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Spoke 2 topics overview
Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality, and Digitalization for Space Systems
This research topic focuses on integrating artificial intelligence, machine learning, and virtual reality into the design, production, and testing of space systems. The goal is to develop advanced tools enabling immersive simulation, predictive analysis, and process optimization, bridging the physical and digital domains. Virtual Reality allows thorough exploration of mission scenarios, design of optimized human-machine interfaces, and testing of new concepts without costly physical prototypes.
This line employs multiscale, model-based approaches, integrating experimental data, simulations, and AI algorithms to analyze performance, reliability, and sustainability of space technologies. Combining AI and Digital Twin technologies enables fault prediction, anticipation of complex system behaviors, and guidance of safer and more effective design decisions.
Expected outcomes include digital transformation of the Italian aerospace industry, increased international technological competitiveness, creation of highly skilled professional figures, and implementation of innovative solutions for start-ups and spin-offs. Moreover, the integration of these technologies promotes collaboration between academia and industry, stimulating multidisciplinary projects and accelerating technology transfer.
Research activities Details
Publications
2025
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2025
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Spoke 1 - Enabling Technologies for novel near-earth and exploration missions
Spoke 1 encompasses a broad and integrated set of research and management activities dedicated to the advancement of next-generation space systems. Its structure is organized in four technical work packages supported by a comprehensive management layer, which ensures consistent coordination, quality, and impact across all developments.
The technical activities address three major domains. The first focuses on very-low Earth orbit platforms, where the partners investigate advanced materials for harsh environments, air-breathing propulsion concepts, multidisciplinary modelling of system–environment interactions, and optimal orbit–attitude control strategies. These efforts aim to enable sustainable operations in VLEO, improve protection from aerodynamic and radiation effects, and develop reliable propulsion and GNC solutions.
The technical activities address three major domains. The first focuses on very-low Earth orbit platforms, where the partners investigate advanced materials for harsh environments, air-breathing propulsion concepts, multidisciplinary modelling of system–environment interactions, and optimal orbit–attitude control strategies. These efforts aim to enable sustainable operations in VLEO, improve protection from aerodynamic and radiation effects, and develop reliable propulsion and GNC solutions.The second domain concerns distributed space systems, including formation flying, in-orbit servicing, autonomous coordination, and advanced onboard and on-ground data processing. Work spans from low-TRL GNC algorithms and health-monitoring concepts to enabling technologies such as inter-satellite links, high-efficiency communication, power systems, and novel propulsion concepts. The goal is to support robust coordination, enhance mission autonomy, and develop architectures for future multi-satellite systems.
The third domain focuses on deep-space exploration with miniaturised platforms, addressing autonomy in spacecraft operations, in-situ resource utilization, radiation-tolerant subsystems, and enabling technologies for small deep-space probes. Research covers new materials, advanced avionics, thermal protection, communication architectures, and innovative propulsion systems, with the aim of increasing platform resilience and mission capability in demanding deep-space environments.
These scientific and technological developments are supported by a dedicated work package on procurement, laboratory infrastructure, and external services, which provides the experimental facilities required to validate materials, propulsion concepts, GNC techniques, and on-board processing technologies. This includes the acquisition and setup of vacuum chambers, test benches, high-performance computing equipment, motion-tracking facilities, and hardware-in-the-loop platforms.