Prof. Dr. Francesco Topputo

9th of July, 2026, 16:00 - Online

Bio

F. Topputo is a Professor of Space Systems at Politecnico di Milano, Italy. His research activities involve interplanetary CubeSat mission and system design, autonomous guidance, navigation, and control (GNC), spacecraft flight dynamics. Prof. Topputo is an ERC laureate and has been PI in 40+ research projects, with over 22M research grants allocated to work under his direction. He leads the Deep-space Astrodynamics Research and Technology Laboratory (DART Lab), composed of 45+ full-time researchers. He is PI of LUMIO, an ESA-funded lunar CubeSat mission; he is responsible for the mission analysis and GNC of Hera’s Milani, an ESA CubeSat to asteroid Didymos. He has authored 130+ peer-reviewed articles published in international journals and over 400 works in total. He serves as Rector’s delegate to international research networks and European innovation, and holds several memberships in scientific societies. He is also co-founder at Nautilus – Navigation in Space Srl.

Title

Design of CubeSat missions in asteroid environment: The case of Hera’s Milani and RAMSES’ Farinella

Luciano Pollice, Ph.D.

2nd of July, 2026, 16:00

Bio

Luciano Pollice, PhD, is a Space Systems Engineer, with over 10 years of experience in space missions and systems design. He specializes in systems engineering and architecting, Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), concurrent engineering, satellites constellations design, advanced satellite manufacturing, and end-to-end programme execution for Earth Observation missions. 

Since 2024, he has been working as Satellite System and Performance Engineer at the European Space Agency (ESA). Previously, he worked in Elettronica (ELT Group) as Senior System Engineer (SEGULA consultant), where he was responsible for coordinating SEGULA consultants within the Aero-Space-Naval-Defense business unit and served as Head of Systems Engineering Competence Center (2023-2024). He also worked at SITAEL S.p.a. as Satellite Platform System Engineer (2020-2023). At Sapienza University of Rome, within the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (DIMA), he worked as Research Associate (2019-2020), serving as technical lead for research projects carried out in collaboration with the Italian Space Agency (ASI), Thales Alenia Space, Telespazio, the Kenyan Space Agency (KSA), and RUAG.

He holds a PhD in Aeronautical and Space Engineering (2015–2019), developed in collaboration with ESA-ESTEC and Beyond Gravity (formerly RUAG, Zurich), as well as an MSc in Space Engineering and a BSc in Aerospace Engineering from Sapienza University of Rome.

He is an INCOSE Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP, 2018), a Fellow of the British Interplanetary Society (FBIS), and a member of the Aerospace Committees of the Order of Engineers of Rome. He is also a certified professional coach and is actively engaged as a lecturer, mentor, and trainer in outreach activities related to space missions and technologies, systems engineering, complexity management, and personal development.

Title

(Space) Systems Engineering: from an ideal world to the daily practice.

A personal journey through academia, industry, and agencies

Abstract

What does it mean to be an excellent (space) systems engineer? What does a (space) systems engineer actually do in practice? Which are his/her daily activities, tasks, duties, and responsibilities? How closely does this reality align with a traditional academic background? And if a gap exists, how can it be effectively bridged? As a very first step toward this direction, it could be useful to attend this lecture. But this is just “one small step for (a) man… but a giant leap for (students) mankind”!!! So, be present! Join this session to explore these topics together, uncover possible answers, and raise new questions.

Are you ready for launch?🚀🛰️ 2 July 2026 (after lunch!🍕)

Important notes:

• No AI tools were harmed in the preparation of this presentation!

• The content of this lecture cannot be fully captured by any AI tool: attendance is highly recommended!

Ms. Lara Schuberth

25th of June, 2026, 16:00

Bio

Lara is a research associate and doctoral candidate at the Chair of Spacecraft Systems at the Technical University of Munich (TUM). 

Lara received the B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Mechanical Engineering from TUM, specializing in astronautics. In 2024, Lara started her doctoral program on neuromorphic vision for space situational awareness. Lara's research focuses on onboard processing of event data from neuromorphic optical payloads on resource-constrained space platforms to enable the detection of fast-moving objects in low-light environments. 

Title

Seeing Differently in Orbit: Event-Based Vision for Space Situational Awareness

Abstract

Space Situational Awareness (SSA) is becoming increasingly important for safe and sustainable operations in Earth orbit. It involves detecting and cataloguing objects in orbit, including active and defunct satellites, spent rocket bodies, and debris fragments, as well as tracking their orbits over time and predicting close approaches and potential collisions. Performing this in orbit places demanding requirements: targets are faint and fast-moving, while onboard power and downlink budgets are limited. Event cameras offer a compelling solution. Inspired by the biological retina, each pixel responds independently and asynchronously to changes in log-intensity, producing a microsecond-resolution stream of events with very high dynamic range. These properties complement the existing sensor suite for SSA. In particular, their high temporal resolution and high dynamic range make them well suited for detecting and tracking close-approaching objects, enabling perception capabilities that can support autonomous satellite operations and onboard decision-making without reliance on ground control. 

This talk introduces event-based vision and its growing role in space applications, with a focus on Space Situational Awareness (SSA). It provides an overview of event-based vision and its use cases in space, and explains how event cameras generate asynchronous event streams as well as common representations of this data. The talk further covers methods and challenges for detecting and tracking resident space objects, drawing on ongoing research at the Chair of Spacecraft Systems and the EventSat mission, a 6U CubeSat technology demonstrator for event-based vision in space.

Prof. Dr. Enrico Stoll

18th of June, 2026, 16:00

Bio

Since February 2021, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Enrico Stoll holds the Chair of Space Technology at TU Berlin. Enrico holds a diploma degree (2004) in aerospace engineering from the Technical University of Dresden after studies at MAI, Moscow and UNSW, Sydney. He finished his PhD at the Institute of Astronautics at TU Munich in 2008. Thereafter, he was a postdoctoral research fellow of MIT's Space Systems Laboratory. Subsequently, he joined RapidEye/ Blackbridge as a systems engineer for their remote sensing satellite constellation. During that time he was also a guest lecturer at FU Berlin and received a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the University of Hagen. He was the head of the Institute of Space Systems at TU Braunschweig from 2014 to 2021.

Title

Small Satellites, Big Ambitions: Challenges and Opportunities of On-Orbit Servicing with Robotic CubeSats

Abstract

On-orbit servicing (OOS) is expected to become a key capability for future space infrastructure, enabling inspection, maintenance, assembly, and removal of spacecraft. While most current OOS concepts rely on large and complex servicing vehicles, recent advances in miniaturization, autonomy, and robotic technologies open the possibility of performing selected servicing tasks using significantly smaller and more cost-effective spacecraft.
This talk presents the challenges and opportunities of on-orbit servicing with robotic nanosatellites. The presentation highlights ongoing developments at the Chair of Space Technology at TU Berlin, including the NanoFF mission for autonomous formation flying, the CubeSat-compatible robotic manipulator LISA, and gecko-inspired docking technologies for non-cooperative targets. These projects serve as practical examples of how key OOS capabilities can be demonstrated and matured on nanosatellite platforms.

Ms. Eveline Baumeister

28th of May, 2026, 16:00

Bio

Eveline is CEO of Fortanum. She serves as NewSpace Capital Senior Advisor, Antler Capital Advisor & Advisory Board Member Three Sigma (AI) and Lumai (Space), Roland Berger Interim Manager & Advisor and is a Deal Captain with The Deal Team. Most recently, Eveline was a Senior Advisor and Project Director with AP Capital Investments, accountable for managing the investor strategic plan and equity story, leading transactions and operational governance. Eveline also represented the shareholders as a Board Member and originated a multi-billion proprietary deal funnel. Earlier, Eveline held international P&L leadership roles with Cisco Systems and Siemens IT Solutions and Services, including a promotion to Head of CFO Office following a company-wide talent screening and an M&A merger integration responsibility for North-West Europe. Eveline has two decades of leadership experience in multi-national environments, having lived and held positions on different continents. She has built a reputation for strategic thinking and deeply trusted C-Level relationship building with investors and business partners.

Eveline holds a Business Administration master’s degree with honours from Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg and completed executive education with INSEAD and London Business School. She is further a member of Level 20 Women in Private Equity.

Title

NewSpace Capital – growth investments in space

Prof. Dr. Rob Vingerhoeds

21st of May, 2026, 16:00. 

Bio

Rob Vingerhoeds, PhD, is a Full Professor of Systems Engineering at ISAE-SUPAERO, Université de Toulouse, France, and was from 2019 until 2022 the Head of the Department of Complex Systems Engineering. Rob’s research interests include systems engineering and architecture, model-based systems engineering, concept design, the integration of project management and systems engineering, and artificial intelligence techniques. Systems engineering became over time a key topic in his career. Rob is Deputy Editor of the International Scientific Journal “Systems Engineering.” Since 2023, Rob is the Director of the Doctoral School Systems of the University of Toulouse.

Title

On the use of AI in (systems) engineering (and elsewhere), some thoughts

Dr. Leonard Felicetti

7th of May, 2026, 16:00

Bio

Leonard Felicetti is a Reader in Space Robotics and Guidance, Navigation & Control and Course Director of the MSc in Astronautics and Space Engineering at Cranfield University.  Leonard leads the research activities of the ASTRA-Lab at Cranfield University, a laboratory dedicated to research in space robotics and guidance, navigation and control of space systems. He participated in numerous projects funded by ESA, NATO, H-Europe, and the UK Space Agency, focusing on space sustainability, in-orbit servicing, and assembly or GNC for space systems. He is the supervisor of numerous PhD and MSc students, course director of the MSc in Astronautics and Space Engineering and module leader of “Guidance Navigation and Control of Space Systems” and “Spacecraft Attitude Dynamics and Control” modules in the MSc in Astronautics and Spacecraft Engineering as well as “Autonomy in Robotics Systems” in the MSc in Robotics at Cranfield University. Leonard is also the session organiser of the “Mission Design, Formation Flying and Constellations” session at the IEEE Aerospace Conference, a reviewer of numerous academic journals and an AIAA senior member and IEEE RAS & AESS member.

Title

Research and teaching activities in space robotics and astronautics at Cranfield University: the ASTRA-Lab and MARIO

Abstract

This seminar presents an overview of research and teaching activities in space robotics and astronautics at Cranfield University, with particular focus on the ASTRA-Lab and the MARIO robotic platform.

The ASTRA-Lab (Advanced Space Technology for Robotics and Astronautics Laboratory) is designed to emulate key aspects of the orbital environment through a frictionless epoxy floor, air-bearing systems and controlled illumination. It enables realistic hardware-in-the-loop experimentation in proximity operations, on-orbit servicing and in-space assembly. Within this facility operates MARIO (Multi-Arm Robot for In-orbit Operations), a multi-manipulator robotic demonstrator conceived for modular in-orbit assembly and servicing research. Another platform is LUIGI (Low-friction Unit for In-plane Gnc Integration), a satellite-like platform designed to test GNC hardware and algorithms for rendezvous, formation flying or proximity operations.

After describing the effort and lessons learnt in setting up the laboratory, the talk will highlight recent research projects addressing sustainability in space, debris mitigation, and robotic assembly of large orbital structures, some of them funded by ESA, NATO, or the UK Space Agency, and in partnership with key European industrial partners.

The ASTRA-Lab not only serves for experimental research but also integrates postgraduate education (both at MSc and PhD level). Students actively engage with ASTRA-Lab and MARIO through laboratory sessions, group design projects, and MSc theses. Particular focus will be given to describing how these activities are integrated into the MSc in Astronautics and Space Engineering, one of the UK's longest-running MScs in space engineering. The talk will highlight how the lab serves as a unique educational framework for students to develop skills and competencies that will become essential in a rapidly changing, dynamic sector in the years to come.

Prof. Dr. William W. Baber

30th of April, 2026, 16:00 

Bio

William W. Baber has combined education with business throughout his career. Currently he is teaching and researching negotiation and business models as Professor of the Graduate School of Management, Kyoto University. He is Visiting Professor at National Taiwan University, and previously at University of Vienna and University of Jyväskylä. Additional experience includes economic development in the State of Maryland and supporting business starters in Japan. He is lead author of the textbook Practical Business Negotiation and co-editor of Transforming Japanese Business as well as Space Business: Theory and Practice. Recent articles: Confirming the Impact of Training on Negotiators and Organizations; The effectual process of business model innovation for seizing opportunities in frontier markets;  New Space Business. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Business and Management.

Title

New Space Ecosystems: Japan & Europe

Abstract

This presentation will briefly introduce New Space and the dynamics of that global business ecosystem – how achievements in one activity impact other activities in positive feedback loops. We then review the New Space Ecosystem of Japan and its main features. After that, we discuss the ecosystem in Europe and Germany and how the different ecosystems worldwide may interact in the near future.

Prof. Dr. Alessandro Golkar

Opening Seminar: April 22nd, 2026 at 16:00

Bio

Prof. Dr. Alessandro Golkar holds the Chair of Spacecraft Systems at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), where he leads research on satellite systems, systems engineering, and the emerging commercial space economy. His work connects systems engineering, artificial intelligence, and space mission design, with a focus on how innovative space technologies can enable future applications in Earth observation, communications, and space situational awareness.

Prof. Golkar received his Ph.D. from MIT in Aeronautics and Astronautics. He is Visiting Senior Instructor for the New Space Economy course at MIT Professional Education, where he has trained over 250 executives and managers from corporate, venture capital, and startup backgrounds. He also serves as Member of the Review Board of the Systems Engineering Excellence Program at Airbus Defence and Space Academy. Before joining TUM, he served as Vice President and Head of Concurrent Design at Airbus Corporate Technology, where he led over 120 technology roadmap studies engaging more than 1,200 engineers.

His recent research includes the EventSat CubeSat mission, demonstrating the use of neuromorphic vision sensors and onboard AI for real-time detection of satellites and debris in orbit. He is the author of over 140 scientific publications, including 44 journal papers, and is ranked among the Stanford Top 2% Scientists Worldwide. He is the originator of the Experiential Systems Engineering concept, a hands-on approach to aerospace education that connects academic research with real-world missions and entrepreneurial practice.

Title

The New Space Economy: Separating Engineering Reality from Market Hype

Abstract

The global space economy surpassed $626 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $1.8 trillion by 2035, with the commercial sector now accounting for 78% of total value. Launch costs have dropped by two orders of magnitude since the Space Shuttle era, and orbital launch rates have reached levels unseen since the Cold War. These shifts are enabling entirely new categories of space ventures, from satellite broadband direct to unmodified smartphones, to AI data centers in orbit.

Yet history shows that technological feasibility alone does not guarantee commercial success. The space industry's graveyard is full of ventures that had sound engineering and no viable business model. For aerospace engineers entering the workforce in the late 2020s, the ability to evaluate where a space venture sits on the spectrum between proven business and speculative frontier is becoming as important as the ability to design the systems themselves.

This seminar presents a structured assessment of six real companies operating at different points along this spectrum: Planet Labs (Earth observation at scale), AST SpaceMobile (direct-to-cell broadband from LEO), Starcloud (orbital AI compute), AstroForge (asteroid mining for platinum group metals), Stardust Solutions (stratospheric solar geoengineering), and GRU Space (lunar habitats via in-situ resource utilization). For each case, we examine the underlying technology readiness, the business model and unit economics, the competitive landscape, and the key risks. The talk draws on market data from 2024 and 2025, including investment trends, launch statistics, and recent mission outcomes.

The goal is to equip future systems engineers with a practical framework for distinguishing between space ventures that are approaching commercial viability and those that remain, for now, parsing the boundary between engineering ambition and economic reality.

Dr. Anton B. Ivanov

24th of July, 2025, 16:00 - 18:00

Bio:

Dr. Anton Ivanov is the Executive Director for Beyond Earth Exploration at the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) in Abu Dhabi, UAE. He leads strategic initiatives in spacecraft artificial intelligence, electric propulsion, and is responsible for the lander element of the Emirates Mission to Asteroids (EMA). Dr. Ivanov holds a Ph.D. in Planetary Science from Caltech and has contributed to major space missions including Mars Express, Mars Science Laboratory, and CHEOPS.

Prior to joining TII, he held key roles at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the Swiss Space Center at EPFL, and Skoltech. His work has spanned mission design, CubeSat development, and remote sensing applications, with a strong focus on systems engineering and concurrent design. Dr. Ivanov continues to drive innovation in space exploration through international collaboration and cutting-edge research.

Title: 

Emirates Mission to the Asteroid and development of the lander probe

Abstract: 

The United Arab Emirates' Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt (EMA) is an important step in deep space exploration. This seminar presents an overview of the mission’s scientific goals, engineering milestones, and strategic significance as the first Arab interplanetary mission beyond Mars. Designed in collaboration with international partners, the mission will send the *MBR Explorer* on a 5-billion-kilometer journey through the inner solar system to perform flybys of six asteroids, culminating in a rendezvous and landing attempt on the asteroid  269 Justitia in 2036.

A special focus will be given to the  "lander module", a small, self-contained system designed to detach during astreroid proximity operations and perform an uncontrolled descent onto Justitia’s surface. Equipped with high-resolution imaging systems, the lander will transmit descent imagery in real time to support surface characterization. The mission will conclude with an impact, aimed at exposing sub-surface material and assessing surface mechanical properties.

This presentation will also highlight the systems engineering challenges  associated with long-duration cruise phases, autonomous navigation, and asteroid approach operations. The seminar will conclude with an update on the current status of spacecraft and payload development, and the UAE’s evolving role in sustainable deep space missions.

Prof. Dr. Paul Grogan

17th of July, 2025, 16:00 - 18:00

Bio:

Paul Grogan is an Associate Professor with the School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence within the Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University. He holds a Ph.D. in Engineering Systems and S.M. degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a B.S. degree in Engineering Mechanics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Grogan leads research on engineering design of distributed and decentralized systems with applications to Earth-observing space missions, resource-intensive terrestrial infrastructure, and campaign logistics for space exploration. His work builds on theory and tools in design science, economics, and information science to understand and improve collaborative design across organization boundaries. His group develops and uses models, simulations, and games to understand how individuals and teams interact during early conceptual design activities.

Title: 

Earth Observing System Simulation with the Tradespace Analysis Tool for Constellations

Abstract: 

The Tradespace Analysis Tool for Constellations (TAT-C) is an open-source Python modeling and simulation tool for early-stage Earth observing satellite constellation design. Building on underlying astrodynamics and planar geometry libraries, TAT-C provides higher-level analysis functions to evaluate observability, sampling distributions, and data latency. Object models specified using JSON Schema allow for easy adoption of external HTTP interfaces and parallel or distributed computational workflows to process large tasks. TAT-C generalizes Earth observations as planar geometries including polygons (2D images) and lines (1D profiles) that are extensible to a variety of remote sensing techniques including imaging, sounding, and radio occultation. Integration with gridded geophysical datasets such as the GEOS 5 Nature Run (G5NR) provide insights about observing system performance under diurnal and seasonal variation. TAT-C applications study convective storm activity in the North Atlantic Hurricane Season and North American Monsoon and snow water equivalent in the Missouri River basin. Active areas of research seek to improve autonomous satellite targeting and constellation operations to leverage advances in onboard computing capabilities and dense information connectivity.

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

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

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

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: 

Next-Gen SatCom and 6G: The Future of Non-Terrestrial Connectivity

Abstract: 

This seminar explores the convergence of next-generation satellite communications (SatCom) and 6G, outlining a future of pervasive, intelligent, and globally accessible connectivity. We will trace the evolution of SatCom from traditional GEO platforms to LEO and multi-orbit constellations, as well as emerging Direct-to-Device (D2D) capabilities—highlighting how Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs) are essential to extend 6G beyond the limitations of terrestrial infrastructure.

We will examine the 6G vision—including AI-native networking and ultra-low latency—and show why NTNs are foundational for achieving ubiquitous coverage, network resilience, and support for advanced applications such as autonomous systems and edge AI. The presentation highlights enabling technologies including Massive MIMO, Free-Space Optical (FSO) communication, and machine learning for network intelligence, while also addressing standardisation, regulatory frameworks, and market direction.

Finally, the seminar considers the challenges and opportunities of this integrated future—particularly in bridging the digital divide and realising a truly unified space–air–ground network.

Prof. Dr. Marcello Romano

5th of June, 2025, 16:00 - 18:00

Bio:

Marcello Romano is an Italian-American academic researcher, educator and inventor in the field of astronautical engineering and space technology. His areas of expertise include space-flight mechanics, orbital robotics and space systems engineering. Since January 2025, Dr. Romano is a full professor and head of the institute of astrodynamics at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), Germany. Between 2004 and 2024, he was a professor and the founding director of the Spacecraft Robotics Laboratory at the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS), Monterey, California. In 2025 he received the honorary title of NPS Emeritus Professor. Dr. Romano is a member of the Board of Directors of the Italian Scientists and Scholars in North America Foundation (ISSNAF).

He earned his Ph.D. (2001) and Laurea degree (1997) in Aerospace Engineering from Politecnico di Milano, Italy. He has held visiting positions at the Technical University of Munich (2011), Stanford University (2018) and NASA Ames Research Center (2018). Furthermore, he was awarded a direct-call full professorship position in 2022 at Politecnico di Torino, from which he resigned in 2024. Dr. Romano is an Academician in the International Academy of Astronautics, an Associate Fellow in the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), and a Senior Member in the IEEE. He is the recipient of both the Senior and Junior Menneken Awards for Excellence in Scientific Research (2021, and 2006), and of the 2020 American Astronautical Society (AAS) Patti Grace Smith Award. Dr. Romano is the author/co-author of more than sixty journal papers and eleven patents. 

Title: 

Dynamics, Guidance & Control of Advanced Orbital Systems, from Conception to Flight Experimentation

Abstract: 

The presentation will give an overview of selected research achievements by Dr. Romano and his collaborators, spanning analysis, laboratory and flight experimentation.

Projects will be highlighted which focus on Orbital Robotics, Attitude and Orbital Mechanics and Space Systems Engineering.

Finally, the presentation will give a perspective on some ongoing and planned research efforts.”

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.

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.