Moacir Fonseca Becker
🇪🇸 Resume and CV

HELLO! OLÁ! HOLA!

Moacir Fonseca Becker

I'm Moacir Fonseca Becker, a passionate advocate for progress through space-driven innovation and education.

I hold an MS in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Purdue University and am currently in my second year of PhD studies in the same field. With a dual background in mechanical and electrical engineering, I have a deep enthusiasm for space exploration and have pioneered significant space projects in Central America.

My mission is to make a meaningful impact on our world by contributing to the advancement of space exploration.

I am also dedicated to inspiring the next generation. I offer free talks about aerospace engineering and my career path to students aged 15-18 in their last or second-to-last years of high school. If you're interested, please contact me.

Thank you for coming!

Projects Portfolio

Showing 16 projects

2025

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Gateway State Estimation via Moon-Horizon Optical Navigation

Estimated Gateway state in NRHO using only Moon-horizon imagery with CR3BP dynamics, reducing dependence on ground tracking.

Gateway State Estimation via Moon-Horizon Optical Navigation video thumbnail

Completed as part of AAE590 PET (2025) at Purdue University.

2024

Distributed Consensus and Control for Multi-Satellite Debris Rendezvous

Designed a distributed estimation-and-control framework for cooperative rendezvous with large debris under J2-perturbed dynamics.

AAE590 MAAC project figure 1

Completed as part of AAE590 MAAC (2024) at Purdue University.

2024

Model Predictive Control for Direct Moon Landing from LPO

Developed a convex MPC framework for direct transfers from Libration Point Orbits to targeted lunar surface landing sites.

AAE590 ACA project figure 1

Completed as part of AAE590 Advanced Control Applications (2024) at Purdue University.

2023

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Orbital pursuer evasion game with incomplete information - class project

This project tackles orbital pursuit-evasion, where a spacecraft must capture a moving target in orbit while dealing with incomplete information.

Completed as part of Optimal Control and Estimation (AAE5980) at Purdue University.

2023

Using Cycle-Consistent Adversarial Networks translation to color surface images of Mars

Machine learning project focused on translating Mars surface imagery into color representations using CycleGAN methods.

CycleGAN Mars translation sample A1

Completed as part of Machine Learning (STAT598 / ECE595) at Purdue University.

2023

Distributed machine learning across AI companies - class project

This project studied distributed machine learning in a system-of-systems context, modeled as collaborating AI companies with different data and network roles.

Distributed machine learning architecture diagram

Completed as part of Systems of Systems (AAE56000) at Purdue University.

2019-22

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Morazan Project - the 1st Central American satellite built through regional collaboration

Led planning, requirements, and technical coordination for a regional satellite effort across space and ground segments.

2018-19

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Reusable Space Station mission concept for active debris removal in low Earth orbit

Developed during the ISU Space Studies Program (ESA sponsored), this mission concept addressed active debris removal with eco-design and concurrent engineering principles.

2016-17

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Effect of non-inertial forces over two robotic arms under reduced (artificial) gravity

After winning the 3rd UNOOSA DropTES cycle, this project executed robotics experiments under microgravity and rotation-induced gravity conditions at ZARM.

2016-17

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MultiGAS - autonomous remote volcanic gas monitoring station

Designed, built, validated, and deployed an autonomous gas monitoring station for harsh volcanic environments.

2015-16

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MINIGAS LITE - airborne volcanic activity monitoring system

Airborne gas-monitoring platform tested at Kilauea with RF telemetry integration.

2016

Hexapod Robot Based on Arthropod Locomotion for Difficult Exploration Areas on Mars

Project from the first all-Latin-American MDRS analog mission focused on robust rover locomotion concepts.

Hexapod robot prototype image 1

2015

In-flight control unit for a mass spectrometer and subsystems

Designed and programmed an ATmega-based in-flight control unit for volcanic research instrumentation.

Mass spectrometer control project image 1

2015-16

Controller box for auto/manual control of hydraulic and pneumatic circuits

Developed a multipurpose relay-output module for laboratory hydraulic and pneumatic systems with programmable automation.

Controller box system hardware image

2014

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Blink-controlled small prototype of a remote-controlled car

Designed a prototype remote-controlled car driven by EEG activity and blink-based input.

2015

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Launch of the first solid-state rocket with a scientific payload in Costa Rica

Participated in launching a scientific payload mission to measure atmospheric variables in Costa Rica.

Achievements and Awards

Skills

Software

Programming and machine-learning implementation for technical problem solving.

  • Python
  • Java
  • C
  • Machine Learning
  • MATLAB

Leadership

2020 - Morazan Project, 1st Honduran satellite

  • Created initial work plans, organization models, and schedules for almost 40 students across project segments.
  • Coordinated bi-weekly subteam meetings to track progress, provide guidance, and maintain delivery rhythm.

2019 - Organizer of the 1st Central American Space Generation Workshop

  • Managed delegate communications, moderated meetings, invited speakers, coordinated sponsor support, and helped deliver a record participation of about 150 delegates.

2016 - DropTES 3rd Round, research team coordinator

  • Proposed the microgravity experiment that won UNOOSA DropTES and coordinated team scope, schedule, and readiness constraints.

2015 - Staff member of the 1st Costa Rican Rocketry Camp

  • Supported event organization, provided build guidance, and assisted attendees through model-rocketry activities.

2012 - Robotics Group, University of Costa Rica

  • Co-founded the first robotics group at UCR to create shared space, mentorship, and infrastructure for student robotics projects.

Education

Purdue University logo

Purdue University

  • PhD Student in Aeronautics and Astronautics (2022 - Today)
  • GPA: 3.88
International Space University logo

International Space University

  • 31st Space Studies Program (2018)
  • Business and Management Minor
  • GPA: 4.0
University of Costa Rica logo

University of Costa Rica

  • Mechanical Engineering (2011-2016)
  • Minor in Electrical Engineering
  • Class top 5% (2/42)
University of Minnesota logo

University of Minnesota

  • Mechanical Engineering (H2 2012)
  • One semester abroad through a US Department of State scholarship

Publications

  1. [1] Becker, M.F., 2026. Virtual Thrust-Based Control Formulation for Multiple Kinetic Impactor Asteroid Deflection. Accepted for oral presentation at the 27th International Symposium on Space Flight Dynamics (ISSFD 2026), Toulouse, France, June 1-5, 2026.

  2. [2] Schmitt, R.N., Becker, M.F., DeLaurentis, D., Capannolo, A., 2025. An Explainability-Based Framework for Evaluating Space Mission Architectures Using Sandbox Games. Aerotecnica Missili & Spazio, pp. 1-26. · DOI: 10.1007/s42496-025-00293-1

  3. [3] Schmitt, R.N., Becker, M.F., DeLaurentis, D., Oguri, K., 2025. Design of Space Systems and Operational Mission Architectures Using Sandbox Games. Acta Astronautica. · DOI: 10.1016/j.actaastro.2025.04.004

  4. [4] Becker, M.F., Reynel, G., Francisco, S., Mauricio, A., Eduardo, G., Fernando, Z., Luis, M., Carlos, A., Maria Jose, M., Oliver, S., 2022. Morazan Project Ground and Space Systems: Results of a Successful Preliminary Design for Space and Ground Segments, International Cooperation, Knowledge Transfer and Lessons Learned. In: 73rd International Astronautical Congress, Paris. · IAC summary

  5. [5] Javier, M., Vilma, O., Eduardo, G., Fernando, Z., Becker, M.F., Luis, M., Carlos, A., Maria Jose, M., Oliver, S., 2020. Cabanas: First Honduran Academic Ground Station for small satellite missions. In: 71st International Astronautical Congress. · IAC summary

  6. [6] Javier, M., Becker, M.F., Luis, M., Eduardo, G., Maria Jose, M., Oliver, S., Carlos E., A., Fernando, Z., 2020. Paving the way to the stars: Inclusion and education through space. In: International Astronautical Congress Cyberspace Edition. International Astronautical Federation.

  7. [7] Becker, M.F., Aureliano, R., Alexander, O., Shirrel, A., Yanina, H., Rudiger, J., Olga, Z., Singh, P., Tiago, S., 2019. Space Station Concept for Active Debris Removal Applying EcoDesign Principles. In: 70th International Astronautical Congress.

  8. [8] Luis, M., Becker, M.F., Carlos E., A., Maria Jose, M., Fernando, Z., Javier, M., Eduardo, G., Oliver, S., 2019. Morazan MRZ-SAT CubeSat project for integration of the Central American Nations through collaboration in Space. In: 70th International Astronautical Congress. International Astronautical Federation.

  9. [9] Becker, M.F., Nicole, C., Carlos, M., Renato, R., Ernesto, C., 2017. Analysis of scaled robotic arm manipulators under microgravity conditions. In: 68th International Astronautical Congress. Adelaide: International Astronautical Federation.

External Media Links

Official and Institutional Pages

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Location

West Lafayette, Indiana