Ana-Maria Pelin

Information

Bio

I am Ana-Maria Pelin, an MSc student in Control and Operations with a specialization in Intelligent Systems at TU Delft. I graduated cum laude with a BSc in Aerospace Engineering from Delft University of Technology, and completed a minor in Machine Learning and Data Analytics at the National University of Singapore. Driven by a passion for AI, automation, and aerospace control, I have contributed to the development of segmentation and stereo-matching models for contrail research at EUROCONTROL and detection-based controllers at a 3D vision startup. Working with these technologies in adjacent fields deepened my motivation to apply AI models to space systems and explore AI-based decision-making for multi-agent coordination.

Current Role

I am currently conducting my MSc thesis at the ESA Φ-lab, where I investigate the use of AI-based reasoning models for multi-satellite coordination in disaster management. My research focuses on integrating onboard wildfire detection models with satellite position awareness to support collaborative Earth observation (EO) task planning and acquisition.

Areas of Expertise

My expertise lies in several key areas of autonomy in aerospace, including computer vision and deep learning for positioning systems, drones, and remote sensing, as well as operations coordination for multi-agent systems. These specializations enable me to tackle operational challenges and to model dynamic systems for decision-making in uncertain scenarios. At the Φ-lab, I apply these skills to develop vision-language models and simulation tools to coordinate satellite constellations for wildfire management under ESA’s 3CS initiative.

Vision for the Future

I believe in spacetech's capacity to improve life on Earth and enable us to reach beyond. Intelligent satellites unlock new capabilities, so in-orbit autonomy is essential for next-generation interplanetary missions and for addressing challenges on Earth. For me, innovation stems from collaboration and the bridging of ideas. Driven by a vision of a future where space technology aids daily life through connectivity and provides tools for rapid response in the event of disasters, I am particularly interested in finding ways for European heterogeneous assets, resources, and operators to work together as a whole. Through my research at the Φ-Lab and my future career, I aim to contribute to the development of AI-based autonomy solutions that enable the deployment and operation of intelligent agents in space.

Project as CIN Researcher

Coming Soon