The agenda of the First Seminar:

1 – Introducing the UFABC (Luiz Martins-Filho, UFABC) [10min]

Abstract: The Federal University of ABC is a young university founded in a traditionally industrial region of the São Paulo metropolis. Aiming to contribute to the rapid technological evolution of the 21st century and overcome deep social inequalities in the country. At the UFABC, the area of aerospace engineering and technologies has gained space in bachelor's degree program and master's degree program (mechanical engineering), and connections with other areas (e.g. materials, automation, computer science, energy). The faculty, with experience at the National Institute for Space Research, EMBRAER Industry, the University of São Paulo and others (including institutions abroad), has dedicated itself to researches in diverse themes related to aerospace vehicles and systems. This talk introduces briefly this institution.

2 – Introducing the JMU and Informatik VIII (Alexander Hilgarth, JMU) [10min]

Abstract: The Chair of Aerospace Informatics has existed at JMU for 15 years. The curriculum of aerospace study programs at German universities is usually approached from the perspective of mechanical engineering. JMU is an exception and approaches the subject from the perspective of mathematics and computer science. The real-time operating system RODOS is used for this purpose at the chair. It is an in-house development and is not just an academic exercise, but is used in real missions such as the chair's INNOcube satellite, which was just launched in February 2025. This presentation gives a brief overview of the chair's activities and aerospace projects until today.   

3 – Optimization of aerospace structures (Wesley Gois, UFABC) [20+10min]

Abstract: This talk presents the application of non-conventional formulations of the Finite Element Method (FEM) to problems in Topology Optimization. In the current phase of the research, the Generalized Finite Element Method (GFEM) and the Stable Generalized Finite Element Method (SGFEM) have been employed to enhance numerical performance and solution accuracy. Subsequently, the Hybrid-Mixed Stress formulation was incorporated as an additional approach to further improve structural analysis capabilities. The ongoing development includes a Python-based implementation designed to integrate these methods with the SCIEnCE (São Carlos Integrity Environment for Computational Engineering) platform, a computational tool developed by the Department of Structural Engineering at the São Carlos School of Engineering, University of São Paulo. The integration aims to leverage the platform’s computational infrastructure for advanced and efficient structural topology optimization.

4 – UAV development and applications (Diego Ferruzzo Correa, UFABC) [20+10min]

Abstract: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have become a pivotal technology across a broad spectrum of industries due to their versatility, cost-efficiency, and ability to operate in challenging environments. This contribution presents an overview of UAV development with a focus on their integration into embedded systems, such as the ESP32 microcontroller, PX4 autopilot firmware, and Robot Operating System (ROS). Emphasis is placed on the role of Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) and Simulation-in-the-Loop (SITL) environments, which enable rapid prototyping, system validation, and safe testing of autonomous flight logic without the need for physical deployment. The contribution also explores the architecture and capabilities of the ESP32 as a lightweight control and communication node, the PX4 stack for flight control and autonomy, and ROS for modular robotics integration and mission planning. The study highlights how the synergy between embedded systems and advanced simulation frameworks accelerates UAV innovation and deployment in real-world scenarios.

5 – Foils in Aerospace (Alexander Hilgarth, JMU) [20+10min]

Abstract: Foils are established as circuit substrates in the field of consumer electronics and enable the construction of small and flexible applications. The properties of foils are also of interest to the aerospace industry, as they are lightweight, cost-effective, robust (resistant to vibration, temperature and radiation) and suitable for the realization of extremely flat systems. In the past, we have worked on the realization of sensor foils and on a system for monitoring structures made of composite materials, both during production and during subsequent use. We are currently working on the realization of a foil-based concept for femtosatellites. This seminar presentation will give an overview of our projects on the use of foils in the area of aerospace.

6 – FloatSat (Atheel Redah and Faisal Muhammad, JMU) [20+10min]

Abstract: The Chair of Aerospace Informatics has been developing the FloatSat as a teaching concept for satellite technology since 2010. The concept has undergone several iterations and has now been used in this form for over 10 years. Teams of 5-8 students build a satellite within a semester, which consists of mandatory components on the one hand and a self-defined mission on the other. The course covers all technical and organizational aspects of real satellite missions. The team divides the work into ground segment, space segment, management and individual technical categories such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, software engineering, etc. At the end of the semester, the work is presented and the students are graded individually. This seminar provides an overview of FloatSat and the teaching concept.   

7 – Memory Circuits for Applications Requiring Maximum Reliability (Matthias Jung, JMU) [20+10min] 

Abstract: Memory applications for use in space benefit from advances in terrestrial applications and the automotive industry in particular. Autonomous driving demands real-time processing of vast sensor and AI data at the edge. To meet cost and energy efficiency requirements, automotive systems increasingly rely on consumer-grade components such as DRAM and Flash, which pose challenges in performance, energy efficiency, and functional safety. As AI accelerators require massive external memory bandwidth—reaching up to 1 TB/s for Level 4/5 autonomy—co-design of memory and accelerators becomes critical. This includes optimizing memory controllers and exploring new safety mechanisms. The BMBF project MEMTONOMY-2 aims to develop new system architectures using advanced memory technologies, improve reliability to meet ISO 26262 standards, and enable efficient memory-accelerator interaction. This talk will focus on the DRAM memory system.

8 – LEOP Experiences of the fully Wireless Data-Bus of the InnoCube Satellite (Tom Baumann, JMU) [20+10min] 

Abstract: The Innovative CubeSat for Education (InnoCube) mission is a technology demonstration mission which relies entirely on a wireless data bus for intra-satellite communication. It was launched mid January 2025 onboard SpaceX Transporter-12. This talk presents the first results from the Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP) as well as the commissioning results of the wireless data bus. InnoCube is a collaborative effort between the University of Würzburg and Technische Universität Berlin in Germany. Its primary objectives are to demonstrate the feasibility of a fully wireless data bus for intra-satellite communication, offer students hands-on experience in CubeSat design and operations and provide a testbed for additional innovative payloads. The InnoCube mission consists of a 3U CubeSat, where the data harness is being replaced by robust, high-speed, real-time, very short-range radio communications using the SKITH technology. By eliminating traditional wiring, the wireless data bus aims to reduce mass, complexity and integration challenges - making it particularly attractive for larger satellite platforms. The presentation provides an overview of the satellite’s design, including its on-board data handling system, wireless communication system (SKITH) and payloads. Then we present the first results of LEOP operations, with a particular emphasis on the performance and commissioning of the wireless data bus. Finally, we will present open commissioning elements as well as planned future experiments conducted with the wireless data bus.

9 – Closing the seminar [10min]

PDF files of presentations: