Miniaturized Lidar for Mars (MiLi)>People
People (INTA asphericon York CINN Politecnico Di Milano Integrated Optics)
INTA
Dr. Alberto Martín-Ortega (right) is a computer engineer and holds a PhD in Computer Science and Telecommunications. He has a strong technical background in satellite avionics and payload computers for critical systems. During his career, he has participated in over 10 space missions, targeting from Earth orbit satellites to Deep Space missions and planetary exploration rovers. His experience ranges from technical design leadership to systems engineering and project management.
Isaías (left) is a software engineer with a Master’s degree in Telecommunication Engineering. He is an expert in the development of critical software for
space applications, as well as the in the automation of processes in mission operations and AIT (Assembly, Integration and Tests) fields.
As part of INTA and Imperial College London staff, Isaías has been involved in missions such as the Mars Science Laboratory (NASA) or Solar Orbiter (ESA).
Juanjo (right) joined INTA in 2001. He has worked in more than 10 Space Projects, participating in all stages of payload development, from design to flight explotation.
He has been responsible for the calibration of some sensors and payloads: radiometry sensors (i.e. RDS of MARs'2020 on-board Perseverance) and radiation monitors
(i.e. LDT proton monitor on-board NANOSAT-1B which was the subject of his PhD). He is the head of the Optoelectronics Lab.
Dr. Laura Gómez Martín (left) is a researcher at the Atmospheric Research and Instrumentation Branch (INTA) and previously associated professor at the
University of Reims (France). She has a PhD in Physics from both: the Complutense University of Madrid (Spain) and the Franche-Comté University (France).
Her research have been centred on the study of molecules and particles with atmospheric and astrophysical interest, mainly for the Earth and Mars atmospheres.
This research was conducted using a broad range of both theoretical and experimental spectroscopy techniques and radiative transfer simulations.
She is involved in different space missions (SIS-ExoMars, RDS-Mars2020, MiLi-ESA, ANSER-INTA).
Dr. Carmen Córdoba-Jabonero (right) is a scientific researcher at the Atmospheric Research and Instrumentation Branch (INTA).
She has a PhD in Physics from the Autonomous University of Madrid and a BSc in Physics from the Moscow State University.
Her scientific expertise is in aerosol (dust, biomass-burning, marine) and cloud (cirrus, mixed-phase) research by using both active and passive remote sensing observations
(lidar, radar, photometry) and advanced retrieval algorithms of their properties for radiative forcing assessment. She is/has been involved in ground-based aerosol lidar
networks (e.g. NASA/MPLNET, EU/ACTRIS), and space missions such as CALIPSO (NASA) and EarthCARE (ESA) on Earth, and Mars Express/Beagle-2 (ESA) and pre-REMS/UVS (NASA) on
Mars.
top
asphericon
Angela Heckl (left) has a background in nanostructure technology and worked in laboratories with electron spectroscopy at Julius-Maximilians-University in Würzburg
and ultra-short pulse laser facilities in Lithuania before she started her career in the sales team of the asphericon GmbH.
She is the contact person for customers who need expertise in freeform optics and responsible for the Southern European, Swiss, and Austrian as well as the Bavarian (Germany) market.
Matthieu Frambourg (right) is an optical engineer. He is Head of Space Projects at Asphericon and his role is to ensure better
communication between the project requirements and the engineering and manufacturing teams at Asphericon.
top
York University
Dr. James Whiteway (right) is a Professor at York University and was previously a faculty member at the University of Wales at
Aberystwyth. He has a Ph.D. in Physics from York University and a B.Sc. in Engineering Physics from Queen’s University.
His research involves the development and application of laser remote sensing technology for investigation of the
atmospheres on Earth and Mars. Professor Whiteway led the Science Team for the LIDAR instrument on the spacecraft for
the NASA Phoenix mission that landed on Mars in 2008. The highlight from that work was the discovery of snow falling
from Martian clouds. Professor Whiteway’s Earth based research involves the study of processes in the atmosphere that
play a role in determining climate and air quality.
James “Jim” Freemantle (left) obtained a BSc in Physics from the University of Waterloo (1982) and a MSc in Physics from
York University (1985). Jim is now the Project Manager for the OSIRIS-REx Lidar Altimeter (OLA) project and laboratory
manager for the Canadian Planetary Simulator (CAPS) Facility at York University in Toronto, Canada. Before the OLA project Jim worked on the Phoenix Mars Lidar Mission.
As a research scientist for CRESTech and ISTS (1990-2002)
he worked on algorithm and software development for processing of image data from hyperspectral sensors.
Jim also provided scientific and management support to the AEROCAN project at the University of Sherbrooke (2002-2013).
Eamonn McKernan (right) has a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Toronto. He has extensive experience in atmospheric modelling, thermal vacuum experimentation, and satellite calibration and validation. His previous projects include calibration and validation of the MOPITT satellite instrument and the Metop platform instrument suite. He has also supported helicopter-based infrared trace gas measurements. Most recently he carried out lidar measurements of water deliquescence under Martian conditions in a thermal vacuum chamber.
top
CINN
Adolfo Fernández Valdés (left) holds a BSc in Organic Chemistry and a PhD in materials science. For 3 years he led the Security and Defense Area of ITMA Foundation and in 2019 was
appointed Director of the CINN. His research interests are focused on the synthesis and processing of multifunctional materials, and particularly the development of
ultrastable ceramic nanocomposites. He is author of 96 papers and 12 patents, 4 of which relate to ultrastable materials.
Adrián Alonso (right) has a Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Oviedo and is currently Innovation Manager at the Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology Research Center (CINN). Since 2005 his professional career has been focused on the valorisation of research outcomes in the field of materials science, particularly ceramic nanocomposites, and the development of high-added value products for extreme environment applications.
top
Politecnico Di Milano
Diego Scaccabarozzi (left) is Associate Professor at Politecnico di Milano. The research activity is focused on the design and development of instrumentation for space and
industrial applications and the metrological, mechanical, and thermal characterization of these instruments. In this regard, he was Co-I for PFS
(Planetary Fourier Spectrometer, Mars Express mission, ESA), MIMA (Martian Infrared MApper, ExoMars ESA mission), TIMM (Thermal Infrared Multispectral Mappers),
MicroMIMA (Micro Martian Infrared Mapper), and RIIFS (Rugged imaging Infrared Fourier Spectrometer for planetary applications), spectrometers operating in
the near/mid-infrared range, and for the MicroMED project (Micro MEDusa), a particle analyzer for the analysis of the Martian atmosphere, developed and built for
the ESA / Roscosmos ExoMars 2022 mission. He was responsible for the thermomechanical design of microbalances for thermogravimetric analysis and the measurement of
molecular contamination, CAM and CAMLAB (ESA projects), VISTA (ESA HERA mission) and DIANA (CNSA Tianwen 2 mission). He was also a co-investigator for the MicroMED project
(Micro MEDusa). In the MiLi project, he is responsible for thermomechanical design and mechanical validation activities.
Kirill Potemkin (right) is currently a Ph.D. student in Mechanical Engineering, participating in the "Development of Advanced Monitoring Systems" program at Politecnico di Milano,
38th cycle. His main research focus revolves around the hardware design and evaluation of space instruments. As a member of the MiLi Mechanical Design team,
Kirill is playing a role in the development of thermo-mechanical subsystems for the instruments.
Elimar Vieira (left) is a Research Fellow at Politecnico di Milano. He has a MSc in Mechanical Engineer from Politenico di Milano and a BSc in Mechanical Engineer from
University of São Paulo. He is currently involved in the development of payloads for space applications, in which he has contributed to the design and evaluation of
projects such as dust analyzers for the Martian atmosphere and quartz-crystal microbalances for contamination assessment. As a part of the MiLi Mechanical Design team,
Elimar is currently contributing to the development of the thermo-mechanical subsystems.
Marco Giovanni Corti (right) is pursuing the Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering at Politecnico di Milano, within the “Development of Advanced Monitoring Systems” framework.
His primary research focus regards the mechanical design, integration, and testing of space instruments hardware. As a member of the MiLi Mechanical Design team,
Marco is actively contributing to the development of instrument thermo-mechanical subsystems.
Andrea Appiani (left) is currently pursuing a PhD focused on developing next-generation infrared spectrometers for space applications at Politecnico di Milano.
He holds a MSc degree in Mechanical Engineering from the same university. His research addresses the challenge of vibration sensitivity in these spectrometers by
tackling two key aspects: developing novel signal processing techniques and optimizing mechanical designs to tune the dynamic behavior.
In that regard, he has been co-investigator of the RIIFS (Rugged Imaging Infrared Fourier-transform Spectrometer) project, devoted to the development of an FTS
with imaging capabilities. He has also been involved in the thermomechanical design and testing of other space instruments, spent a research period at ESA – ESTEC and
collaborated with industries on several mechanical and thermal measurement projects.
Chiara Martina (left) earned a MSc in Aeronautical Engineering from Politecnico di Milano, where she is currently a PhD candidate in Mechanical Engineering.
Her research focuses on advancing Quartz Crystal Microbalances (QCMs) for thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) in high temperature working conditions and harsh environments,
meant to operate in space applications (small bodies asteroids and comets). She has contributed to the DIANA instrument for the Tianwen-2 mission, where her
responsibilities included giving support in thermo-mechanical design phase and performing qualification and acceptance testing of microbalance models.
Chiara has also collaborated with industries on several mechanical and thermal measurement projects. As a part of the MiLi Mechanical Design team,
Chiara is currently contributing to the development and testing of the thermo-mechanical subsystems.
top
Integrated Optics
Evaldas Pabrėža (right) is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Integrated Optics, bringing visionary leadership and a deep technical background to the company.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Physics and a Master’s degree in Materials Technology from Vilnius University, where he developed a strong foundation in both theoretical
physics and the practical application of materials science. With his extensive knowledge, Evaldas has been instrumental in driving Integrated Optics growth and innovation,
overseeing the development of cutting-edge laser technologies and integrated optical systems that have established the company as a global leader in the field. As CEO,
Evaldas is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the company, focusing on long-term growth, innovation, and market expansion.
Edita Jokubauskienė (left) is a committed professional in the laser assembly sector since 2014. As a Head of the Production Branch of lasers now and some years as a Product Owner,
Edita is in charge of managing the upkeep and advancement of manufacturing procedures. Edita's professional accomplishments are bolstered by her strong academic
background, which includes a Bachelor's degree in Physics and Management of Modern Technologies from Vilnius University (2013).
She has accumulated substantial practical experience with a wide range of production systems and components over the years, fostering her deep competence in
laser technologies. Her participation in extensive testing procedures has given her the knowledge necessary for the development, production, and upkeep of
highly integrated laser systems.
Jonas Jonuška (right) is a Lithuanian physicist with a Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.) in Telecommunications and Electronics Engineering (2004) and a Master’s degree in
Laser Physics and Optical Technologies from Vilnius University. Since 2012, he has served as the Chief Technology Officer (CFO) at Integrated Optics, focusing on the
design of efficient, compact, and highly integrated laser systems. He is also the author of several patents related to laser design, contributing to innovations in the
field of optical technologies.
top
