Mark Shilton

About

Mark Shilton is a leading researcher in space robotics and in-orbit services, with a focus on active debris removal and in-space manufacturing, assembly, and refuelling (ISMA). His work addresses critical challenges in orbital infrastructure, particularly through the development of robotic frameworks and mission concepts that enable sustainable space operations. Shilton’s most-cited paper (29 citations) presents a comprehensive review and case study of the LEOPARD Phase 0-A mission for active debris removal, highlighting his contributions to mitigating the growing space debris problem. He has been instrumental in the PERIOD project, which advances technologies for on-orbit manufacturing and assembly using robotics, autonomy, and modularity—a paradigm shift from traditional Earth-built satellites. His research on the ESROCOS space robotics framework (2024) further demonstrates his expertise in developing validated software for autonomous robotic systems. With a growing citation impact and leadership in European space initiatives, Shilton is shaping the future of in-orbit services and sustainable space exploration.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

Top Papers

1. 1
   Active debris removal: A review and case study on LEOPARD Phase 0-A mission

   29 citations · 2023
2. 2
   Outcomes of the PERIOD project on In-Space Manufacturing, Assembly and Refuelling Technologies

   7 citations · 2023
3. 3
   PERIOD – PERASPERA In-Orbit Demonstration toward the transition into the in-space services, assembly and manufacturing paradigm

   6 citations · 2022
4. 4
   ESROCOS: Development and Validation of a Space Robotics Framework

   3 citations · 2024

Key Collaborators

Contact & Links