Massimiliano Di Capua
Papers
8
Total Citations
42
H-Index
4
About
Massimiliano Di Capua is a space systems researcher whose work sits at the intersection of human spaceflight, wearable sensing technology, and advanced suit design. Based at the University of Maryland's Space Systems Laboratory, Di Capua has made significant contributions to understanding how astronauts move and perform within the physical constraints of pressurized space suits — a critical challenge for long-duration planetary exploration. His most impactful work centers on the Body Pose Measurement System (BPMS), a non-invasive inertial motion capture system built on MEMS-based IMUs that quantifies human biomechanics inside pressure suits — earning 14 citations and spawning follow-on validation studies. This innovation addresses a longstanding gap in space suit research: the difficulty of observing and measuring the human body from within a rigid pressure environment. His broader portfolio spans the development of the MX-2 suit analogue, augmented reality interfaces for astronaut decision-making, mixed-reality planetary surface simulations, and NASA LASER-funded pressure suit technology testing in collaboration with Arizona State University. With over 40 cumulative citations across eight publications, Di Capua's research directly informs the design of next-generation space suits and human-robot interfaces needed for future Moon and Mars missions.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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- 5Augmented reality for space applications4 citations · 2008
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