Aerospace Engineering, University of Stuttgart
1990 - 1999: Research scientist, Institute of Space Systems, University of Stuttgart
1984 - 1990: Aerospace Engineering, University of Stuttgart, Dipl.-Ing. degree
Title:
The NewSpace Era: Challenges, Risks, and the CRC 1667 ATLAS Research Agenda
Abstract:
TBD
Claudia Kessler
3rd of July, 2025, 16:00 - 18:00
Bio:
A life dedicated to spaceflight- fascinated by the Moon landing in 1969, the then four-year-old Claudia decides that one day she too will fly into space!
Communication and outreach of space content has always been her passion, she is a well-known speaker at company events and public shows. In 2023 she founded the Universe Pavilion together with Janine Thungen and Claudia Schnugg, to bring the dimension of space through an art and architecture exhibition to Venice.
Since 1990 she has worked as a space engineer, manager and entrepreneur in the space field.
Her passion for astronauts and human spaceflight led her to work in various areas of human spaceflight, from the first missions of German astronauts to the Russian MIR station, through the responsibility for the commercial use of the International Space Station.
Claudia is an entrepreneur and visionary. In 2017 she founded Astronautin GmbH to ensure the female future of (traditionally “manned”) astronautical space travel. Claudia Kessler has a clear goal: to get the first German woman into space. The new female astronaut will become an inspiration to encourage young women into technology professions. For this she built and privately organized an astronaut selection and training program that can also be applied to other needs.
As CEO of HE Space from 2004 to 2018, a personnel service provider specializing in space professionals, Claudia achieved a 55% representation of women among her 200 technical employees. The Family-Friendly certificate, the Diversity Charter, and the Diversity Personality of the Year 2016 awards are just a few examples of the results of her numerous campaigns to improve the position of women in technical professions who are also balancing work and family.
Today, she offers her experience in the areas of leadership, strategy, market development, business development, as well as her network to space start-ups and other companies as consultancy service.
Claudia Kessler is a qualified aerospace engineer, the holder of an MBA, and has more than 30 years of experience in the international space industry.
Title:
The First Female German Astronaut
Abstract:
TBD
Andrea Casasco - starts at 13:00h
10th of July, 2025, 13:00-15:00
Bio:
Andrea is a co-founder of 2100 Ventures, a venture capital vehicle focused on investments across Europe, with one of its core missions being to bridge the European north-south divide. Prior to 2100 Ventures, Andrea was part of the founding team at Equation Capital, co-founded the social impact startup Trovamascherine, and served as a Senior Associate at Keystone Strategy. Andrea earned degrees in Law from Bocconi University and Harvard Law School.
Title:
Rockets, Risk & Returns: Space Tech Through a VC Lens
Abstract:
TBD
Dr. Anton B. Ivanov
17th of July, 2025, 16:00 - 18:00
Bio:
Dr. Anton B. Ivanov is currently the Executive Director for Beyond Earth Exploration at the Technology Innovation Institute in Abu Dhabi, UAE. After receiving his PhD in Planetary Science from Caltech in 2000, Dr Ivanov joined the Jet Propulsion Laboratory to contribute to Mars Global Surveyor, Mars Odyssey, Mars Express (MARSIS), CASSIS and Mars Science Laboratory projects, as well as participated in activities of Team X. In 2007, Dr Ivanov joined the Swiss Space Center at the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (Switzerland) to lead development of the Concurrent Design Facility. There he was responsible for the Minor in SpaAce Technologies and led projects in precise cubesat positioning (CubETH), study phase for an exoplanets observatory (CHEOPS) and participated in mission operations for the SwissCube satellite. At Skoltech (since 2017), Anton was responsible for advancement of methods of systems engineering, concurrent design and utilisation of remote sensing for forest industry. Anton was the principal investigator the SwarmSat project (Skoltech B1/2 satellites) to demonstrate collective decision technologies in space. Currently, Dr. Ivanov is responsible for developing new technologies for space exploration namely in spacecraft artificial intelligence and electric propulsion, in collaboration with various stakeholders in UAE.
Title:
TBD
Abstract:
TBD
Dr. Sydney Dolan
24th of July, 2025, 16:00 - 18:00
Bio:
Dr Sydney Dolan is currently a postdoctoral researcher at Technical University Munich, where she develops neuromorphic computer vision algorithms for space situational awareness. Before joining TUM, Sydney earned their PhD in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Her research interests encompass multi-agent reinforcement learning, graph-theoretic multi-agent coordination, and spacecraft perception and pose estimation.
Title:
TBD
Abstract:
TBD
Dr. Paolo Ferri - starts at 13:00h
15th of May, 2025, 13:00-15:00
Bio:
Paolo studied theoretical physics at the University of Pavia (Italy).
He worked almost four decades for the European Space Agency (ESA) at the European Space Operations Centre, starting as visiting scientist on the Exosat X-ray astronomy mission, and then moving to the field of mission operations, where he worked on various scientific missions, such as Eureca, Cluster, Rosetta, Mars Express, Venus Express, ExoMars, BepiColombo and Solar Orbiter.
2006 he became Head of the Solar and Planetary Missions Division, and from 2013 to 2020 Head of the Mission Operations Department, in charge of ground segment and mission operations preparation and execution for all ESA robotic space missions.
He is full member of the International Academy of Astronautics and of the British Interplanetary Society.
Title:
The Long, Difficult Journey to Mars
Abstract:
In the history of Solar system exploration Mars is the planet that has been targeted by most space missions by far. Nevertheless, the Red planet poses still today difficult challenges to mission designer and operations, and about half of the space missions sent to Mars have ended in failure.
This talk will go through the history of Mars exploration, explaining the main aspects that make it difficult to reach Mars orbit and land and operate on its surface, using examples from various space missions, and in particular the operational experience for the two European missions to Mars, Mars Express and ExoMars.
The current status of and future plans for Mars exploration will also be described.
Martin Born
8th of May, 2025, 16:00 - 18:00
Bio:
Martin Born graduated from the TU Munich in 1998, with a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering. Prior to his graduation, he spent 6 months at the Japanese Space Agency JAXA in Tokyo as part of his Master's Thesis. Afterwards, he worked at NASA in the USA for 14 years in various Quality & Safety Team Lead positions on the Space Shuttle and satellite development programmes. In 2014, he joined the European Space Agency ESA at the ESTEC campus in the Netherlands, where he is currently the ESA Product Assurance, Safety and Configuration Control Manager for the Artemis Orion European Service Module (ESM).
Title:
Artemis: the Human Return to the Moon
Abstract:
TBD
Prof. Dr. Chiara Manfletti
24th of April, 2025, 16:00 - 18:00
Bio:
Chiara Manfletti holds a degree in engineering from Imperial College London, a masters degree in space studies from the International Space University and a PhD from RWTH Aachen. She worked for the German Aerospace Center as a research engineer in liquid rocket propulsion and later joined the European Space Agency as Head of Policy and Programmes. In 2019 she was nominated the first President of the then just founded Portuguese national space agency. Today she is CEO of Neuraspace and Professor of Space Mobility and Propulsion at the Technical University of Munich.
Title:
Navigating Ambiguity in Space Research, Policy, and Business
Abstract:
In the talk I will explore the critical role of embracing uncertainty and introducing new methods as a catalyst for innovation in the space sector. I will use my experience working in a research environment, in leadership positions in European space agencies and at the helm of a startup giving examples of what worked and also what did not.