Duarte Rondao

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About

Duarte Rondao is a leading researcher at the frontier of on-orbit servicing and autonomous space operations. His work centers on developing AI-driven solutions for critical space rendezvous and docking challenges, with a particular focus on autonomous refuelling. Rondao’s major contributions include pioneering monocular pose estimation techniques that leverage computer vision and deep learning, enabling spacecraft to navigate and dock using only lightweight, low-cost cameras—a paradigm shift from traditional active sensors like lidar. His 2024 paper on AI-based monocular pose estimation for autonomous space refuelling has already garnered 10 citations, reflecting its immediate impact on the field. Rondao is also the architect of the Orbital AI-based Autonomous Refuelling (OIBAR) project, a novel concept that integrates cutting-edge robotics and artificial intelligence to extend satellite lifetimes and reduce space debris. Through his innovative work, Rondao is not only advancing the technical feasibility of autonomous in-space servicing but also laying the groundwork for a more sustainable and cost-effective future in space exploration.