ASTRADORS: Astrodynamics and Advanced Orbital Systems

The research group ASTRADORS was founded in April 2022 by Dr. Marcello Romano, when he joined POLITO/DIMEAS, as a Full Professor, via direct call.

The research interests and activities of the ASTRADORS research group are based upon, and further expand the activities of the Spacecraft Robotics Laboratory, which Prof. Marcello Romano founded in 2004, and directed thereafter, at the Naval Postgraduate School of Monterey, California.

In particular, the interests and activities of the research group ASTRADORS include:

  1. Classical Mechanics, Astrodynamics, and Astronautics: as it concerns the development, and analytical and numerical solution of mathematical models of both rotational and orbital flight, for application such as agile spacecraft attitude maneuvers, proximity maneuvers, and orbital maneuvers for space logistics and assembly of very large space systems.   
  2. Autonomous spacecraft Guidance, Navigation & Control: as it concerns the design, implementation and experimental testing of real-time-capable algorithms. The algorithms are based on classical and optimal control theory, as well as on modern techniques, including AI/Machine Learning.
  3. Orbital Robotics: as it concerns the development of mathematical models for multi-body orbiting systems, for applications such as On-orbit Servicing, Assembly and Manufacturing, and Space Debris Removal.
  4. Space Systems Engineering & Technology Transfer: as it concerns the invention, modeling, simulation, design, and testing of advanced space systems and subsystems. Of particular interest are Satellite-Manipulator Systems, Tethered Satellite Systems, Distributed Space Systems and Self-assembled Very Large Space Systems.
  5.  Space-based,system-of-systems for broad societal benefit: as it concerns, the conceptualization, mathematical modeling, and analysis of Space-Based Climate Change Mitigation Strategies (such as the Planetary Sunshade) and Space-Based Solar Power Systems.  

The research methods utilized by the ASTRADORS research group include: analysis, numerical simulations, conceptualization and design, and experimental testing, both in the lab and on experimental space flights. In particular, as regards the lab experimental activity, a hardware-in-the-loop spaceflight emulator kino-dynamic test-bed is currently under development in the ASTRADORS lab at POLITO. The testbed will be functionally equivalent to the POSEYDIN test-bed previously developed by Prof. Marcello Romano at the Naval Postgraduate School, and shown in the picture.

Projects

  • Selected funded research projects
    • OPERAZIONI DI PROSSIMITÀ MULTISATELLITE PER MISSIONI DI RENDEZVOUS E DOCKING IN ORBITE TERRESTRI E LUNARI
      ROMANO MARCELLO
      2023 - 2025 (Current)
    • ADVANCED SPACE TETHERS FOR REMOTE-SENSING OPERATIONS
      ROMANO MARCELLO
      2023 - 2025 (Current)
    • ADVANCED SPACE TETHERS FOR REMOTE-SENSING APPLICATIONS
      ROMANO MARCELLO
      2024 - 2024 (Current)
    • GRAVITY REDUCED APPROACH FOR VERSATILE AND INTEGRATED TESTING OF ARTIFICIAL SATELLITE PROXIMITY-MANEUVER SCENARIOS.
      ROMANO MARCELLO
      2023 - 2023 (Current)
    • ATTIVITÀ DI RICERCA E SVILUPPO TECNOLOGICO CONCERNENTE IL DESIGN, LO SVILUPPO E LA QUALIFICA DELLA MISSIONE DIMOSTRATIVA DI IN-ORBIT SERVICING
      ROMANO MARCELLO
      2024 - 2024 (Completed)

Publications