Initial Study of a Physics-Based Virtual Assistant for Real-Time Fault Diagnosis in Space Habitats
K. Toma, J. T. Elston, D. Kortenkamp, D. Selva
2026 IEEE Aerospace Conference, 1-15
Ph.D. Student at Texas A&M University
Aerospace Engineering
View of the Earth through the stage and window in "Space Music Hall" rendered by Kazuki Toma and Shuto Takashita

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.
K. Toma, J. T. Elston, D. Kortenkamp, D. Selva
2026 IEEE Aerospace Conference, 1-15
J. T. Elston, K. Toma, D. Kortenkamp, D. Selva
2026 IEEE Aerospace Conference, 1-18

Advisor: Prof. Daniel Selva
Institution: Texas A&M University, Systems Engineering, Autonomy and Knowledge Laboratory (SEAK)
Funding: NASA Human Research Program (Grant #80NSSC19K0656) & NASA STTR Phase II (Award #80NSSC24CA028)

Advisor: Prof. Shinichi Nakasuka
Focus: Conceptual design of a cultural facility module for low Earth orbit space stations
Collaboration: JAXA
Advisors: Dr. Masato Sakurai & Prof. Shinichi Nakasuka
Focus: Equivalent System Mass (ESM) calculations and comparative analysis for lunar pressurized rover systems with regenerative life support