SPACE seminar: Francesca Spinnato ; Virginia Cardillo

Tuesday 21 Apr 2026, 12:00 → 13:00 Europe/Rome

Aula 4 (San Marcellino)

Speaker 1: Francesca Spinnato (SSM)

Title 1: Canonical and non-canonical symmetries in f(R) cosmology

Abstract 1: The f(R)-gravity represents the most straightforward extension of the General Relativity. Among the different possible formulations, the starting action can be selected using the Noether symmetry approach, a phisically motivated criterion based on Noether's theorem aimed at identifying viable models that exhibit symmetries. An advantage in applying such an approach is the reduction of the dynamical system and the associated minisuperspace, thus enabling the derivation of exact solutions to the equations of motion. In this study, we consider the f(R) gravity in a cosmological context and study the canonical and non canonical cases comparing the conserved quantities corresponding to symmetries in the selected models. For the non canonical case, we extend the Noether vector up to the second prolongation after finding out the transformation law for the second time derivative of fields that define our minisuperspace. The main goal is to understand if there are some differences both in the solutions of the Noether system and the corresponding conserved quantities comparing the two cases.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Speaker 2: Virginia Cardillo (SSM)

Title 2: Precision laser positioning in space for satellite navigation, gravitation, and exploration

Abstract 2: The research proposal outlines the development and validation of advanced laser positioning methodologies intended to bridge the gap between fundamental gravitational physics and high-precision Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) technologies. As space exploration expands toward the Moon and Mars, the demand for autonomous and highly accurate navigation systems becomes critical. This project focuses on the utilization of Laser RetroReflectors (LRR)—developed at INFN-LNF—onboard the initial four satellites of ESA’s Moonlight constellation, which serves as the precursor to the "Lunar Galileo" and the Lunar Communications and Navigation Services (LCNS).
By integrating the Planetary Ephemeris Program (PEP) in collaboration with the MoonLIGHT-2/CSN2 research group, the study aims to refine orbital positioning through laser ranging observations from both Earth and lunar orbits. This approach allows for the definition of an optimal spatial metric essential for both engineering applications and gravitational measurements. The research adopts a multidisciplinary strategy, combining numerical modeling, mission simulations, and optical data analysis to characterize LRR performance directly at INFN-LNF laboratories. The expected outcomes include innovative strategies for autonomous deep-space navigation and significant contributions to General Relativity testing, laying the groundwork for future lunar and Martian exploration infrastructures.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Zoom link: click here