Dr Xiaoyu Fu

Position – Postdoctoral Research Associate, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Group Name – Zero-G AstroLab (Soldini Group)

Joined University of Liverpool – 2023

Born – Heilongjiang, People’s Republic of China

PhD – Surrey Space Centre, University of Surrey, United Kingdom

What is your research about?

My current research is sponsored by the UKRI funded REMORA project, which stems from the concept of planetary defence and the motivation to advance human understanding of asteroids. Specifically, my work is rooted in astrodynamics, a field derived from applied mathematics which specialises in understanding and predicting the behaviour of celestial bodies from a dynamical viewpoint.  

By developing and utilising advanced mathematical techniques, my research contributes to the formulation of effective planetary defence strategies aimed at protecting the Earth from potential catastrophic asteroid collisions. Additionally, my work extends to the broader study of the structural composition and dynamical evolution of asteroids. By studying their properties and behaviour, we can gain valuable insights that enhance our understanding of planetary formation.

What or who first inspired you to be interested in your research subject?

When I was young, I was fortunate to watch the live broadcast of the Shenzhou-5 spacecraft launch, which was China’s first human spaceflight mission. At that moment, I felt an overwhelming sense of passion and belonging, igniting my fascination with space exploration.

Later, I delved deeper into the remarkable events taking place in the golden era of the Space Race. I was deeply impressed by the story of Yuri Gagarin and NASA’s Apollo missions, and moved by humanity’s courage and perseverance in exploring the unknown. Their determination to push the boundaries of human understanding inspired me profoundly. From then on, I was resolved to dedicate myself to the pursuit of human space exploration.

What are you most proud of achieving during your research career so far?

My proudest achievement is being involved as a science investigation team member for NASA’s DART mission and ESA’s Hera mission. I was presented to the investigation teams of both missions by my current postdoc supervisor Dr Stefania Soldini. It is my great privilege to be part of these groundbreaking and inspiring asteroid missions, to cooperate with the world-class researchers, and to contribute to some of humanity’s most ambitious endeavours in space exploration.

What techniques and equipment do you use to conduct your research?

The reliable partners in my research are my laptop, my workstation, and Barkla, the High-Performance Computing (HPC) platform in the University of Liverpool. Given that my experiment primarily involves numerical simulations, I have dedicated considerable effort to becoming a proficient programmer, which allows me to maximize the capabilities of the hardware I utilise. Simultaneously, I place high demands on my computing resources to ensure efficient simulations.

Which other subjects are important for your research?

Although my research is deeply rooted in the field of applied mathematics, I still recognise the impact that literature and art have had on shaping my mindset. Seemingly unrelated to technical disciplines, they have played a crucial role in shaping my creativity, vision, and aesthetic as a researcher. The science fiction I have read, including works such as 2010: Odyssey Two, Dune, and The Three-Body Problem, have fuelled my curiosity and enthusiasm for exploring the unknown.

The speculative nature of these works has sharpened my ability to imagine possibilities beyond conventional thinking and enhancing my approach to problem-solving. Additionally, my exposure to the classic visual arts has enriched my aesthetic sensibilities and deepened my appreciation for the patterns and structures appearing in nature and mathematics.

The sense of harmony and complexity which shared between art and mathematics has inspired me to approach my research not just as a technical exercise, but as a creative endeavour where beauty and logic intersect.

What is the key a successful research group?

I work under the supervision of Dr Stefania Soldini who has provided me with three valuable insights through our daily interactions. Firstly, it is essential for a research group to have a clear vision and well-defined goals, which not only motivate existing members but also attract promising talents. Secondly, a charismatic leader should exhibit outstanding leadership by setting high standards for work ethic, integrity, and commitment through their actions. Finally, a leader should foster a positive work environment where talent and diversity are respected, collaboration is encouraged, and communication is both effective and efficient.

What impact is your research having outside of academia?

My planetary defence research has important implications for society. By developing advanced mathematical models to predict asteroid trajectories and evaluate collision risks, my work contributes to the safety of the Earth from potential asteroid impacts. This has significant societal benefits, as it helps inform early-warning systems and the development of deflection strategies that could one day save lives. Additionally, through collaborations with agencies such as NASA and ESA, my research plays a potential role in shaping international space policies and guiding future space exploration missions. It also improves awareness of the importance of protecting our planet, fostering a greater understanding of space science and exploration among the broader public.

How do you plan to develop your research in the future?

In the future, I plan to deepen my existing research on asteroid dynamics by expanding my models for understanding and predicting asteroid behaviour to include more complex dynamical and environmental factors. I am particularly interested in integrating machine learning techniques to improve the accuracy and efficiency of these models. Additionally, I plan to explore new collaborations with astrophysicists to better understand the physical properties of asteroids.

Beyond the theoretical aspects, I aim to translate my research into real-world applications by collaborating with space agencies, and by contributing to the development of early-warning systems for potential asteroid impacts. I also hope to engage more with the public and policymakers to raise awareness about planetary defence, as this is a critical issue that affects global safety.

 What problem would you like to solve in the next 10 years through your research?

This is a thought-provoking question. A general answer is that I want to propose a proactive and integrated strategy for addressing the potential asteroid impacts. From a technical standpoint, I plan to design detailed algorithms that enhance the accuracy and efficiency of space situational awareness. Additionally, I will keep on working on the miniaturisation of the on-board algorithms to enable autonomous and intelligent CubeSat missions directed towards asteroids.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career in research?

Be true to yourself.

To become a qualified researcher, sufficient study and training are essential, but the most important factor is your inner motivation. This motivation may stem from your curiosity about the unknown, a genuine enthusiasm for a particular subject, or a deep-seated sense of obligation to solve a specific problem.

Without a clear sense of inner motivation, the time spent on research will be excruciating, and you may struggle to find positive feedback from your work. Particularly when faced with challenges and setbacks, it is easy to feel regret about your decision to pursue research and considering dropping out. Therefore, it’s crucial to be honest to yourself.

Research is rarely a smooth journey. Ask yourself if you are really willing to sacrifice tangible rewards in your daily life for the sake of your inner motivation. Can you truly tolerate the arduousness and longlines in your research? Your inner motivation is the sustainable source to help you navigate the challenges and rouse your passion in your journey.

Where can readers learn more about your research?

More details on my work and publication and the research going on in our research group can be found on my ResearchGate profile and the Zero-g AstroLab website

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