Simone Caso

ISS Complement Research Manager at the European Space Agency (ESA) - ESTEC

Haarlem, North Holland, Netherlands

About

I’m a research scientist working at the European Space Agency (ESA) - ESTEC and Space Applications Services, focusing on the support and planning for ESA’s science and utilization operations on the International Space Station. This includes real-time crew (astronauts) time accounting and support for ESA’s scientific objectives Before transitioning to the space sector, I gained 12 years of experience as an R&D engineer in the aerospace (military) domain and as a (human movement/research) scientist in elite sports. In my free time, I enjoy science and community activities. For example, I obtained a PhD in Human Movement Sciences from the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, where I’m currently a visiting researcher; I’m a member of the Copernicus Observatory, and I write journal articles here https://spacesimplified4.wordpress.com/.

Experience

  • ISS Complement Research Manager at European Space Agency - ESA
    Oct 2025 - Present · 9 mos

    International Space Station (ISS) increment/mission scientist. Provide support and planning for ESA science & utilization operations on board the ISS and provide real-time crewtime accountancy and support for ESA scientific objectives. Advocate European research priorities amongst the partner agencies NASA, CSA, and JAXA, for the completion and consolidation of European science objectives. Supporting ESA strategic planning for the human physiology complement requirements and reporting on mission accomplishments. Assisting the planning and requirement documentation for the research & utilization programme on board ISS and presenting updates and advances at ESA planning and operational meetings. Report on ESA research accomplishments and science performed on board ISS. Reviews technical and scientific documentation to comply NASA and ESA procurement requirements.

  • Scientist Engineer at Space Applications Services NV/SA
    Oct 2025 - Present · 9 mos

    Provide service support and planning for ESA science & utilization operations on board the ISS.

  • R&D Engineer at NLR - Netherlands Aerospace Centre
    Jul 2023 - Nov 2025 · 2 yrs 5 mos

    Research, Data Analysis & Project Leader in the Training and Simulation Department; Training Specialist in a High Tech environment; Human Factors (Engineering) and Performance; & Education; Member of the Work Council (ondernemingsraad) and SCN AVATAR (https://scn-avatar.com). Key projects - Research on training, educational and human (engineering) factors in: astronauts, pilots, ATCs, Space Force personnel (satellite operators, SSA/SDA & ISR analysts), SpOC, battle labs, MQ9 technicians, AIT engineers, wargaming, and standards & requirements. Key clients - EDA, EDF, ESA, KLM, MoD, and NATO.

  • Research Scientist at AFC Ajax
    Jul 2017 - Jun 2023 · 6 yrs

    Research, Data Analysis & Project Leader; Training Specialist and Mentoring; Project Leader Video Behavioral Analysis; Project Leader VR Training & Research; Performance Video Analysis; Sport Science Physical Data & Biomechanics Testing.

  • Human Movement Scientist at Arsenal F.C
    Sep 2013 - Aug 2016 · 3 yrs

    Research and Data Analysis; Training Specialist and Mentoring; Physical Education Teacher.