Meet the Team
Dr. Mihkel Pajusalu
Associate Professor in Space Technology,
Head of the Space Technology Department in Tartu Observatory
Email : mihkel.pajusalu@ut.ee | ETIS | LinkedIn
Mihkel Pajusalu defended his Ph.D. in physics in University of Tartu (UT) in 2014 and was working as a Postdoc at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Sara Seager’s, Tanja Bosak’s and Shuhei Ono’s labs (2015-2019), after which he returned to Tartu Observatory (TO). His interests lie in making human existence interplanetary by studying biology in planetary context (astrobiology), planetary and space exploration, in situ resource utilization, and transferring technologies between terrestrial and space applications. He is the Instrument Lead Scientist of the OPIC instrument for the Comet Interceptor mission.
Dr. Andris Slavinskis
Associate Professor in Space Technology
Email : andris.slavinskis@ut.ee | ETIS | Website
Andris Slavinskis earned his PhD in Physics (space technology) from the University of Tartu (UT) in 2014 and is currently sharing time between Aalto University in Finland and TO where he is the main supervisor of four PhD students and responsible for the ESTCube-2 launch (part of EC IOD/IOV Programme). He was an initial member of the Comet Interceptor consortium where TO and Aalto develops the OPIC instrument, for which Slavinskis serves as a Co-I. During 2017–2018, he worked at NASA Ames Research Center’s Mission Design Division. Slavinskis is interested in nanosatellites, nanospacecraft, electric sailing, as well as small science missions beyond low Earth orbit.
Dr. Aire Olesk
Project Manager
Email : aire.olesk@ut.ee | ETIS | LinkedIn
Aire Olesk received her Ph.D in Physics from the University of Tartu in 2016 and Masters of Engineering in Surveying and Spatial Information Systems from the UNSW in 2011. Part of her doctoral studies were carried out at the European Space Agency. Work at the ESA Centre for Earth Observation ESRIN involved contributing to the Earth Observation research and applications development in Science, Applications and Future Technologies Department. Her interests include Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) for terrestrial applications, SAR data processing, analysis and EO-based applications development. She has also gained experience in robotics, positioning and navigation, working at the SNAP Lab of the UNSW in Sydney.
Merli Pärl
Working Team Manager
Email : merli.parl@ut.ee
Merli has been a part of Tartu Observatory since 2022. She started off as a working team manager in the Nutikas (Smart Specialization) Robotic Forester project guiding it to a successful end on 31.08.2023. Merli is currently working team manager/project manager of OPIC-FM development for the Comet Interceptor project. Merli is fascinated about the large variety of projects that represent different fields of study and is inspired to work together with talented students and post graduates at Tartu Observatory.
Dr. Iaroslav Iakubivskyi
Space technology researcher
Email : iaroslav.iakubivskyi@ut.ee | ETIS | LinkedIn
Iaroslav Iakubivskyi received his bachelor’s degree in gas turbine and jet engine engineering from the National Aviation University of Ukraine and his master’s degree in robotics and computer engineering from the University of Tartu. Iaroslav’s PhD thesis focuses on low-orbit technologies for planetary exploration with small satellites. He also participates in the PELE consortium, which deals with the characterization of biological and geological substrates in Mars-like lava caves.
Dr. Henrik Kahanpää
Product and Quality Assurance Manager
Email : henrik.tuomas.kahanpaa@ut.ee | LinkedIn
Henrik Kahanpää defended his Ph.D. in Space Technology at Aalto University (Finland) in January 2023. In June 2023 he joined the Space Exploration Group of Tartu Observatory as the Product and Quality Assurance Manager of the OPIC instrument for the Comet Interceptor mission. Before his doctoral studies, Kahanpää worked at the Finnish Meteorological Institute, participating in the development of meteorological instruments for Mars landers. He has been involved in three NASA’s Mars lander projects (Phoenix, Curiosity, and Perseverance) and two ESA’s projects (Beagle 2 and ExoMars Schiaparelli). Kahanpää is interested in space exploration and engineering in general. His areas of expertise include testing of space hardware and the study of the atmosphere of planet Mars.
Hendrik Ehrpais, M.Sc.
Space technology engineer
Email : hendrik.ehrpais@ut.ee | ETIS | LinkedIn
Hendrik Ehrpais is an engineer at the Tartu Observatory and a PhD candidate in physics since 2017. He also has a bachelor’s degree in physics and a master’s degree in robotics and computer engineering (2015 and 2017) from the University of Tartu. The topic of his doctoral thesis is determining the position of interplanetary nanosatellites. Hendrik is the head of technology development at the Estonian Student Satellite Foundation (ESTCube) and he leads the project for the development of algorithms for the localization of unmanned ground vehicles and also the project for the development of a radiometrically calibrated earth observation camera. His interests include sensor information fusion algorithms and sensor technology as well as optical instruments and autonomous navigation.
Joosep Kivastik, M.Sc.
Junior researcher of space technology, Doctoral student
Email : joosep.kivastik@ut.ee | ETIS | LinkedIn
Joosep Kivastik is a PhD candidate in physics at the University of Tartu and his topic is optical instruments for nanosatellites. In addition, he is also an engineer at the Tartu Observatory and deals with the simulation of diffusers, optical design and system development and leads the development of the ESTCube-2 earth observation camera. He is very interested in everything that happens in space and wants to turn science fiction books into reality.
Quazi Saimoon Islam, M.Sc.
Junior researcher of space technology, Doctoral student
Email : quazi.saimoon.islam@ut.ee | ETIS | LinkedIn
Saimoon is currently studying for a PhD in physics at the University of Tartu and obtained his master’s degree in robotics and computer engineering at the University of Tartu in 2020. He has experience with the ESTCube-2 project, working on the Star Tracker subsystem, and with Nutikas (R&D) projects with Milrem Robotics, where he focused on visual odometry systems for unmanned ground vehicles. He is currently the Lead Developer and Project Manager for the KuupKulgur Lunar rover project. He is passionate about space technology and especially the continuous development of visual navigation systems for ground vehicles and deep space exploration.
Rando Avarmaa, M.Sc.
Junior researcher of space technology, Doctoral student
Email : rando.avarmaa@ut.ee | ETIS | LinkedIn
Rando has obtained a BSc degree in physics (2017) and a master’s degree in robotics and computer engineering (2020), both from the University of Tartu. By now, he has continued his academic path in the space technology doctoral program at Tartu Observatory of the University of Tartu. He is interested in computer vision applications and autonomous navigation of land and air vehicles.
Hans Teras, M.Sc.
Junior researcher of space technology, Doctoral student
Email : hans.teras@ut.ee | ETIS | LinkedIn
Hans is currently a doctoral student in physics at the University of Tartu and specializes in spacecraft simulations and attitude control. For the last few years, he has been busy as the project manager of the ESTCube-2 student satellite. In addition, he works as a junior researcher in space technology at the Tartu Observatory and takes part in several projects of the space technology department in terms of position and orbit simulations. Hans is very enthusiastic about the future of humanity in outer space and is also interested in developments in artificial intelligence and bionics.
Laila Kaasik, M.Sc.
Junior researcher of space technology, Doctoral student
Email : laila.kaasik@ut.ee | ETIS | LinkedIn
Laila completed her Bachelor’s and Master’s study in Biology at University of Tartu and has now embarked on her doctoral journey in Space Technology at Tartu Observatory, University of Tartu. Laila has been part of Tartu Observatory since 2021 contributing to multiple research projects and activities. She’s an integral part of the Venus Morning Star mission from Tartu Observatory side as the ISS organic algae research project. She is passionate about astrobiology and is motivated to contribute to the field of study.
Ric Dengel, M.Sc.
Junior researcher of space technology, Doctoral student
Email : ric.dengel@ut.ee | ETIS | LinkedIn | Google Scholar
Even as an undergraduate, Ric Dengel enjoyed the student team environment when he participated in the QUEST on BEXUS 27 electronics and systems management project. In 2019, he joined the ASTER on REXUS 30 project as a software manager. Throughout the project, he became the management system engineer and team leader for this international student team. As an intern at ESA’s Software Engineering Section, he applied machine learning to hardware-accelerated embedded systems, leading to his Master’s thesis and the open source XLA HLS project. This was followed by a young graduate trainee position in ESTEC’s on-board computers and computing section. Now he is a PhD student at the space technology department of the Tartu Observatory. The goal of his PhD is to enable high-reliability, low-latency neural networks on board spacecraft.
Aditya Savio Paul, M.Sc.
Junior researcher of space technology, Doctoral student
Email : aditya.savio.paul@ut.ee | ETIS | LinkedIn | Website
Aditya works as a junior researcher at the Tartu Observatory. He received his B.Sc. in Mechatronics in 2017 (UPES, India) and M.Sc. in Robotics and Space Technology in 2020. In Tartu University. Aditya’s research includes space mission design and development in the OPIC team, development work in the Smart MetsaRobot project, and he is also working on the ESTCube-2 satellite ranging experiment. His interest is in using knowledge of physics and robotics to advance methods of space exploration and advance humanity’s knowledge of extraterrestrial realms.
Sten Salumets, M.Sc.
Space Technology Engineer, Project Manager
Email : sten.salumets@ut.ee | ETIS | LinkedIn
Sten has completed a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering and a master’s degree in robotics and computer engineering at the University of Tartu. Sten has a strong foundation in this field and is now focused on furthering his knowledge in robotics. During his undergraduate studies, Sten worked on a thesis project entitled “Test System Concept and Electronics for Electronic Devices”, which showcased his skills in technical analysis and electronic design. During my master’s studies. he has explored his research interests and is particularly drawn to the fields of robotics and machine vision. Looking ahead, Sten’s goal is to find meaningful work that allows them to make a positive impact while being a valuable team member. With his education and passion for computer engineering and robotics, he is poised to make significant contributions in this field.
Karin Kruuse, M.Sc.
Space Technology Engineer
Email : karin.kruuse@ut.ee | ETIS | LinkedIn
Karin Kruuse completed bachelor’s and master’s studies in physics at the University of Tartu. His interest in engineering and applied sciences began in high school when he had the opportunity to participate in the ESTCube-2 project. Before that, she considered pursuing a future in mathematics. Recently, her research focuses on the physical modeling of planetary rovers for future lunar rover missions using lunar simulation environments developed in Unreal Engine 5, as well as the development of camera systems for Lunar applications.
Silvar Muru, M.Sc.
Space Technology Engineer
Email : silvar.muru@ut.ee | LinkedIn
Silvar obtained a master’s degree in space technology at the University of Tartu in 2021, majoring in robotics and computer engineering. Previous background comes from civil and military aviation. Currently, he works as an engineer in the field of mechanical design and analysis at the Tartu Observatory of the University of Tartu. He is an active member of the ESTCube-2 project, working on structures and the camera subsystem. He is passionate about robotic weapons, aviation and urban farming. Recently, Silvar has been actively managing the mechanical design of the KuupKulgur, which aims to be the first Lunar rover in Estonia.
Tarvi Tepandi, M.Sc.
Space Technology Engineer
Email : tarvi.tepandi@ut.ee
Tarvi graduated from the University of Tartu with a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering and a master’s degree in robotics and computer engineering. He has been deeply integral to the Smart Forest Robot project, contributing greatly to the development of Jaguar’s robot platform. His master’s thesis research focused on the analysis and evaluation of visual feature detection and the analysis of appropriate approaches for landscape navigation. Currently, Tarvi is a key member of the KuupKulgur project, developing embedded systems and researching localization algorithms for the Lunar rover project.
Mathias Plans, M.Sc.
Space Technology Engineer
Email : mathias.plans@ut.ee
Mathias Plans obtained BSc (2021) and MSc (2023) degrees in computer science at the University of Tartu. Since high school, he has participated in the student satellite project ESTCube-2, whose launch is predicted at the end of summer 2023. His main interests are algorithms, computer graphics and game development.
Karlis Luksis, M.Sc
Space Technology Engineer
Email : karlis.luksis@ut.ee
[Karlis’ information goes here]
Laur Edvard Lindmaa
Space Technology Engineer, master’s student
Email : laur.edvard.lindmaa@ut.ee | LinkedIn
Laur completed his bachelor’s degree in computer engineering at the University of Tartu in the summer and is now enrolled in the same major’s master’s degree in space technology. Laur is currently an engineer at the Tartu Observatory, actively working on the ESTCube-2 and KuupKulgur projects. His work with ESTCube began in the first weeks of his undergraduate studies at university, focusing mainly on software development for the avionics block and Earth observation cameras. In 2023, he joined the KuupKulgur team, where he now works as a systems engineer, mentoring and coaching new students.
In addition to project work, he contributes to the academic circle of the University of Tartu, where he works as an instructor of undergraduate computer engineering courses.
Artiom Nikolajev
Space Technology Engineer, master’s student
Email : artiom.nikolajev@ut.ee
Artiom received his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSc, Mechnaical Engineering) from Hanze University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands in April 2021. His thesis was completed while working on the OPIC team, where he designed and analyzed the instrument’s periscope. He currently works as an engineer at the Tartu Observatory, specializing in mechanical engineering design and optical analysis. Artiom is interested in pursuing a master”s degree in aeronautical engineering. His passion is creating instruments and devices that help expand humanity”s understanding of space.
Herman Proosa
Space Technology Engineer
Email : herman.proosa@ut.ee
Herman completed his bachelor’s degree in genetic engineering in 2014 at the University of Tartu. He later obtained a different skill set in Aeronautical Engineering at Estonian Aviation Academy but didn’t graduate with a degree there. Herman is currently an engineer at Tartu Observatory, actively working on the OPIC team. He is enthusiastic to be part of a team that helps make the European Space Agency’s first F-class (Fast class) mission (Comet Interceptor) a reality.
Andres Aleksander Tammer
Space Technology Engineer, Bachelor’s student
Email : andres.aleksander.tammer@ut.ee
Andres is currently a bachelor’s student pursuing a degree in computer engineering. During the time he worked at the Tartu Observatory, Andres has gained considerable experience in programming robot manipulators, path planning systems and control systems for mobile robots. He is passionate about the field of astronautics and enabling future space exploration through higher robot autonomy. In the future, he aims to gain more experience in this field and to pass on the knowledge acquired through teaching to the future generation.