Mr. Joel Filho | University of Coimbra | Portugal
Joel Alves Costa Filho is a doctoral researcher in Physical Engineering with a specialization in instrumentation at the University of Coimbra, Portugal. Co-funded by the European Space Agency (ESA), his PhD research investigates novel approaches to space debris detection using compact and intelligent satellite systems. With a background in aerospace engineering and astrophysical instrumentation, Filho’s work integrates simulation, sensor design, and mission analysis to improve space situational awareness and debris mitigation efforts.
Author Profile
Education
Joel Alves Costa Filho earned his Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Brasília, where he focused on chemical propulsion and CFD modeling. He later completed a Master of Science in Astrophysical and Instrumentation for Space at the University of Coimbra, with a thesis titled “Feasibility Study of Using a Satellite Star Tracker for Space Debris Detection on LEO Orbits.” Currently, he is pursuing his PhD in Physical Engineering at the University of Coimbra, conducting advanced research on space-based surveillance systems.
Professional Experience
Filho serves as a fellow researcher at both the Instituto de Astrofísica e Ciências do Espaço (IA) and the Laboratório de Instrumentação e Física Experimental de Partículas (LIP). He has also held principal investigator roles on ESA-funded projects at the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC), where he led studies on space debris detection and instrumentation.
Previously, he contributed to CFD-based product development as an engineer at S&DG Consulting Unipessoal and worked on space weathering studies at the Geophysical and Astronomical Observatory of the University of Coimbra. His early research foundations were built through an internship at the Chemical Propulsion Laboratory at the University of Brasília, where he focused on ignition system modeling using CH₄/O₂ combustion.
Awards and Recognition
Filho received a prestigious ESA co-funding grant for his doctoral research in physical engineering. He was also selected for participation in the ISSO 2023 Specialization Course at the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC), Netherlands, which reflects his growing reputation in the field of aerospace instrumentation and miniaturized payloads.
Research Skills
His core competencies include computational fluid dynamics (CFD), satellite instrumentation, star tracker systems, space surveillance, and mission analysis. He is proficient in space weather modeling, numerical simulation, payload prototyping, and sensor algorithm development. His interdisciplinary approach bridges aerospace engineering, physics, and instrumentation to address emerging challenges in low-Earth orbit (LEO) debris monitoring.
Publications
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Filho, J., Gordo, P., Peixinho, N., Melicio, R., Garcia, P., Flohrer, T. (2025). Mission analysis of space-based small camera for space debris detection. Advances in Space Research.
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Filho, J., et al. (2025). Dual-Purpose Star Tracker and Space Debris Detector: Miniature Instrument for Small Satellites. Journal of Sensor and Actuator Networks.
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Filho, J., et al. (2025). SUB-10 CM SPACE DEBRIS: Detection and Initial Orbit Determination with a Star Tracker. 9th European Conference on Space Debris.
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Filho, J., et al. (2023). Space Surveillance Payload Camera Breadboard: Star Tracking and Debris Detection Algorithms. Advances in Space Research.
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Filho, J., et al. (2023). Payload Camera Breadboard for Space Surveillance—Part I: Breadboard Design and Implementation. Applied Sciences.
Conclusion
Joel Alves Costa Filho is an emerging figure in aerospace systems engineering and space instrumentation, particularly in the domain of debris tracking technologies. His research bridges theoretical modeling and practical deployment of advanced sensors for orbital monitoring. With a strong technical foundation and active collaboration with European research institutes and space agencies, Filho is contributing to safer and more sustainable space operations.