Nadine Duursma

Information

Bio

I am Nadine Duursma, a double MSc student in Robotics and Space Engineering at Delft University of Technology. My main focus is on automation and AI for space missions, which has taken me from developing CubeSats in the Arctic, to contributing to NASA’s Lunar Gateway through the Space Studies Program, and racing 3,000 km across the Australian outback with a solar car. Alongside technical work, I completed an exchange semester at Princeton University and authored a children’s book, Met Mama naar Mars, to share curiosity about space.

Current Role

At ESA Φ-lab, I research a novel Earth Observation strategy called AI-based Tip and Cue. A wide field-of-view satellite scans for anomalies and cues a second satellite to zoom in. My work involves developing software for radiance modelling, onboard AI processing, and mission simulations.

Areas of Expertise

My expertise spans automation, deep learning, and software development for space applications. I have scripted satellite tracking for an Arctic ground station and automated the aerodynamic design process of a solar car, enabling 10.000 design iterations per night. At ESA Φ-lab, I apply these skills to develop simulation tools and performance benchmarks for Tip and Cue missions, using whale detection as a practical use case.

Vision for the Future

I envision a future where autonomous systems extend the reach and impact of space missions, for the benefit of Earth. From satellite imagery and communication networks to biomedical research and planetary exploration. I aim to contribute to autonomous operations and orbital/ planetary robotics and AI, especially for missions once thought out of reach.

Project as CIN Researcher