Recap of 2023

2023 was rich in many events and experiences, sometimes hectic or intense, but always progressing in the right direction. Last Friday, the graduation ceremony occurred at the Central Campus in Illkirch Graffenstaden, France. The recording can be watched here, and the photo album here.

I officially earned my Master of Science in Space Studies diploma from the International Space University, received an award for my final project, and am continuing my research on Lunar Civil Engineering.

Throughout this year, I focused on merging civil engineering with the space sector, enhancing my skills in various space disciplines and projects, and highlighting the significance of geotechnics in lunar exploration. However, this ecosystem operates in both directions. Today, I understand precisely how my original discipline can benefit from space, and it has been a transformative challenge, pushing me both professionally and personally:

1. moving to Strasbourg, a true Eurometropolis;
2. resigning from Arcadis, a place dedicated to improving quality of life;
3. securing funds for living expenses and covering tuition fees;
4. receiving a scholarship from ISU thanks to the support of ESA;
5. becoming (again) a student and learning, learning, learning...
6. and being a father and partner at the same time.

But a robust project plan done back in 2022 and hard work has paid off:

1. my research on the interactions between structure and lunar regolith resulted in a report that has been awarded the 'Manx Precision Optics Prize in recognition of the highest grade obtained for this individual project;
2. it has opened access to an internship with Spaceship EAC, an ExPeRT team at the European Space Agency, where I worked on my topic and contributed to the design of landing and launch pads, lunar bricks manufacturing payload, and providing engineering advice to a lunar analog facility in construction located in Cologne, Germany;
3. connected to a vast space community of scientists and engineers in Europe, the United States, and around the world;
4. learn how to compete and collaborate on R&D grant programs with international stakeholders;

It is worth mentioning that the research and structural and geotechnical analysis were conducted using RFEM. Dlubal Software provided a student license. I will explore more next year, along with my codes and algorithms. The RFEM allowed us to apply different accelerations due to gravity and build the Finite Element Model, both 2D and 3D. The straightforward and intuitive simulations yielded accurate results for small landers like European Argonaut, Dynetics, Blue Origin, or larger vertical structures like SpaceX Starship.

All preliminary results were compared to hand calculations and reports from NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration missions, specifically the Apollo missions.

Now, knowing better the soil characteristics, or rather knowing what I do not know, I will never look at rendering images the same way again, like the one below:

Research and development were crucial aspects of my studies. Still, meeting fellow students and professional lecturers, including astronauts or aspiring candidates, in short, space enthusiasts/evangelists, proved to be the most enriching experience. In Germany, I learned from them how the European Human and Robotic Exploration works and the strategy for the years to come. In France, I extended my space network and capacity to analyze the space market, learning from the best at Euroconsult, PwC, or NSR but also from JKIC and Octant Aerospace Consulting Systems.

Finally, I have rediscovered how dynamic and enthusiastic the Polish space sector is. The ambition of the Polish delegation to ESA and POLSA Polska Agencja Kosmiczna | Polish Space Agency to develop the Polish space sector and infrastructure and contribute significantly increased (x4) compared to last year.

Now, let us prepare for the next thrilling chapter in the space exploration journey! The year 2024 looks promising!

• Participation in ASCE Earth & Space Conference, including a research paper and Short Course, in Miami, FL
• Contribution to Lunar Structural Design & Analysis Guidelines
• Increase engagement within the Lunar Surface Innovation Consortium led by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory.
• Close collaboration with (the name currently undisclosed) a technology venture, developing technologies for lunar infrastructure construction
• Collaboration with (the name currently undisclosed) an independent international center for research and consultancy in engineering-related geosciences

Finally, starting in January, I will take on the role of a Graduate Teaching Assistant at the International Space University. This position provides teaching support and an opportunity to enhance my academic organizational skills, actively contribute to the ISU ecosystem, introduce a contractual approach, and collaborate with new branches within the industry. Additionally, it will fund my postgraduate research, enabling me to continue my investigations into the following year, referred to as Year B.

In Year B, I will deepen my expertise in lunar soil mechanics, explicitly focusing on lunar landing and launch pad design within a multidisciplinary context.

This is the last publication of the year of Space Civil Engineering. I wish you all the best for the upcoming one, and, of course, stay tuned for more in 2024!