Peter Thomas
Papers
4
Total Citations
95
H-Index
3
About
Peter Thomas is a robotics and autonomous systems researcher whose work has made significant contributions to the fields of aerial refueling automation and spacecraft rendezvous. Based at the University of Bristol, Thomas has focused on developing vision-based control strategies and robotic simulation environments that enable vehicles to autonomously navigate complex proximity operations — tasks with profound implications for both defense and space exploration. His most influential work, "A Vision-Based Strategy for Autonomous Aerial Refueling Tasks" (2013, 82 citations), established a foundational framework for using computer vision to guide unmanned aircraft through the demanding process of in-flight refueling. Complementing this, Thomas pioneered the development of a thirteen-degree-of-freedom relative motion facility at Bristol, a sophisticated hardware platform enabling safe, laboratory-based simulation of two-body interactions — critical for de-risking systems before operational deployment. His research extends into satellite rendezvous applications, exploring automated docking solutions relevant to space debris removal and on-orbit servicing missions. By bridging high-fidelity simulation with real-world robotic testing, Thomas has provided the aerospace community with validated methodologies that reduce development risk while accelerating progress toward fully autonomous proximity operations in both atmospheric and space environments.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1A vision-based strategy for autonomous aerial refueling tasks82 citations · 2013
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