When
Thursday, April 9, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.
Cesare Guariniello
Principal Research Scholar
School of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Purdue University
"Systems Engineering, System of Systems, and Space Robotics: Bridging Theory and Practice to Bridge Earth and Space"
ENGR 301
Abstract: Very differently than in the early 2000s, when the space community was focused on the development of the International Space Station, on the last Space Shuttle missions, and on planetary probes, the last few years saw the birth of entirely new endeavors in space exploration and human space missions: growth of private companies, commercial space activities, plans for extended permanence and activities on the Moon, development of necessary technologies for long-duration crewed missions beyond Cislunar space. While missions like Artemis might look very similar to Apollo missions and plans for human exploration of Mars might seems just an extension of human activities in low Earth orbit, the size and complexity of space missions in the 21st century goes beyond simple (or complicated) integration of a large number of systems. Many other challenges exist, and decision-making for space mission design needs to consider factors which were not as relevant in the past: the effect of interactions between large-scale systems and potential disruptions, the need of multiple stakeholders, the long-term and long-duration perspective, the need for more flexibility to address rapidly evolving technological needs and possible changes in mission requirements and objectives. At the same time, this holistic viewpoint needs to keep a tight connection with more technical and practical aspects of space engineering. Embarking on a journey through my research, and using space robotics as an example, we will identify some of the most critical aspects of space systems engineering and space mission design, and how I propose that academia should participate in the effort to address existing gaps.
Bio: Cesare Guariniello is a principal research scholar in the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics in Purdue University. He holds two master's degrees, in automation and robotics engineering, and in astronautical engineering, from the University of Rome "La Sapienza." In 2016, he earned a PhD in aeronautics and astronautics from Purdue University, with an award-winning dissertation on system of systems methodologies to support space systems design. His research interests include system of systems design and architecture –including various space applications–, space robotics and defense. His research projects have been funded, among others, by NASA, the US Department of Defense, the National Science Foundation, the US Navy and Lockheed Martin. He subsequently expanded his research in the field of earth sciences, with courses and research in a master's program in planetary geology, studying remote sensing for in-situ resource utilization on Mars. He is a senior member of IEEE and AIAA, vice chair of the AIAA Space and Automation and Robotics Technical Committee (SARTC) and member of INCOSE.
Outside work, Guariniello enjoys a wide variety of activities. He represented Purdue University in various fencing collegiate tournaments and served as coach of Purdue Fencing Club and advisor of Purdue Archery Club. He is an instrument-rated commercial airplane pilot and ground instructor, a sailboat racer, a licensed radio amateur and holds multiple scuba diving certifications. Since 2017, he participated in seven simulated Martian missions as analog astronaut and commander.