Programme for Research-Development-Innovation for Space … · 2016. 10. 31. · The STARWALKER Competence Center was born as a project in the frame of STAR C2 Coordinator: Institute

Computer Assisted and Information

Feedback Training for Human Spaceflight

Support

STARWALKER

Space Technologies Competence Centre

Center Director’s Report

Vlad Văleanu

Programme for Research-Development-Innovation for Space Technology and Advanced Research - STAR

Starwalker Workshop October 2016 - Current Results Presentation

Agenda• General information• Detailed Objectives of the Centre and SWOT

• Competence Center’s Management

• Present status & results• Human Resources

• Scientific and industrial networking

• Capacity building for ESA and National Programmes (strategy)

• Capacity building for ESA and National Programmes (basics ‘13-’15)

• Capacity building for ESA and National Programmes (advanced ‘15-’16)

• Project proposals

• Education & Dissemination• Education

• Dissemination and publications

• Conclusions

General information

The STARWALKER Competence Center was born as a project in the frame of STAR C2

Coordinator: Institute of Space Science, Romania.

PI: Vlad Văleanu, EE, PhD, 409 Atomiştilor str., room A207, Măgurele IF, Romania

e-mail: [email protected]

According to STAR C2 2013 rules the Competence Centers in Space Technology projects are single–partner;

According to STAR C2 2013 rules the Competence Centers in Space Technology is allowed to appoint individual experts from different organizations, according to the complementary expertise fields requirements.

WEB Presence:

http://www.spacescience.ro/projects/starwalker/projects.html

http://www.rosa.ro/index.php/ro/strategie-spatiala/programul-star/proiecte-finantate-prin-competitia-c2-2013/97-strategice/659-starwalker

The Starwalker Competence Center is registered on the UEFISCDI ERRIS Platform:

https://erris.gov.ro/STARWALKER

ERRIS ( www.erris.gov.ro )is an online platform which provides information and easy access to those who would like to benefit of the Romanian public and private infrastructures' services.

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.spacescience.ro/projects/starwalker/projects.html

http://www.rosa.ro/index.php/ro/strategie-spatiala/programul-star/proiecte-finantate-prin-competitia-c2-2013/97-strategice/659-starwalker

https://erris.gov.ro/STARWALKER

http://www.erris.gov.ro/

Start date of the project / End date of the present phase of the project:

nov. 2013/oct. 2016

Short description of the project

The project targets the establishment of a scientific-technologic collaborative Competence Centre addressing to a particular technological niche in the larger field of countermeasures for Human Space Flight: astronauts' assessment, training and recovery for and after long exposure to MICE (Micro-gravity, Isolated and Confined Environment) through information-feedback, assisted, neuro-muscular control and mental-control assessment and training.

Project goal

Contributing to the development of the capacity of participation of the Romanian scientific, technologic and industrial community in ESA Programmes and stimulating the transfer of the space research activity in the social and economic benefit.

The Mission

The integration of existing scientific and industrial competences and achievements in countermeasures for Human Space Flight and complementary fields at national level, the valorisation in international context, notably through participation in ESA Programmes, and fostering the progress of the scientific and industrial Romanian space community.

Center’s contribution to the goal of the STAR Programme:

Competence Niche identification an development to foster a credible and reliable contribution of the Romanian space research and industrial community to the cooperation with the European Space Agency:

The astronauts' assessment, training and recovery for long exposure to micro-gravity as well as to spatial and social confinement through information-feedback assisted, neuro-muscular control and mental-control training.

Promoting a coherent vision, based on knowledge and dissemination, in the Romanian professional community, of the ESA Programmes Workplans, to identify optimized strategies of projects’ propositions and funding schemes.

Identifying and fostering the Research/Industry cooperation and technologic transfer.

Increasing the public awareness and acceptance for the space related activities and mentoring the formation of futures specialists in space research and technologies.

Context and contribution to ESA Programmes:

The Competence Center targets mainly the ELIPS Period 4 ESA Optional Programme (studies and applications in Biology, Integrated Human Space Physiology, Space Psychology, Human Performance under extreme conditions, as well as Enabling Research and Technological Development for Human Exploration and Educational activities)

The Competence Center activity would have consistent connections with Romanian Industry Incentive Scheme, GSTP - General Support Technology Programme and with PRODEX.

The place of the Competence Centerin the Space Research in Romania.

The competence niche, identified before the competition, as an interesting , challenging and fertile domain for the orientation of the Competence Center, was proposed to be the “Support for human security in the spaceflight” or “Human protection against the aggression of MICE(Microgravity, Isolation and Confined Environment)” or, for short, “Countermeasures”.

We anticipated that, this research and application direction in space related activities would meet and put together some advantages we have in the Romanian context and some advantages we can get in the attempt to position ourselves in the international Space community:

(Together with a lot of our already long date cooperators) We have a consistent experience in the Human Performance theory and applications;

In the Space Community the Countermeasures are accepted as based on Human Performance;

The combination of Terrestrial and Space Human performance pave the way for interesting and fertile societal spin-off’s (a major requirement of ESA)

The Center’s Challenges.

The challenge we met and we assumed was to build, from scratch, a space application domain never tackled in Institute of Space Science nor, as we know, in Romania.

We had no experimental infrastructure and we were virtually unknown in the international specific space community. We only had, in the Human Performance field, our terrestrial experience and excellence, a lot of outstanding cooperators and the (honest and reasonable) management full support.

Everything was to be built:

- Scientific and experimental infrastructure;

- Applications and project propositions;

- National and International recognition and acceptance;

- High level instruction and continuous education;

- Individual and Institutional cooperators support;

- Public awareness.

After 3 years of “childhood” we got it !

The Center aim to a prolific “adulthood”.

Detailed Objectives

of the Centre and SWOT

1. The development of the national scientific and technologic capacity to participate in human spaceflight related activities by targeting:

Methods and devices for countermeasures to MICE physiological impairments (cardio-vascular decompensation, calcium lost, muscle volume and force lost) as well as mental-volitional impairments (cognitive, psychological, psycho-social, fast and adequate response);

Methods and devices for increasing mental resistance to prolonged reclusion, through specific mental control training (mental flexibility, cognitive-comportment control);

Elucidation of processes and deepening the understanding of information role in neuro-muscular and mental control training (in benefit of countermeasures and societal spin-off).

2. The entrainment and mentoring of the industry to participate in ESA activities:

Stimulating the industry to comply space-grade technology;

Stimulating the industry by creating technological and services as terrestrial spin-offs emerging from the countermeasures oriented activities (age-related diseases and impairments, resistance to physiologic and mental stress of professionals exposed to intentional risks related to extreme conditions, motility recovery and increased societal inclusion for disabled persons and trauma victims).

3. Promotion of all level interdisciplinary education and public awareness in the specific field through:

Continuous professional education (for specific-oriented college students and specific-oriented professionals through Bachelor-of-Science degree and PhD degree support);

General education and public awareness level through Outreach activities (for high school students, non-specific college students and general public).

4. Dissemination of results in scientific Publications, Conferences, Workshops and Seminaries (for professionally interested, scientific and technical community);

5. The establishment of cooperation with similar entities in Europe and in the World.

Risk analysis and contingency plan (lessons learned) (1):

Strengths:

The existence and the identification of a competence niche in the frame of space technologies.

The availability of a valuable intangible resource in terms of knowledge and know-how in Human Performance.

The existence of well-qualified and experienced personnel.

The existence of incipient cooperation with SMEs and industry as well as preoccupations for technological transfer activities.

Weaknesses:

The lack, at national level, of educational curricula for professional formation in the field related to human performance.

A limited pool of professional researchers in human performance related field, at national level'

A very limited pool of industrial entities involved in human performance related activities (equipment production and services).

Opportunities:

Romania is an ESA Member State.

Romania participates to ESA Optional Programmes (including those of interest for Human Space Flight related activities).

A pre-existent pool of co-operators, scientific and industrial, flexible and countermeasures oriented that will easily operate as a delocalized community.

Threats:

The interest and understanding of the industry in this field of countermeasures and in space related activities is generally poor and could remain so.

The risk of misunderstanding between the Center's staff, the academic representatives and the industry representatives concerning ESA oriented objectives and goals.


In relation with the initial SWOT analysis, at the beginning of the CCTS STARWALKER Project, the three years experience allows us to go into details of some vulnerability and force as well as allow us to advance solutions:

Evident Vulnerabilities: Lack of sufficient space, with proper, adequate architecture necessary for the specific activities of the Competence Center for Human Spaceflight Support (e.g. space dedicated to psycho-neuro-somatic studies and procedures, space dedicated to educational activities, space dedicated and appropriated for experimental prototyping etc.).

Strength Elements: Following the endeavors (not always immediately quantifiable in quantitative indicators) the Center strengthened a valuable and fertile experience in the study of psycho-neuro-somatic and mental-volitional complex of the human person with direct impact in the development of innovative methods and equipment for countermeasures to the adverse effects of space, as well as with impact on the terrestrial societal spin-off; that lead to a substantial, even yet limited international recognition and cooperation attraction.


In the present stage and in the near future, it is imperative the implementation of solutions for valorization of strengths and the mitigation of vulnerabilities through the development of the Center as a Countermeasures Research and Service Provider Unit for ESA as well as for the Romanian Community (spin-off).

To do that, we work on:

A White Paper of a Countermeasures Competence Center in the context of the Romanian Space Community in relation with the International Space Community (ESA, NASA, other National Space Bodies) that, in the light of our present experience, we expect to:

Substantiate the ground of the Scientific and Engineering structure;

Define the adequate and satisfactory working infrastructure.

The proposal for an European Union funded infrastructure project to build, in the frame of the Institute of Space Science, a consistent Countermeasures Competence Center.

The Chances assessment.

The work is in progress and will be concluded in the next phase of the Center.

Competence Center’s Management

Legal and Managerial arrangement of the Centre

Governance Documents:

Center Strategy Document

MB & SSC rules of operation Document

Scientific Steering Committee

(SSC)

Management Board (MB)

WP1 WP2 WP3 WP4

CCTS STARWALKER

STARWALKER Centers’ Director

Director of ISS

INSTITUTE OF SPACE SCIENCE 1050 LAB

CCST Director: Vlad Văleanu, Eng, PhD

Scientific Steering Committee (SSC) şi Management Board (MB):

Vlad VĂLEANU, SSC and MB President;

Pierre de HILLERIN, SSC and MB Member;

Dumitru PRUNARIU, SSC and MB Member;

Radu DOP, SSC and MB Member;

Mihai BERTEANU, SSC and MB Member;

Cristian VIZITIU, MB Member, SSC Secretary (non-voting);

Marian VLĂDESCU, MB Member;

Vladimir VASILIU, MB Member;

Mihaela MARIN, MB Member;

Andra BĂLTOIU, MB Member;

Andreea VIZITIU, MB Member.

3 Years (3013-2016) work plan of the Center

WP no.

Work package title Start month

(1 ... n-1) End month

(2 ... n)

1. Competence Centre Strategy Definition 1st 2nd

2. Capacity Building for participation to ESA Programmes 3rd 25th

3. Scientific and Industrial Networking 9th 36th

4. Education, Dissemination and Outreach 15th 36th

5. Project Management 1st 36th

N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O

Project month 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36

WP1. Competence Centre Strategy

Definition

WP2. Capacity Building for participation

to ESA Programmes

WP3. Scinetific and Industrial

Networking

WP4. Education, Dissemination and

Outreach

WP5. Competence Centre Project

Management

Milestones/Phases

M1. Centre Definition

M3. Progress Evaluation 1

M3. Progress Evaluation 2

M4. Final Evaluation

2016Calendar

2013 2014 2015

P2 P3 P4

Present status & results

Human Resources

Competence needed:

The interdisciplinary activity of the Center requires a dynamic and versatile coverage of competences in the fields:

Space Engineering;

Systems Engineering (SE);

Electric, Electronic, Communication and IT Engineering;

Mechanic and Automation Engineering;

Physics and Applied Physics;

Biophysics, Biochemistry and Bioengineering;

Medicine, Biology, Physiology, Neurophysiology and Neuroscience;

Sports Science and Human Performance in extreme conditions;

Theoretical and Applied mathematics;

Psychology, Sociology and Cognitive Science;

PR and Media;

... to be completed with sub-fields and expertise according to needs.

Human resources involved (including permanent and part-time staff):

experts: 21 (5 different area engineers, 4 bio-motility experts, 3 medical doctors, 2 bio-physicists, 1 biologist, 1 neuro-scientist, 1 bio-engineer, 1 mathematician, 1 project manager, 1 psychologist, 1 sociologist);

higher qualification: 11 PhD, 2 PhD students, 1 Master, 1 Master Student;

mean age: arr. 35-40 yr.

Current HR coverage (aka: expertises):

Permanent Staff of the Institute of Space Science:

(Văleanu, Marin M, Vizitiu C, Nistorescu, Dinculescu);

Temporary Staff under contract with the Institute of Space Science:

(Vasiliu, Hillerin, Prunariu, Marin C, Ion T, Băltoiu);

Independent expert cooperators:

(Dop, Berteanu, Ciurea J, Agapie, Vlădescu, Bidiugan, Dragomir, Botezatu, Ciurea C,Ciobanu, Dugan)

Volunteer Practitioners:

(Ganciu A., Șerbănescu D.)

Notes: the above lists are dynamic and non-exhaustive concerning the external

cooperators; the name order in the above lists are at random; in the above lists the expertise and academic qualifications are omitted (sorry!).

Scientific and industrial networking

Cooperators in project proposals definition and strategy identification:

UMF Carol Davila, Romania;

Elias Hospital, Medical Recovery Department, Romania;

Medical University of Graz, Austria;

Thales Alenia Space Italy;

National Institute for Laser, Plasma and Radiation Physics, Romania;

Human Performance Development Center, Romania;

OnlineSolutions Media Ltd, Romania;

CeoSpaceTech – Research Center for Spatial Information.

Signed Memoranda of Understanding:

National Institute for Sports Research, Bucharest;

National Institute of Materials Physics, Măgurele, Ilfov;

Universitatea “Politehnica” Bucureşti, ETTI Faculty, Romania:

Electronic Devices, Circuits and Architectures - DCAE Department;

CeoSpaceTech – Research Center for Spatial Information;

Bucharest University, Physics Faculty, Măgurele, Ilfov;

Transilvania University, Brașov;

Human Performance Development Center, Bucharest;

OnlineSolutions Media Ltd, Bucharest;

ELSIX Ltd, Bucharest:

RoGenIX (USA)/INCDFM/STARWALKER (ISS) workshop oriented for future innovative and business cooperation.

Initiated Memoranda of Understanding:

Pitesti University, Physical Education and Sport Faculty, Piteşti, Romania;

Special Actions and Intervention Service of the Romanian Police.

Intended or in negotiation Memoranda of Understanding:

UMF “Gr. T. Popa”, Bioengineering Faculty, Iaşi, Romania;

UMF “Carol Davila”, Medical Recovery Department, Bucharest, Romania;

Elias Hospital, Bucharest, Romania:

National Institute for Laser, Plasma and Radiation Physics, Măgurele, Romania.

CNES Life Sciences Department, Paris, France;

MEDES, Toulouse, France;

Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria;

German Sport University Cologne, Germany.

Our collaborative Project Partners in STAR Project propositions:

INFLPR - The National Institute for Laser, Plasma & Radiation Physics;

INCDFM – The National Institute of Materials Physics;

The Institute of Biology of the Romanian Academy;

Transilvania University of Brașov;

Pitești University;

Technical University Gh. Asachi Iași;

CINETic - International Centre for Research and Training in Creative Innovative Technologies of UNTAC - the Caragiale University of Theatrical Arts and Cinematography, Bucharest;

ETTI – Electronics, Communications and Information Technology Faculty, of the “Politehnica” University, Bucharest;


S.C. BIOMA R&D Ltd;

NISR – The National Institute for Sports Research;

S.C. VISION SYSTEMS Ltd.

Our collaborative Project Partners in ESA Project propositions:


Medical University of Graz;

TASI – Thales-Alenia Space Italy;

Other Foreign collaborative Development Partners:

Ypologist – SUA;

Parallel Computation Simulator development (NDA subject).

Capacity building for participation in

ESA and National Programmes

Strategic approach

The scientific and technologic research activities are oriented to:

clarification of scientific problems connected with countermeasuresfield, to be done in interdisciplinary cooperation within the scientific network of the Center;

building principle solutions at the Proof-of Concept level for methods and equipment at the space TRL3-4 level, as well as for terrestrial societal spin-off;

higher maturity solutions and equipment, above TRL4 are to be done in industrial cooperation, turning into profit the industrial network of the Center;

generally, the ripening of methods and equipment solutions for space as well as for society is to be supported and fostered by participation to National and/or EU R&D Programmes.

The design of the specific, experimental assets of the Center is oriented for:

Innovative experiments;

Demo and Proof-of-Concept experiments;

Versatility;

Scalability

to achieve:

Application integrated vision:

Inter-application reusable/scalable hardware;

Inter-application reusable/scalable software;

Application scale-oriented approach (correlated with the TRL# System):

In house:

Sketch (just to see what happens and what are the critical points);

Functional Model or Proof-of-Concept (In principle, the basic output)

Advanced Prototype (if possible)

External:

Technologic transfer.



Experimental foundation 2013-2015

(basic)

Experimental research workbenches for Human Performance reported in references before are the basic experimental foundation created in the early stages of the project (2013-2014), at maturity and in full scientific production.

In the advanced stages of the project (2015-2016) we endeavored to enhance the investigation and the scientific production capacity of the experimental foundation

Components included and configured as elements in experimental platforms for studies and applications building of Neuro-Muscular Control (In-house developed or acquired as OEM).

Hardware and software elements to be included in the workbench for Complex Psycho-Neuro-Motor Applications (Center in-house integration).

Hard and Soft components included and configured as elements in experimental platforms for Mental Control studies and applications building (OEM).

Hardware and software elements to be included in the workbench for Mental Control & Psycho-Cognitive Studies (OEM).

Experimental arrangement for Cerebral Areas Activation Study (preliminary facility) oriented for psycho-neuro-motor training (Center in-house integration).

Experimental arrangement for Mental Flexibility Study and Training (Center in-house integration).

Assets for experimental research in Human Performance

Hard and Soft components to be assembled in experimental workbences:

Inertial and magnetic personal navigation system ProMove-3D with embedded analysis software (Inertia Technology Ltd, Netherlands);

BCI (Brain Computer Interface) and contextual EEG system Emotiv EPOC/EPOC+ with application development, embedded softwared designed for preliminary psycho-neuro-somatic investigations (EMOTIV Inc. SUA);

Professional Balance Trainer PEV07 with embedded analysis software designed for psycho-neuro-somatic investigations (OnlineSolutions Media srl, Romania);

Active servo movement control device for experiments implying “virtual millieus” (OEM OnlineSolutions Media srl, Romania with Center’s in-house developed software);

OEM mechanical components for Condition Simulator used to configuring Human Performance Experimental setups (OnlineSolutions Media srl, Romania).

Data analysis, Virtual Instrumentation and Computer Assisted Design software :

Matlab and ORCAD updated license (ELSIX srl, Romania);

LabView and AutoCAD (ELSIX srl, Romania);

SolidWorks License (Vegra Info srl, Romania).

Experimental research workbenches for Human Performance (1)

Components included and configured as elements in experimental platforms for studies and applications building of Neuro-Muscular Control (In-house developed or acquired as OEM).


Hard and Soft components included and configured as elements in experimental platforms for Mental Control studies and applications building (OEM)


Hardware and software elements to be included in the workbench for Mental Control & Psycho-Cognitive Studies (OEM).


Hardware and software elements to be included in the workbench for complex psycho-neuro-motor applications (Center in-house integration)


Experimental arrangement for cerebral areas activation in psycho-neuro-motor training(Center in-house integration)


Experimental arrangement for Mental Flexibility study and training (Center in-houseintegration)



Experimental foundation 2015-2016

(enhanced)

It is to be noticed that, in time, the Center’s

strategy evolved focalizing on more complex

studies, applications and methods, turning into

profit the deep understanding of the “Psycho-

Neuro-Somatic” integrative paradigm

(neuroscience, psychology, sociology elements

along with physiology and bio-motility).

… so the current experimental foundation

presented further is completed and enhanced in

direction of the exploitation of Information

Anthropology Model and based of the extensive

use of Neuro-Science methods and results.

While, in the early stage of the Competence Center Project we endeavored to build the experimental base according to our financial means (the two Experimental Workbenches), in the advanced stage of the Project, the scientific and application thematic fostered new, higher requirements, regarding the experimental capabilities of ours.

We solved the issue addressing two solutions:

Enhancing the experimental capabilities within the Center (discussed further);

Extending, consolidating and refining the cooperation within the Scientific and Technical Network of the Center we started to build from the beginning of the Project.

So we arrived to shape the STARWALKER Center as a

Delocalized, geographically spread, scientific and technic infrastructure (putting together pieces of infrastructure physically, to measure phenomena, or putting together complementary measurements made in different locations or with different equipment) based on:

Interdisciplinary cooperation;

Interinstitutional cooperation;

Inter-professional cooperation.

The next step of STARWALKER institutional development would be the sustainable development we propose in conclusion of this Report.

The Psycho-Neuro-Somatic Research facility enhancement through the equipment and software reported further lead to human spaceflight and performance sports applications and services through:

Online emotional information extraction from facial and corporal gestures in benefit of neuro-psychological countermeasures.

Connection between motor activity and mental exercise.

Cerebral monitoring for hypoxic physical exercises influence on the psycho-cognitive activities.

Monitoring the possible mental control change consequent to psycho-neuro-muscular training.

Monitoring the sensory-motor function consequent to psycho-neuro-muscular training.

Neural Networks implementation dedicated to monitor the behavior in order to detect human related, potentially dangerous, situations.

System-on-Chip equipment implementation of parallel computing to create and validate, through artificial intelligence, semi-supervised learning, automatic classification methodologies for behavior monitoring.

Newly Acquired Hardware for psycho-neuro-somatic experimental facility enhancement and optimization:

Sony FDR-AXP33 video camera for recording video sequences for behavioral investigations; the equipment can be used to optimize other research activities (e.g. scientific debates, seminaries, recording, outreach content, multimedia content etc.).

M-AUDIO Fast Track C600 with several functional sound captures and sound data recording facility system for voice capture and recording, audio/video synchronization, independent analyses for vocal individual stamp.

ANT-Neuro NL EEG 32 channel system for neuro-muscular and motility analysis with professional software for recording and monitoring associated neuro-cognitive processes; the equipment is dedicated to monitor the activation transfer between cerebral zones during psycho-neuro-muscular training.

HTC Vive Virtual Reality Glasses to be used in complex, interactive, experimental set-up’s, in combination with other equipment belonging to the present acquisition pack, to monitor the human subject’s reaction in simulated environments relevant for spaceflight.

Cyclone V SoC Development Kit ( FPGA Programmer, PICkit 3 In-Circuit Debugger for Artificial Intelligence applications for human behavior simulation and monitoring in stressing unexpected, potential dangerous situations.

Newly Acquired Software for psycho-neuro-somatic experimental facility enhancement and optimization:

Noldus - FaceReader Software license for behavioral analysis aiming emotions identification, excitation level, emotional valence and intensity determination useful for character nature analysis of the spaceflight personnel.

Pro Tools SE audio recording Software license allows sound/voice recording, audio post processing, time/frequency domain analysis; useful for human behavioral analysis through vocal signal analysis or speech disorder associated with intra and interpersonal emotional problems and/or instabilities.

ASA ERP – ANT-Neuro Software license for EEG signal analysis and processing.

EEGo rt SDK license for applications development dedicated to EEG Data processing.

SolidWorks Professional University Research License update.

(Quartus Prime IDE, MPLAB XC8 Standard Compiler, Visual Studio Professional 2015) Complex Development System for software, firmware and virtual hardware for Artificial Intelligence Virtual Hardware applications for human behavior simulation and monitoring in stressing unexpected, potential dangerous situations.

Capacity building and scientific orientation for

participation in


Project proposals

The newly acquired equipment as well as the enhancement of our “classical” methodological concepts in Human Performance training, oriented for spaceflight countermeasures, merged to the previous developed facilities and experience, allowed us to define some major scientific and application directions to focus on in our demarche to develop applications and support for a safer human space-flight and for more effective terrestrial emerging spin-off’s:

Current major scientific and application directions (1)

1. Continuarea dezvoltarii fundamentelor teoretice si metodologice utilizate in studiul si dezvoltarea performantei umane, aplicata in sprijinul zborului spatial cu echipaj uman si a spin-off-ului terestru corespunzator (modelare informationala avansata cu utilizarea modelului Antropologiei Informationale si a Retro-Ingineriei Informationale);

2. Promovarea utilizarii mijloacelor moderne de gestionare si prelucrare a datelor pentru cresterea eficientei si productivitatii exploatarii datelor in aplicatii spatiale si terestre de Performanta Umana (Stiinta Complexitatii, Inteligenta Artificiala, Calcul Paralel, Big Data, etc.)

3. Cercetari avansate privind aplicarea rezultatelor medicinei, fiziologiei si biomotricitatii umane pentru generarea de metode si echipamente pentru protectia si securitatea persoanei umane in zbor spatial si pe Terra.

Current major scientific and application directions (2)

4. Cercetari avansate privind evaluarea, interpretarea si exploatarea informatiilor despre statusul afectiv/cognitiv al persoanei cu aplicatii la efectele adverse ale reclusiunii, izolarii si stresului prelungit sau ocazional pentru generarea de metode si echipamente pentru protectia si securitatea persoanei umane in zbor spatial si pe Terra.

5. Cercetari avansate de performanta umana psiho-neuro-somatica cu aplicatii pentru antrenarea Performantei Umane prin reactia informationala asistata de calculator in timp real cu exploatarea fenomenologiei reflectarii corticale a miscarii, afectelor si cognitiei si cu utilizarea extensiva a metodelor avansate de modulare a perceptiei senzoriale (Medii Virtuale, Realitate Virtuala, Realitate Augmentata)

In conexiune cu ultimul punct, in perspectiva imediata, avem demararea unor:

6. Studii experimentale si metodologice de exploatare a fenomenului interferentei bi- multi senzoriale (auditiva, vizuala, vestibulara, tactila, proprioceptiva etc.).

It is to be noted that precursors of these major directions defined recently AS ARE here are the foundation of the Centers’ scientific activity and are the base of all project proposals advanced by the Center

Project proposals advanced to ESA:

ESA-AO7704, 2013, „Integrated Countermeasures with Biofeedback and Actuators”, Medical University of Graz, Institute of Space Science – ISS, Medicine and Pharmacy University “Carol Davila”, Thales Alenia Space Italy.

AO-13- Concordia, 2014, „Study of psycho-somatic echo dynamics in correlations with ICE constraints - ISOLA”, Institute of Space Science - ISS, Medicine and Pharmacy University “Carol Davila”, National Institute for Sports Research-INCS.

3 rd Call - Romanian Industry Incentive Scheme, 2014. „MusTone - Innovative myotonometer with vibration propagation for microgravity effects evaluation”, Institute of Space Science - ISS.

3 rd Call - Romanian Industry Incentive Scheme, 2014. “New high temperature thermoelectric materials for efficiency enhancement of Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (RTG) for space use - THERMOMAT4RTG”, The National Institute for Laser, Plasma & Radiation Physics - INFLPR, Institute of Space Science –ISS.

Project funded by ESA:

ESA-PECS Arrangement No 4000101997/10/NL/HE (ACN1-3), 2012-2015, PTW Portable Telemedicine Workstation – Fully Functional Prototype; (in ongoing Technologic Transfer effort)

ESA Projects propositions in preparation:

Resubmission of the “Isolated and Confined Environment (ICE) psycho-cognitive study” (proposed in 2014 by the Institute of Space Science to ESA-HSO “Concordia” Polar Station and well rated but not financed). STARWALKER will submit to Call Concordia fall 2016.

“Integrated training system based on real-time computer-assisted information feedback and motor anticipation for microgravity countermeasures" (subject to possible reformulation). In preparation by STARWALKER, in cooperation with CEOSpaceTech, for Romanian Industry Incentive Scheme Call, fall 2016.

“Easy-to-Use Low-Power, Low-Profile, Neuromuscular Control Training Device for Countermeasures in Micro-Gravity” (subject to possible reformulation). To be proposed by STARWALKER (in cooperation TBD), to PRODEX during fall 2016.

STAR 2016 Call STARWALKER as Coordinator:

MUSTONE-A (in cooperation with NISR and Pitești University) The project proposes the development of a muscular myotonometric measuring device, at a Proof-of-Concept level, targeting the evaluation of human muscles under extreme conditions, that astronauts are subject to, during prolonged exposure to micro-gravity.

MICROTRAD (in cooperation with Transilvania University of Brașov and VISION SYSTEMS Ltd) propose the PoC of a Microgravity Enabled Training Device with Synthetic Opposable Force that is expected to accomplish physical training schedules that will maintain physical condition during prolonged flights in microgravity.

CORTDYM (in cooperation with CINETic and independent experts) investigate the Psycho-Neuro-Motor training of extreme human performance by examining the dynamics of electrical activity at cortical level and the reciprocal influence between physical movement and the capacity of cognitive modification.

ASPESS (in cooperation with independent experts) Aims at developing an automatic speech and language disorders identification proof-of-concept (ASLDI) based on artificial intelligence methods, designed for stress assessment of astronauts in spaceflight.

STAR 2016 Call ISS as Coordinator – STARWALKER as contributor:

MOONRO (in cooperation with INCDFM and INCERC) Feasibility study and building materials demonstrators for permanent settlement on the Moon; Systems Engineering development studies and resident astronauts life protection studies.

ISS and STARWALKER engaged a new, challenging, critical bet in Space Exploration:

The Strategy for Space Exploration and Human Colonization based on “Closed Habitats” aiming the familiarization with the “Moon Village” concept.

STARWALKER contribute to the above mentioned MOONRO project and took part to the debates and presentations at “ESA Closed Habitats Forum” in Lausanne, Switzerland, June 2016.

(see http://closedhabitatsforum.esa.int/ )

http://closedhabitatsforum.esa.int/

STAR 2016 Call STARWALKER as Partner :

THERMOMAT4RTG under leadership of INFLPR and in cooperation with INCDFM; deep space exploration technology (Reliable nanostructured thermoelectric materials (TM) for mid-range temperature Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (RTG) to space use).

LabSSKCAnalysis under leadership of BIOPM R&D and in cooperation with CINETic; human spaceflight exploration support (neuro-cognitive) (The signifianceand automated detection of sleep spindles and k-complex for declarative memory consolidation during a long duration spaceflight).

NANO-SELF-CLEAN under leadership of INCDFM; space exploration technology(TiO2 doped polymeric nanofibers with self-cleaning properties for aerospace applications).

SUPERLENS under leadership of INFLPR; space exploration technology (Doped Polymeric Nanofibers with Self-Cleaning Properties for Aerospace Applications).

SPACEBONE under leadership of the Institute of Biology; human spaceflight exploration support (microgravity countermeasures) (In vitro evaluation of potential biomedical strategies aimed to prevent bone loss during spaceflight).

Sweat under leadership of INCDFM and in cooperation with Technical University Gh. Asachi Iași; human spaceflight exploration support (microgravity countermeasures) (Wearable sweat sensor for mission personnel continuous health monitoring).

Non STAR Projects:

“Nucleu”

Knowledge Management & Information Management in Bio-Systems with application to information extraction from facial gestures in benefit of the mental assessment (funded under Nucleu 2014-2015 R&D Programme).

Advanced studies for assessment and training of the aerospace personnel using methods based on Information Management in bio-systems (funded under Nucleu 2016-2018 R&D Programme).

PNII R&D

Spaceborne Multiple Aperture Interferometry and Sequential Patterns Extraction Techniques for Accurate Directional Ground and Infrastructure Stability Measurements (funded under PNII R&D Programme, in cooperation with “Politehnica” University Bucharest, TerraSigna, CITON and The National Institute for Earth Physics – NIEP).

What we do in-between Competitions and Calls

Intense interdisciplinary and cooperative work with old and new members of our Research and Technology Network to support the “countermeasures” contribution.

Research for theoretical foundations of Human Performance methodologiesintended to be used in applications;

In-house research in preparation for calls; laboratory work on what we call “domestic projects” .

Continuous professional education of the staff, publications, dissemination, awareness actions

Graphic material presented in this report as well as the content of the talk my colleagues will present you further are referring to some recent milestones we put for “theoretical foundations” and “domestic projects” in benefit of present and further calls (including those listed in this report).

Education & Disemination

Education

2015 Setting-up “Starwalker General Seminaries” to foster the interdisciplinary education in Space Engineering and Human Performance related fields.

“Psycho-neuro-motor approach in understanding and developing Human Performance”, Pierre de Hillerin;

“Management of informational interaction in the soma-psyche complex and in relation to the environment“, Vlad Văleanu;

“Markov Chains. Applications to cognitive processes embedded in Human Performance”, Alexandru Agapie.

2016 Cycle B:

"Studii preliminare privind metode de evaluare si management al Stresului psihologic la astronauți in perspectiva utilizarii in contextull contramasurilor“.

Abordări psihofiziologice de determinare a stresului psihologic la astronauți. Descriere context, concept și definire a cerințelor generale în perspectiva implementării sistemului de interes (SoI) bazat pe tulburări de limbaj și parametri ai sistemului neurovegetativ. Conferențiar: Dr. Ing. Cristian VIZITIU

Identificarea tulburărilor de limbaj prin metode de recunoaștere și analiză a vorbirii. Descriere generala, abordari curente. Conferențiar: Ing. Andra BALTOIU

Prezentare analiză de imagine infraroșu în vederea implementării cerințelor din sfera parametrilor neuro-vegetativi și emoționali. Descriere generală, modalități de dezvoltare algoritmi corespunzători. Conferențiar: Ing. Adrian DINCULESCU

2016 Thematic Cycle: „Utilizarea tehnicilor de AI in studii cu aplicabilitate la Performanța Umană“.

1. “Utilizarea retelelor neurale in exploatarea datelor din experimente de performantaumana psiho-neuro-motorie”. Partea I – Introducere. Principii de bază. Conferențiar:Ing. Vladimir VASILIU.

2. “Utilizarea retelelor neurale in exploatarea datelor din experimente de performantaumana psiho-neuro-motorie”. Partea II – Neural Deep Learning and Deep Networks. Conferențiar: Ing. Vladimir VASILIU.

3. (In preparation October) “Utilizarea retelelor neurale in exploatarea datelor din experimente de performanta umana psiho-neuro-motorie”. Partea III - Elemente de baza pentru implementarea AI, Partea III. Conferențiar: Ing. Vladimir VASILIU.

2016 Thematic Cycle: (In preparation November) “Interdisciplinary Electronic Engineering for Non-Engineers Cycle”. Conferențiar: Ing. Vladimir VASILIU.

“Starwalker Courses and training /tutorials” to enhance CCTS Members competences and to disseminate scientific and engineering knowledge.

2 STARWALKER Members attended SolidWorks Advanced Topics Course.

3 STARWALKER Members attended LabView Advanced Topics Course.

3 STARWALKER Members attended training with EEG advanced equipment at CINETic - UNATC

2 STARWALKER Members acted as Tutors in a POSDRU Educational Program for Politehnica University Students.

Initiating cooperation with Academia in order to generate coherent BS, Master and PhD programs with interest in the space field (including co-tutoring):

“Politehnica” University Bucharest;

UMF Iaşi, Bioengineering Faculty;

Bucharest University, Physics Faculty;

University of Piteşti, Physical Education end Sports Faculty;

Medical University of Graz;

CNES, MEDES, Toulouse.

Knowledge assistance and experimental support for ongoing PhD and Master programmes:

“Systems Engineering and organizational culture solutions for Corporate Entrepreneurship in Telemedicine context”, The Bucharest Academy of Economic Studies, PhD fellow Eng. Cristian Vizitiu.

“Contribuţii privind modelarea răspunsului aparaturii de antrenare asistată de calculator în sprijinul explorării spaţiului cu echipaj uman”, Universitatea “Politehnica” University Bucharest, PhD student Eng. Mihaela Marin.

“Neuronal Plasticity and the Cognitive Modifiability in Behavioral Learning and Correction”, University of Piteşti, PhD student Psychologist Cristina Ciurea.

“Tehnici și metode de evaluare neinvazivă a calităților mecanice pasive ale musculaturii striate la cosmonauți și sportivi de performanță”PhD student MSc Fiz. Alexandru Nistorescu.

“Politehnica” University Bucharest, Multimedia Technologies for Biometric and Information Security Applications Master programme, Master student Eng. Adrian Dinculescu.

Dissemination and publications

Basic dissemination activities at the beginning of the project

The start:

o Public awareness presentation movie targeting the concepts and the recent results.

(in cooperation with the Institute of Space Science Multimedia Department).

Continued

inter experts seminaries to change scientific information in quest of perspective solutions and project propositions for countermeasures and terrestrial spin-off interdisciplinary research and applications:

o with the National Institute for Sports Research (neuro-muscular control use in space countermeasure research);

o with the ELIAS Hospital – Medical Recovery Department (psycho-somatic mechanisms and implications in countermeasures);

o with the University of Medicine Bucharest – Neuroscience Department (neuro cognitive implications in MICE);

o with the National Institute of Materials Physics (use of special protective materials and special electro-active materials for integrated countermeasures to micro-gravity through smart-suit).

Public Awareness, General Education, Young Generation Attraction and Scientific

Community Call for Cooperation (1):

Building, together with the Institute of Space Science PR and Multimedia Department, a Center’s presentation movie at occasion of an itinerant ESA exhibition in Romania, August 2014;

Taking part with information materials (movies, posters), practical demonstrations (mental control) and public debates (Hillerin, Marin M) to “Noaptea Cercetătorului” event, September 2014, September 2015 and September 2016;

Romanian scientific achievements in the Space Science, Human Performance and Sport Science reportage produced by Discovery Channel (Văleanu, Marin M, Vizitiu C, Nistorescu, Bidiugan, Boboc, Dragomir, Ciurea C, Botezatu), November 2014;

“Cafeneaua de Ştiinţă” a Radio România Cultural production debate on the young generations of scientists role in different top-level research domains, including countermeasures to the adverse effects of spaceflight on humans (Marin M, Nistorescu, Bidiugan), December 2014; (Nistorescu, Hillerin), October 2016

Public Awareness, General Education, Young Generation Attraction and Scientific

Community Call for Cooperation (2):

Taking part with public awareness and education interviews at Radio România Cultural and Radio România Actualități, during Fall 2015 and Spring 2016:“Aventura Spațială”, Espresso Show on "New Horizons" Mission to Pluto topic and on Moon 27 Mission Series aiming permanent settlement on the Moon.

Building, together with the Institute of Space Science PR and Multimedia Department, Center’s presentation materials at occasion of the 35th Aniversary Dumitru-Dorin Prunariu’s Space Flight. May 2016;

Continuous development of the web page putting together different scientific fields in the Institute of Space Science, achievements and implications under the umbrella of the “Life in the Universe”.(at http//:www.spacescience.ro/projects/life/ )

Continuous development of the Starwalker Center web page. (at http://www.spacescience.ro/projects/starwalker/projects.html )

http/:www.spacescience.ro/projects/life

http/:www.spacescience.ro/projects/life

Publication and Conferences contributions:

o Conferences:

3. Vizitiu, C., Văleanu, V., Tanţău, A.D., Vizitiu, R., Vasiliu, V., Marin, M., Nistorescu, A.Decision Making Diagnosis within Aerospace Sector. Published in 2014 NeuroPsychoEconomics Conference Proceedings, ISSN 1861-8243, 2014 NeuroPsychoEconomics Conference, May 29-30, München, Germany.

4. Nistorescu, A. Lecture concerning review and future contribution on functional dynamic space suite. International Conference for Physics Students, Heidelberg, 10-17 August 2014.

5. Vizitiu, C., Marin, M., Nistorescu, A., Văleanu, V., Hillerin, P., Competitive Sustainability within Rsearch Institutions. Case Study: Centre of Competence for SpaceTechnologies – STARWALKER. Proceedings of Advances in Business-Related ScientificResearch Conference (ABSRC 2014 Milan), December 10-12, 2014, Milan, Italy.

6. Marin C., Hillerin P., Marin M., Vizitiu C., Nistorescu A., Vizitiu A., Arguments for an unified approach, psycho-neuro-motor, in Human Performance traning, to bepublished in Proceedings of the International Scientific Conference ICHMS 2015 -Introspective Connections on Human Movement Sciences, March 2015.

7. Hillerin P., Băltoiu A., Botezatu C., Ciurea C., Nistorescu A., Văleanu V., Preliminary study of the mechanical properties of striated muscle in humans, to be published in Proceedings of the International Scientific Conference ICHMS 2015 - Introspective Connections on Human Movement Sciences, March 2015.

8. Hillerin P., Înalta performanță umană între sport și explorarea spațială. - A XXV-a Conferință Națională de Medicină Sportivă, Societatea Română de Medicină Sportivă, București, 16 - 18 iunie 2016.

Publication & Conference contributions in ISI Indexed Proceedings:

4. Hillerin P., Marin Călin, Hillerin Irina, Marin Mihaela, Ciurea Cristina, Vizitiu Andreea, Văleanu V, 2015, Connections between Brain Activity and Motion, Depending on the Feedback Informational System. Published in ISI Proceedings of The 5th IEEE International Conference on E-Health and Bioengineering EHB 2015, Iaşi, Romania, November 19-21.

5. Dinculescu, A., Vizitiu Cristian, Nistorescu A., Marin Mihaela, Vizitiu Andreea 2015. Novel Approach to Face Expression Analysis in Determining Emotional Valence and Intensity with Benefit for Human Space Flight Studies. Published in ISI Proceedings of The 5th IEEE International Conference on E-Health and Bioengineering EHB 2015, Iaşi, Romania, November 19-21.

6. Băltoiu Andra, Nistorescu A., Hillerin P., Vasiliu V., Văleanu V., Ion T., MarinCălin, Preliminary qualitative analysis of mechanical impulse propagation dynamics in human striated muscle. Published in ISI Proceedings of The 5th IEEE International Conference on E-Health and Bioengineering EHB 2015, Iaşi, Romania, November 19-21.

7. Văleanu V., Vasiliu V., Vizitiu Cristian, Marin Mihaela, Nistorescu A., Dinculescu A., Vizitiu Andreea, Ion T., Portable Telemedicine Workstation Full Prototype for Technological Transfer in Critical Interventions Services, Published in ISI Proceedings of The 5th IEEE International Conference on E-Health and Bioengineering EHB 2015, Iaşi, Romania, November 19-21.

Publication and Conferences contributions:

o Indexed publications:

1. Tanţău, A.D., Vizitiu, C., Văleanu, V. The Responsibility of Telemedicine FocusedOrganizations in Regards to Creating Compliant End-Users Products and Services. Amfiteatru Economic Journal, The Bucharest Academy of Economic Studies, Volume XVI, February 2014, No. 35, ISI.

2. Vizitiu, C., Văleanu, V., Tanţău, A., Vizitiu, R., Marin, M., Nistorescu, A. Decision Making and Innovation Diagnosis within Aerospace Sector. Business Excellence and Management Journal, Volume 4, Issue 3, September 2014, ISSN: 2248-1354.

3. Vizitiu C., Marin Mihaela, Nistorescu A., Văleanu V., Hillerin P. (2015). Competitive Sustainability within Research Institutions. Case Study: Centre ofCompetence for Space Technologies – STARWALKER. ADVANCES IN BUSINESS RELATED SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH JOURNAL (ABSRJ), Vol. 6, No.2, 2015.

4. Vizitiu Ruxandra, Vizitiu Cristian (2015). Importanța Cunoașterii Problemelor Psihologice Corelate cu Limbajul în Condiții Extreme de Existență Umană în Spațiul Cosmic. Tehnici și Practici Psihologice, Editura Universitară, București, pg. 125-138, ISBN 978-606-28-0246-2.

Conclusions

Achieved results vs. estimated results at the project proposition submission:

(a short summary)

the Competence Center Strategy, the Competence Center managerial Board and Steering Committee configuration - operational;

2 versions of Experimental Workbench for neuro-muscular studies and training as countermeasure for physiological and psycho-cognitive impairments induced by MICE – 3 versions done, complex, versatile, functional, in experimental production;

at least 3 ESA project propositions – 4 propositions, 1 project finalized;

2 Agreements on educational cooperation with Universities – 3 established 3 in negotiation agreements with Universities;

at least 1 technologic transfer in industry for countermeasure an/or terrestrial application device or service – 1 technologic transfer in progress;

Operational Scientific and Industrial Networking - over 12 agreements concluded or in development with R&D Institutions, Companies and other .

Additionally, to be mentioned: educational & public awareness actions, scientific publications;

A lot of strategic, scientific, methodological and technological work done in preparation of future projects and activities

The Competence Centre activity, was and will be based on:

continuous creation of basic knowledge and applications;

continuous interaction between collaborators and permanent staff, and between industry and public research sectors as well;

continuous education and dissemination;

developing the already established Professional Network with companies and research institutes with similar or complementary scientific interests in order to attract funding from ESA Programmes;

being receptive towards national socio-economic needs;

The Competence Centre further development strategy:

Taking into account the (sometimes traumatic) experience we had concerningthe stability and availability of our premises, the consequent activitydisruptions and scientific capability afectation, we decided – with the supportof the Institute of Space Science – to trigger the development of a dedicatedfacility for Space Applications for Human Spaceflight Support, Countermeasures and its corresponding terrestrial spin-of and services.

The intended new logistic development is oriented to make CCTS Starwalkeran ESA accepted services and solutions provider.

(NB: already mentioned in the context of the contingency plan)

Thank you