publications

2023

1. The Role of the Metaverse in the Future of the Space Sector

   L.N. Abdala, S. Bellocine, I. Costa, and 18 more authors

   Proceedings of the International Astronautical Congress, IAC, 2023

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   This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of potential applications and impacts of Metaverse technologies in the space sector. The work is organized in several sections. The first part provides an overview of the current use of the Metaverse within the space sector resulting from a literature review and a market analysis. Second, this paper analyses existing applications and proposes suggestions for specific use cases spanning from space operations, engineering and design, astronaut training, space medicine, tourism, sustainability initiatives and public outreach. The following part elaborates on ethical aspects and the role of emerging space countries, governments and entrepreneurship. Finally, a road map for future implementation of the Metaverse in the space sector is provided. The paper further delves into the benefits and challenges of Metaverse integration. Benefits include enhanced visualization, efficient collaboration, inspiring educational experiences, and cost-effective training. However, challenges involve hardware limitations, user discomfort, network constraints and regulatory uncertainty. Finally, recommendations are presented for space organizations to incorporate Metaverse solutions into diverse domains through a phased, usercentric approach focused on tangible benefits and continuous improvement. If adopted judiciously, the Metaverse promises to revolutionize how space is explored, experienced, and understood.

   @article{Sarode2023,
     title = {The Role of the Metaverse in the Future of the Space Sector},
     journal = {Proceedings of the International Astronautical Congress, IAC},
     year = {2023},
     volume = {2023-October},
     author = {Abdala, L.N. and Bellocine, S. and Costa, I. and Facchinetti, G. and Fayet-Moore, F. and Ghosh, A. and Hohenb{\"u}hel, M.-L. and Reis, J.D. and Lambert, M. and Man, L. and Prasad, K. and R{\'a}\v{c}kov{\'a}, L. and Riu, G. and Rodrigues, D. and da Silva, A.F. and Sreekumar, S. and Wiseman, B.C. and Sarode, A. and Pereira, M.C. and Cohen, J. and Green, J.},
   }

2022

1. EX.PL.RE. - Directed Energy Mission to a Nearby Star System

   R. Russwurm, C. Barta, S. Beckworth, and 13 more authors

   Proceedings of the International Astronautical Congress, IAC, 2022

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   The next frontier for humanity is beyond our solar system, embracing interstellar travel to expand our knowledge of what is beyond our current scope of vision and understanding. This project outlines a Directed Energy mission to the Alpha Centauri star system, our neighboring solar system, as a technological proof of concept and scientific mission. This mission will utilize a laser array to propel a swarm of miniaturized light sail gram-scaled spacecraft into the interstellar medium at 20% the speed of light to travel the 25 trillion miles for a journey of approximately 20 years. During the journey, the scientific payload on the light sails will collect groundbreaking data and, upon arrival at the Alpha Centauri system, will continue its scientific mission to provide humanity with a glimpse of what may await us in space. The miniaturization of the scientific payloads, the advancements in material science for the development of space-worthy structures, along with incorporating efficient radioisotope thermal generators and autonomous operation systems, will facilitate the success of this interstellar mission. An assessment of the Alpha Centauri system will be conducted as the swarm of spacecraft reaches its destination, and a better understanding of the exoplanets in that system will be the result. The questions will be answered as to if we can find another habitable planet for humanity in another solar system using the ancient methods of travel and exploration, a sail and some wind. We will come full circle in our quest to explore and be the first of its kind, not unlike the early explorers that set sail on the seas to find out what was beyond their scope of vision.

   @article{Sarode2022,
     title = {EX.PL.RE. - Directed Energy Mission to a Nearby Star System},
     journal = {Proceedings of the International Astronautical Congress, IAC},
     year = {2022},
     volume = {2022-September},
     author = {Russwurm, R. and Barta, C. and Beckworth, S. and Binner, S. and Doyle, \'{E} and Goyal, T. and Kim, K. and Knie, J. and Laran, V. and Santos, A. and Milian, O. and Moretti, W. and Rend{\'o}n, V.A. and Richardson, C. and Sarode, A. and Sofge, K.K.},
   }