PhD students - cycle 38

The rapid growth of satellites and space debris is making accurate detection and tracking of objects in Earth orbit increasingly difficult. My research examines how existing radio astronomy infrastructure can support space surveillance by using radio telescopes as sensitive receivers, both with dedicated transmitters and in fully passive configurations.
To evaluate different sensing architectures, I compare tracking performance across monostatic, bistatic, and multi-static setups where radio telescopes are used as geographically separated receivers. These configurations can improve observability and orbit estimation accuracy compared to single-site observations, with particular focus on geostationary objects.
I also study thrust estimation during low-thrust transfers to support tracking of maneuvering spacecraft. In this setting, multi-static measurements, with a radio telescope operating as a bistatic receiver, are combined with an Unscented Kalman Filter to improve orbit determination accuracy and reduce state estimation error.
A second part of my work focuses on Space Domain Awareness using passive radar with array-based radio telescopes. FM broadcast signals serve as illuminators of opportunity, allowing detection of weak reflections from satellites while the telescope operates purely as a receiver. Digital beamforming improves sensitivity and spatial filtering, and it supports observations over multiple directions.
Overall, this research shows how radio telescope facilities, including both single-dish and phased-array systems, can contribute to scalable and cost-effective space surveillance through coordinated passive observations.

The research examines the development of Italian space activities through the lens of **space diplomacy**, understood as the interaction between foreign-policy objectives, international relations and decisions concerning major space programmes. From the beginning of the Space Age, Italy developed its capabilities through a distinctive combination of national initiatives, European cooperation and a particularly close bilateral relationship with the United States.
The study focuses on a major turning point: Italy’s 1973 decision to become the second-largest European contributor to **Spacelab**, Europe’s contribution to the US Post-Apollo Programme. This represented a significant shift from Italy’s earlier emphasis on satellites, launchers and scientific research towards human spaceflight and space infrastructure, while creating capabilities that would influence its subsequent role in European and transatlantic space cooperation.
The central research question investigates the political, diplomatic and industrial factors underlying this decision, its alignment with Italian foreign-policy interests, and its long-term impact on Italy’s position in space affairs. More broadly, the research seeks to identify elements of a distinctive Italian approach to space diplomacy that may help interpret past, present and future choices in human spaceflight and exploration.
Methodologically, the study combines the history of science and technology with international and diplomatic history, drawing on literature and extensive research in Italian, European and international archives.

Ahmed E.S. Nosseir is a PhD candidate in Space Science and Technology whose research focuses on advanced space systems, rocket propulsion, sensing technologies, and smart spacecraft structures. His work integrates composite materials, additive manufacturing, and optical fiber sensing to develop intelligent, self-monitoring spacecraft components. His current research centers on carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) structures with embedded Optical Fiber Sensors (OFS) for real-time Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) and Operational Condition Monitoring (OCM) in spacecraft and propulsion systems. The approach combines thermo-mechanical analysis, strain-transfer modeling, finite element simulations, and advanced manufacturing of composite structures to enhance structural reliability and define optimal sensor integration strategies for next-generation space applications. In parallel, he investigates green monopropellant propulsion, additively manufactured propellant tanks, and modular micro-propulsion architectures for small satellites. His work is disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and international conferences, contributing to the development of multifunctional spacecraft structures that integrate load-bearing and sensing capabilities within an interdisciplinary design framework.