Marcello Romano "Mechanics & Control of Advanced Orbital Systems: Analysis, Simulation, Lab and Flight Experiment"

4:30 pm
Wednesday, February 28, 2024
104A Surge Hall
Faculty Host:  Dr. Rakesh Kapania

Abstract:  The presentation will offer an overview of the main research efforts and achievements of Dr. Romano and his team, related to the following three areas: Dynamics & Control of Autonomous Spacecraft; Orbital Space Robotics; and Space Systems Engineering.     

    Selected research topics will be highlighted, including:       

·      Exact solutions for the rotational motion of a rigid-body spacecraft 

·      Time-optimal control of linear systems and astronautical applications

·      Concept & design of new space systems and lab testbeds

·      Guidance & control of autonomous spacecraft during orbital docking & grasping

Finally, the presented research efforts will be put in perspective with respect to global space engineering trends, past and future. Furthermore, plans will be illustrated regarding how to possibly leverage space systems engineering to contribute to multidisciplinary societal goals. 

Bio:  Marcello holds a Ph.D. (2000) in aerospace engineering from Politecnico di Milano, Italy. He was a US National Research Council postdoctoral fellow at NPS (2001-2003); a visiting professor at the Technical University of Munich (2012), and at Stanford University and NASA Ames Research Center (2018); a NASA visiting scientist (2018-2023). 

He is an elected Academician in the International Academy of Astronautics, an Associate Fellow in the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, and a Senior Member in the IEEE. He is a member of the board of directors of the Italian Scientists & Scholars in North America Foundation (ISSNAF), and of the Astrodynamics Committee of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF). Marcello received the Patty Grace Smith award of the American Astronautical Society (2020), and two NPS Menneken Research Excellence Awards (senior in 2021, junior in 2006). He authored/co-authored sixty journal papers, and eight granted US patents. He serves as an associate editor of Progress in Aerospace Sciences, IEEE Transactions on Aerospace and Electronic Systems, and Frontiers in Space Robotics and AI. (for more info: https:\\www.marcelloromano.info).