My name is Alejandro Natanael Muro Rubio. I hold a degree in Mathematics and am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Science and Engineering at the Autonomous University of Nayarit in Mexico, where I specialize in applying artificial intelligence to problems related to the space sector.
I was recently accepted to participate in a six-month research stay at Kyushu University in Japan, from October 2026 through March 2027. During this period, I will work with the Space Systems Dynamics Laboratory (SSDLab) under the supervision of Professor Toshiya Hanada. My research project will focus on analyzing light curves using artificial intelligence models, particularly Transformer-based approaches, to study and characterize objects in orbit and space debris.
This opportunity is an important step in my academic and research development, but I must secure the necessary funding before August 31, 2026. I need to make several payments and complete the preparations for my move to Japan during September, which makes the coming weeks especially important.
For me, this is about much more than traveling to another country. It is an opportunity to train in an internationally specialized laboratory focused on space-systems dynamics, work alongside researchers in the field, gain hands-on experience in advanced scientific research, and develop knowledge that I hope to bring back to Mexico and share through my work at the Autonomous University of Nayarit.
My interest in astronomy and space began many years before I ever imagined that I might have the opportunity to conduct research in this field. The photograph taken beside a telescope that accompanies this campaign comes from that earlier period of my life, when I was simply fascinated by the night sky and the possibilities of space science. Today, I have the opportunity to transform that long-standing interest into scientific research and contribute to a field that has inspired me for years.
The greatest obstacle I currently face is financial. Before turning to crowdfunding, I explored the institutional funding opportunities available to me, including applications to SECIHTI and COCYTEN. Unfortunately, I was not able to secure the necessary resources through those avenues on this occasion.
The research stay itself remains confirmed, and rather than giving up on this opportunity because of financial limitations, I have decided to ask for support from my community, friends, colleagues, and anyone who believes in helping young researchers pursue international academic opportunities.
I have tried to prepare a careful, modest, and transparent budget for the six-month stay. My overall goal is $170,000 MXN, which is intended to cover the principal costs associated with traveling to Japan and completing the research program.
Approximately $53,000 MXN is needed for the international flight and related transportation. Tuition at Kyushu University is expected to cost approximately $19,250 MXN. University housing, utilities, and internet for the six-month period are estimated at approximately $30,000 MXN.
I have also estimated approximately $25,000 MXN for food throughout the six months. In addition, my university requires international insurance, which is expected to cost approximately $18,000 MXN.
Another approximately $8,000 MXN has been set aside for local transportation, mobile phone service, documentation, and other essential expenses associated with living and conducting research in Japan.
The remaining $16,750 MXN provides a limited margin for GoFundMe processing fees, exchange-rate fluctuations, changes in transportation costs, and other necessary unforeseen expenses that may arise during the research stay. The purpose of including this amount is to reduce the risk that unexpected but essential costs could prevent me from completing the program.
I want to be clear that this campaign is not intended to finance a vacation or a tourism experience. The funds will be used to make a six-month academic and research stay in Japan possible. My primary purpose in traveling is to study, conduct research, work with specialists in space-systems dynamics, and strengthen my academic preparation in artificial intelligence and space science.
Throughout the campaign, I plan to share documentation confirming my acceptance into the program. As the research stay progresses, I also hope to share updates about my work and experiences at Kyushu University so that those who support me can see the progress made possible through their contributions.
I understand that $170,000 MXN is a significant amount of money, and I do not expect one person to solve this challenge alone. Every contribution, regardless of size, can bring me closer to the goal when combined with the support of many people.
And for anyone who is unable to contribute financially, sharing this campaign can be just as valuable. A single share could help this message reach another person, institution, company, researcher, or organization that may be interested in supporting the academic development of a Mexican student pursuing research in the space sector.
This opportunity could represent a major turning point in my development as a researcher. It would allow me to gain international experience, deepen my knowledge of artificial intelligence applied to space-related problems, and build connections with researchers working in an important and highly specialized scientific field.
I am deeply grateful to everyone who takes the time to read my story, share this campaign, offer encouragement, or contribute toward the goal. Your support would not simply help me travel to Japan; it would help make possible an academic experience that could shape my research career for years to come.
Thank you sincerely for helping me take this journey from Nayarit to Kyushu University and for supporting my goal of becoming a researcher who can contribute to the future of space science and artificial intelligence.
