Information
📍 GitHub | |
📚 Organization | Delft University of Technology |
🔨 Linkedin | https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristophercastrot/ |
Bio
I am Cristopher Castro Traba, a professional in the field of Space Engineering with a solid foundation in Space Systems, Artificial Intelligence, and embedded systems. My academic journey began at University of Vigo (Spain), where I earned my degree in Aerospace engineering with a 9/10 grade. During this period, I contributed as a researcher to the Physics Engineering research group of the University of Vigo. This collaboration led to a conference paper in the 2023 International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS) Congress in Egypt. With the skills acquired in the bachelor’s degree, I decided to pursue a Master of Science in Space Engineering at Delft University of Technology. In the Master, I worked with Ubotica Technologies as part of a 5-month internship about raw multispectral satellite imagery processing.
Current Role
Currently, I serve as a Honors MSc Space engineering student at Delft University of Technology. I am doing my MSc Thesis about onboard satellite DL detection of thermal hotspots using raw multispectral imagery in collaboration with Delf University of Technology, Ubotica Technologies and the ESA Φ-lab.
Areas of Expertise
My expertise lies in several key areas of Aerospace engineering, including onboard space systems, AI, remote sensing, and systems engineering. These specializations enable me to participate in the design of AI-focused Earth Observation missions from the system requirements definition to the implementation of a DL model in the specific satellite hardware. This can significantly benefit ESA Φ-lab CIN by providing ways to develop onboard AI-based innovative approaches for new Earth Observation missions.
Vision for the Future
Driven by a vision of a future where artificial intelligence revolutionizes space exploration, I am committed to advancing the integration of AI in satellite operations. The field of AI in space applications has entered a transformative era, gaining significant momentum since the success of the Φ-sat 1 mission. As AI's role in space technology expands exponentially, its research and development have become essential not only for optimizing existing space systems but also for unlocking new, unprecedented applications.
Next year, I will embark on a PhD in autonomous satellite operations at an university in the United States, supported by the prestigious “La Caixa” fellowship. Over the course of five years, I will dedicate myself to exploring and developing cutting-edge AI technologies for various satellite operations, including autonomous scheduling, AI-driven Earth observation, inter-satellite communications, and satellite constellation formations.
I believe that implementing AI is the next pivotal step in space operations, and as we witness an AI revolution fueled by innovations like ChatGPT, the potential for AI-driven advancements in space is receiving unprecedented attention. Through my research, I aim to contribute to this exciting frontier, ensuring that AI not only enhances our current space capabilities but also paves the way for new horizons in space exploration.