N/A

This project was primarily focused on exploring and enhancing the state-of-the-art in raw Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data compression by incorporating machine learning (ML) techniques. The overarching goal was to evaluate the potential improvements in compression efficacy through the integration of ML algorithms with the aim to on-board these algorithms in future.

Solar energy is a renewable energy whose harvesting depends on the incidence of solar rays on solar panels. Solar trackers are basically made of mechanically or pneumatic actuating systems enable to adapt the solar panel inclination with solar daily course. Although this action may lead to more effective solar panel, it costs actuating energy and requires maintenance which is detrimental in extreme environment like space.

Supersonic Retro Propulsion (SRP) is a technique to augment the deceleration capabilities of launchers boosters returning from space. SRP involves upstream-pointing thrusters that supplement (and, potentially, increase) the body?s aerodynamic drag to ensure a sufficient velocity reduction.

A new approach to produce oxygen from the Martian atmosphere is proposed, linking two emerging technologies: non-thermal plasmas and ion-conducting membranes. Microwave plasma sources lead to high conversion rates and enable plasma ignition with light and compact solid-state generators. The unique pressure and temperature conditions on Mars are favourable for plasma CO2 decomposition, and the experiments and simulations carried out anticipate a competitive oxygen production per mass and volume of hardware in a future prototype.

This study investigates Direct Sun Reflecting solution, an innovative concept aiming at boosting energy producing while optimizing existing structures utilization and maximizing their returns. It addresses the pressing need for sustainable energy solutions that can pave the way towards a greener and more resilient future and aligns with Europe's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Our concept is based on the global concept of Space Based Solar Power infrastructure and aims at producing green energy in the fastest time to market and the most competitive cost.

The growth of the human population, industrialization of developing countries and rising living standards for the population are continuously increasing global energy demand, that in the next 30 years is forecast to double.

A clustered rocket engine is made up of smaller, easier to manufacture thrusters that can be controlled individually instead of a single, more expensive combustion chamber: thrust vector control (TVC) can be achieved via differential throttling, reducing the need for heavy gimbals and actuators.The proposed activity targets the development of TVC methodologies that are able to effectively cope with independent throttling capability as well as handle failures in one of the cluster?s engines.