Research Team: VSB-TUO

The team led by Martin Pumera is working on the development of micro and nanorobots for the treatment of astronauts. Starting in 2020, he and SAB Aerospace are developing a system to test the movement of nanorobots. He is also focusing on wearable sensors for monitoring astronauts' vital signs and 3D printable robotic systems for tool making in space. His team worked with JPL/Caltech to develop a Lab on Chip analyzer for a mission to Mars, with potential use on Jupiter's moon Europa, to detect cell membranes or fatty acids. The analyzer was to be part of the Cryobot spacecraft and was designed for use on the polar caps of Mars and Europa. It was tested in Greenland's glaciers and made it into NASA's Top 10 projects selection (Cryobot, more here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cryobot; https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/images/pia25314-cryobot-for-ocean-worlds-exploration-illustration ).

Monitoring of astronauts during their stay in space is a challenge in many areas, as the astronaut needs to be sensed with the least possible burden and restriction in movement, while maintaining the highest possible quality of sensing together with appropriate data processing and their most accurate and versatile interpretation. According to studies already conducted, some physiological parameters of astronauts are altered by being in microgravity and being exposed to stressful situations, including changes in cardiac activity, bone tissue composition or muscle atrophy. It is therefore necessary to monitor a number of physiological parameters regularly or even continuously. Commonly used methods for monitoring in healthcare are often not applicable on the space station or during flight and must therefore be adapted accordingly. Specialised monitoring technologies are being developed, such as wearable sensors attached to the astronaut's body with Velcro straps or sensors integrated into harnesses or clothing. New methods for monitoring cardiac function based on ballistocardiography or seismocardiography, where three-dimensional signals can be sensed through microgravity, are a major part of the development. Another rapidly developing and important part of monitoring systems is the application of methods based on artificial intelligence, which enables complex data collection and evaluation of monitored parameters for fast and accurate response to critical conditions.

In the field of space research and related physical processes using machine learning methods, the team has experience in processing and classification of astrophysical data coming from robotic telescopes. The Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science has also been involved in a GACR agency project on machine learning algorithms applied to big data from astrophysical processes. Researchers have published several papers on the use of symbolic regression methods to create automatic classifiers of Be spectra of stars (rapidly rotating stars). They also focused on machine learning methods used in space research, astrophysical data and their visualization. As consultants, they also contributed to a publication by the world-renowned physicist Otto E. Rössler on a new view of cosmology. The researchers also have active contacts with astrophysics institutes in various countries and are continuing research already started.

Active vibration suppression is one of the key topics of fundamental importance for space research. Mechanical vibrations are an important component of all mechanical and mechatronic systems designed for space applications and affect their resulting behavior. Increased vibrations can have fatal consequences, whether in terms of negative effects on astronaut health, faster wear and tear of space technology or reduced lifetime of individual equipment components. For many devices, vibrations are undesirable for their proper functioning - e.g. space telescopes, sensitive systems for scanning the surfaces of planets or space bodies. There is already extensive experience in this area in the use of actuators, in particular piezoactuators, to suppress unwanted vibrations.

Another important topic for space applications is energy harvesting. In space environments where energy resources are limited, harvesting small amounts of energy from different sources - be it thermal, light, kinetic or mechanical - can be crucial. Energy can be stored in supercapacitors or batteries and used to power low-power space devices such as sensors or wireless modules.

Big data processing is a key area for safe space exploration, either by remote sensing or by manned and unmanned spaceflight. Big data allows to continuously monitor cosmic phenomena such as solar flares or close asteroid flybys, to discover new astronomical objects such as supernovae, black holes, exoplanets, to optimize space probe trajectories, to select suitable targets for exploration and to manage missions more efficiently. Last but not least, they allow us to collect, store and analyse vast amounts of information from different parts of the Universe, giving us a more comprehensive and deeper view of cosmic events. Analysing big data from space requires advanced technologies for data collection, transmission and processing. Research in big data is contributing to the development of new technologies that can find applications beyond space research.

Optical fibre sensors may represent a revolutionary breakthrough in the field of space technology, as they offer a range of unique benefits adapted to the challenging conditions beyond our planet. Their exceptional immunity to electromagnetic interference based on the absence of metallic parts, electrical passivity, miniature size, low weight in the order of units of grams, and the ability to combine temperature and strain sensing on a single optical fiber give them a significant advantage over conventional sensors. In spacecraft and satellites, fibre optic sensors can effectively monitor critical parameters, from temperature to strain, leading to increased safety and reliability of the equipment. They thus not only represent a pivotal step in technological development, but open the door to new opportunities for research, development and innovation in the space industry. Their importance and potential for future space missions is undeniable and undoubtedly deserves further attention from the scientific community.

The development of systems for use in space exploration faces a key limitation due to the fact that these systems are difficult to test in the environment in which they will be subsequently operated. It is therefore essential to use model-based approaches and simulations. Complex systems linking mechanics, electrical components, measurement and control systems or software require complex modelling and simulation tools. The goal is to have sufficient coverage of the physical properties of the system and environment as well as other aspects of mechanical, functional, electrical or other specific properties. By creating such a comprehensive model, a so-called digital twin of the system is created, which can be used for testing and virtual commissioning, where the conditions of real use can be approximated as closely as possible. At the same time, the digital twin can be subsequently updated using data from the real operation of the system and then testing, experiments or maintenance operations can be carried out again first in the virtual space and then in real life.

The team led by Petr Šimoník is dedicated to the development of innovative technologies for automated vehicle control and e-mobility. Currently, for example, in cooperation with Valeo, they are developing the third generation of the so-called "Drive by Wire Car Interface", which is used for complex control of serial cars for their deployment as experimental vehicles in the development of ADAS and higher levels of automated car control enabling autonomous driving. The group is also working on the development of a timeless sensor system for object tracking and recognition in automotive and commercial vehicle operating environments, including operation in complex off-road terrain. With Valeo, it is developing an automated guided vehicle for transporting materials and with Tatra Trucks it is developing a hydrogen autonomous truck. The Group is successfully developing unique systems for mobility and commercialising its solutions for the application sector. In particular, the team will use this expertise to develop control systems for space mobile robotics and to research control and communication strategies with Fail Operational modes.

An astronaut's mission in space is not only a journey full of wonder and discovery, but also involves compliance with regulations and legislative requirements. The accompanying experiments and facilities play a key role in advancing scientific knowledge in space and on Earth, but their success also depends on ensuring compliance with a complex web of rules that drive the redefinition of innovation and lead to the development of experiments and facilities that push the frontiers of knowledge. Achieving success in this area requires a methodical approach where a thorough understanding of the rules, careful planning and ongoing monitoring are paramount. Every activity and piece of equipment accompanying an astronaut must be validated and proven to be safe in non-standard conditions such as space. Compliance with rules and regulations also serves as a compass that links our efforts to ethical responsibility and respect for the space environment. In addition, it is a shield that protects against the unpredictability of space, reinforces success, minimizes risks to astronauts and the space environment, but most importantly, it sets the direction for creativity by providing a structured framework for innovation and, most importantly, supports the development of cutting-edge experiments and facilities.

OCT (Optical coherent tomography) has become one of the most popular and significant techniques in clinical as non-invasive measurements. OCT provides three-dimensional sample visualization, using visible and infra-red light to penetrate sub-surface into samples. While being mainly used in the biomedical fields (ophthalmic, dermal, endoscopic), it can be similarly applied to non-destructive testing, in art conservation, quality control, and forensic sciences as well as non-destructive and contactless defect detection inside leading edge coatings for wind turbine blades. It can be used the same technology for inspection of space structures as portable and smart devices to give the health structural monitoring about potential cracks in space structures.

Fuel level system for aircraft and space vehicles and hydrogen leakage detection in vessels

Optical systems are immune to EM interferences and good option for explosive environments combined with good capabilities in terms of reliability and maintainability. So, fuel level systems like used in aircraft can be sophisticated and safety using optical systems like optical fiber sensing systems with multiple points to measure precisely the level of fuel. Similarly, hydrogen is considered an ideal clean energy and efficient fuel. At present, liquid hydrogen has been widely used in the aerospace field. Once the Palladium (Pd) film absorbs hydrogen, we can have optical solutions based on optical fibers functionalized with nanomaterial layers of Pd along the fiber to detection and monitoring in real time leaks of hydrogen in vessels that are embedded with composite materials in such vessels.

Undertaking space projects entails substantial financial costs, which, however, according to historical experience, are accompanied by undeniable future financial benefits. Although calculating these costs is not straightforward, from a financial planning perspective, it does not pose a significant challenge. The challenge, however, lies in estimating future financial benefits, particularly due to a high degree of uncertainty. The duration of implementation and considerable variability of these types of projects necessitate the valuation of potential future managerial interventions, thus estimating the value of flexibility. This opens the door for the utilization of advanced financial models, such as real options methodology or stochastic and fuzzy variables. These inputs can then be transformed into easy-interpretable evaluation criteria, such as payback period or net present value of the project. A key step is further expanding the assessment of space projects to encompass environmental and social impacts with the aim of long-term sustainable development.

Revolutionary economic strategies are opening up for space research and tourism. Fundraising capabilities can play a crucial role in identifying and exploiting new sources of funding for space projects. By analyzing the direct and indirect impacts of space projects, the hidden potential for attracting public and private support can be uncovered, providing access to future revenues that can cover initial investments while laying the foundation for a long-term sustainable space industry. Exploring the opportunities to make space tourism profitable and the conditions under which such a venture is profitable are critical to the development of an economic model for space tourism.

Advanced technology and falling costs are making space travel increasingly affordable for the private sector. Many analysts see in the commercial development of the space industry the potential for future exploitation of natural resources on the Moon, Mars and asteroids. While this may sound like a vision of the future, almost a fantasy, some steps towards this goal have already been taken.

The extraction, processing, storage and transport of raw materials under extraterrestrial conditions is a challenge for current process engineering research. Different gravitational and atmospheric conditions beyond Earth can affect the functionality and reliability of transport and processing equipment. Knowledge of the mechanics of particulate matter on Earth is supplemented by simplified models and empirical data, but this approach cannot be automatically applied to new environments. There is scope for the creation of new locally valid laws. This challenge is crucial both for current basic research on particulate matter and for applications in the field of mechanical process engineering, especially for processes involving raw materials.

Our team has many years of experience in the design and optimisation of systems handling bulk materials. This experience is the result of applied research and collaboration with industrial partners, as well as fundamental research focusing on the behaviour and characterisation of these materials. The team uses numerical modelling by means of DEM simulations, which allow virtual testing and innovation of structural units under different conditions. The team is part of the Mechanics of Particulate Solids Working Group of the European Federation of Chemical Engineering (EFCE), which ensures a balanced international cooperation and transfer of information and knowledge between EU countries, as well as a critical approach of the partners to the presented knowledge.