Professor Dr Simona Silvestri is not only fascinated by space, her research literally brings us closer to it. As a rocket scientist, she works on innovative methods and designs for cryogenic fuels that make long-term missions in space possible in the first place. At Technische Universität Braunschweig, she has found the ideal base from which to work with researchers from the fields of space technology, Materials Science, thermodynamics and artificial intelligence to develop integrative concepts for space travel, from the initial idea to realistic testing under space conditions. With each simulation and each experiment, our understanding of complex mission scenarios grows – bringing her vision of sustainable, safe and economical space travel a step closer.
“For me as a person it is impoartnat to be surrounded by good people. People I can trust. I am an engineer. I never work alone.“
As head of the Cryogenic Propulsion Systems and Space Logistics working group at the Institute of Space Systems, she combines engineering excellence with interdisciplinary innovative spirit. She ensures that advanced propulsion technologies in space are not only powerful, but also resource-efficient and safe. Her holistic view of the entire life cycle of a space mission – from fuel logistics and reusable hardware to debris removal – sets new standards. Forward-looking concepts for orbital refuelling and the use of additive manufacturing processes for the production of reusable space transport systems make space travel not only more cost-effective but also more sustainable.
“I chose Braunschweig because I like to learn. I like to teach so that my knowledge is going forward and with this knowledge, maybe something is created. Often in companies, the main answer is: We have always done it this way. And I didn't like that answer, so I wanted to change it.“
The infinite vastness of space is not only her playground, but also a space that needs to be protected. She and her team are concerned with the growing problem of space debris. In interdisciplinary projects, they develop models to enable collision-free manoeuvring. But her research goes even further, addressing the question of how debris can be removed from space. To this end, she and her team are developing AI-based methods that can detect space debris and then control special docking procedures on spacecraft. With her tireless thirst for research and her passion for technical innovation, Professor Silvestri is taking space travel a decisive step forward. Students and researchers at TU Braunschweig benefit from her expertise and are working with her to shape the framework conditions for sustainable space travel.
