I am a Ph.D. student at Texas A&M University pursuing a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering under the supervision of Professor Daniel Selva in the Systems Engineering, Autonomy and Knowledge Laboratory (SEAK). My research focuses on developing autonomous anomaly resolution systems for space habitats using physics-based diagnostic models and digital twin simulations.
My current research, supported by NASA's Human Research Program and NASA STTR Phase II, involves developing a physics-based anomaly diagnosis capability for Daphne-AT, a prototype virtual assistant. This work combines hybrid model-based reasoning with simulation-based fault trend analysis using real-time telemetry to enable autonomous operations for long-duration space exploration missions.
During my master's and bachelor's studies at the University of Tokyo, I conducted research on satellite hardware configurations and orbit determination strategies for the Lunar Navigation Satellite System (LNSS). I also worked on structural design, development, and thermal operations for several nano-satellite missions including EQUULEUS, SPHERE EYE-1, and ONGLAISAT, focusing on cutting-edge technology demonstration and versatile system design.
I have also been involved in human space mission design. For my bachelor's graduation project, I designed "Space Music Hall," a space station module for low Earth orbit that functions as a cultural facility. This project was mentored by a senior manager of the Kibo module on the International Space Station (ISS) at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
I have gained extensive industry experience working as a Structural Design Lead at ArkEdge Space Inc. and as a Thermal Operation Engineer at ISAS/JAXA, contributing to successful satellite missions and gaining hands-on experience in space systems engineering.
Please refer to my Publications for detailed research contributions and Contact for inquiries.
Education
Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering May, 2028 (Scheduled)
Department of Aerospace Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Texas A&M University
GPA: -/4.00
Thesis: "Design of a Physics-Based Diagnostic Model and Digital Twin Simulation for Autonomous Anomaly Resolution in Space Habitats" (tentative)
Advisor: Prof. Daniel Selva
M.S. in Aerospace Engineering Mar, 2024
Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Faculty of Engineering, University of Tokyo
GPA: 4.00/4.00
Thesis: "System design optimization of a lunar navigation and communications constellation to meet uncertain lunar development demands in a phased manner."
Advisor: Prof. Shinichi Nakasuka
B.S. in Aerospace Engineering Mar, 2022
Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Faculty of Engineering, University of Tokyo
GPA: 3.80/4.00
Thesis: "A study on satellite system and their orbit estimation in the early lunar navigation satellite system"
Advisor: Prof. Shinichi Nakasuka
Research Experience
Design of Space Habitat Anomaly Diagnosis System
Aug, 2024 - May, 2028
Research on virtual assistants (VA) for spacecraft anomaly treatment during long duration exploration missions
Supported by NASA's Human Research Program (Grant #80NSSC19K0656) and NASA STTR Phase II (Award #80NSSC24CA028, with TRACLabs)
Contribution: Developing a physics-based anomaly diagnosis capability for Daphne-AT, a prototype VA, using hybrid model-based reasoning and simulation-based fault trend analysis with real-time telemetry.
Advisor: Prof. Daniel Selva
Related Publications: (C1)(C9)
Trade Study of Regenerative System for a Pressurized Rover
Apr, 2023 - August, 2024
Collaborative research project with JAXA on lunar pressurized rover systems
Contribution: Conducted Equivalent System Mass (ESM) calculations and comparative analysis between current rover designs and an advanced pressurized rover with a regenerative life support system.
Advisor: Dr. Masato Sakurai & Prof. Shinichi Nakasuka
Related Publications: (C2)(C3)
Conceptual Design of "SPACE MUSIC HALL"
Dec, 2021 - Feb, 2022
Space Music Hall is a cultural facility module for a future space station in low Earth orbit
Contribution: Systems engineering process (Stakeholder Analysis, Cost Estimation, Conops, Requirements, and subsystem integration)
Related Publications: (C4)(C8)
Trade Study of Lunar Navigation Satellite System (LNSS)
Apr, 2021 - Mar, 2024
Nano-satellite to provide navigation and IoT communication services to lunar orbiters and spacecraft on the moon
Funding: Space Exploration Fundamental Technology Advancement Program adopted by MEXT
Advisor: Prof. Shinichi Nakasuka & Dr. Toshiki Tanaka
Related Publications: (C7)
Work Experience
Structural Design Lead at ArkEdge Space Inc
Apr, 2022 - Aug, 2024
Two geostationary satellite missions "SPHERE EYE-1" (launched Jan 2023) and "ONGLAISAT" (launched Nov 2024)
Contribution: Chief responsibility of structure development, structure analysis with CAD and verification by vibration test, management and standardization of complex hardware assembly, safety assessment review
Related Publications: (J1)(C6)(C10)
Thermal Operation Engineer at ISAS/JAXA
Aug, 2022 - Mar, 2024
EQUULEUS 6U CubeSat lunar mission jointly proposed by JAXA and University of Tokyo, launched as secondary payload of NASA SLS rocket in Nov 2022
Contribution: Thermal operation from initial critical phase to nominal phase, maintaining thermal conditions within allowable range through passive monitoring and active heater control, dealing with thermal transition uncertainty during thrusting operations
Related Publications: (C5)
Marketing Assistant at SpaceBD Inc
Oct, 2022 - Nov, 2022
Business development of commercial utilization of protein crystallization experiments using microgravity at JEM on ISS
Contribution: Research on potential business partners and clients to identify their needs regarding protein crystallization experiments using microgravity at JEM
Teaching Experience
Graduate Teaching Assistant Apr, 2022 - Aug, 2022 To Prof.Shinichi Nakasuka in “Exercises in Space Engineering “ Created report assignments: satellite system design for a GEO communication mission Topics: multi disciplinary design optimization, subsystem design of spacecraftMentorship
Academic Appointments
Assistant Researcher of ISAS/JAXA Aug, 2022 - Present To Operation of the SLS onboard CubeSat explorer project (EQUULEUS)Fellowships & Awards
Nakajima Foundation Study Abroad Fellowship
Sep, 2024 - Sep, 2026
Two-year funding (tuition + stipend) for Ph.D. study abroad. Maximum 5 years for stipend.
Agency: Nakajima Foundation, Japan
WINGS CFS Fellowship
Sep, 2022 - Aug, 2024
Two-year stipend funding for graduate study
Agency: WINGS CFS, The University of Tokyo, Japan
ISEB Student Embassy @ IAC2024 in Italy
Oct, 2024
Selected as one of the JAXA-sponsored students for the ISEB Student Programme at IAC 2024, participated in specialized events, presentations, panel sessions, and meetings with senior representatives in the global space community.
Agency: ISEB
28th Campus Genius Contest Finalist
Nov, 2022
Title of work: The Design of Space Music Hall
Nominated as one of the 28 great works in the artistic category from 404 works
Archive: https://archive.campusgenius.jp/2022/works/6304/
Travel Award for Researchers Attending International Conferences
Apr, 2023
Travel expense for the 52nd International Conference on Environmental Systems in Calgary
Agency: The NEC C&C Foundation, Japan
Skills
Languages:
English (High level, TOEFL 99/120)
Japanese (Native)
Programming Skills:
Python, MATLAB, C, C++, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, LaTeX, Git
Engineering Skills & Certificates:
First-Class Technical Radio Operator for On-The-Ground Services
CAD (SolidWorks, Inventor, Fusion360) & Femap
Thermal Desktop
Circuit board design
Hobbyist systems: Arduino
Publications
Please see here
Contact
Email: kazengtoma@tamu.edu
Phone: +1-979-326-3668
Address:
Graduate Student (Ph.D. Program)
Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Faculty of Engineering
Texas A&M University
Systems Engineering, Autonomy and Knowledge Laboratory (SEAK)
3141 TAMU, 620C H.R. Bright Building
College Station, TX, United States, 77843
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toma-kazuki/
Current Research
Development of a Physics-Based Diagnosis Model and Digital Twin Simulation of a Space Habitat for End-To-End Autonomous Anomaly Resolution
Co-authors: J. Elston, D. Kortenkamp, A. Diaz-Artiles, D. Selva
Institutions: Texas A&M University, TRACLabs Inc.
Funding: NASA Human Research Program (Grant #80NSSC19K0656) & NASA STTR Phase II (Award #80NSSC24CA028)
Abstract: Astronauts in deep space exploration missions will experience long communication delays with mission control. In such environments, spacecraft anomalies or unexpected sudden environmental changes can occur, some of which could lead to loss of the mission or loss of life in a short period of time. Virtual Assistants (VAs) that can seamlessly retrieve information from several heterogeneous data sources and combine it to produce natural language answers are a promising technology to support astronauts during these situations.
Daphne-AT was developed to study the impact of such VAs on human performance and has been used for several laboratory and analog studies. This poster describes the ongoing development of a physics-based reasoning capability in Daphne-AT. A real-time telemetry data feed can be assimilated into the physics-based model to produce a digital twin of the habitat, significantly improving anomaly detection and diagnosis capabilities.
Research Posters:
• Physics-Based Diagnosis Model and Digital Twin Simulation Poster
• Additional Research Materials