Volker Gass

École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Volker Gass is a leading figure in space systems engineering, with a focused expertise in active debris removal and microsatellite technology. His major contributions center on solving the formidable challenge of uncooperative rendezvous and docking—a critical capability for cleaning up orbital debris. Gass’s most influential work, "Uncooperative Rendezvous and Docking for MicroSats" (2013, 16 citations), proposes a cost-effective microsatellite solution for active debris removal, detailing the complex processes of detecting, identifying, and approaching non-communicating space objects. This research is foundational for missions like CleanSpace One, which he champions as a practical, scalable approach to mitigating the growing space junk problem. By addressing the intricate phases of medium-to-close approach and on-site operations, Gass has advanced the feasibility of using small, affordable satellites for what was once considered a task for larger, more expensive spacecraft. His work not only demonstrates technical innovation but also a pragmatic vision for sustainable space operations, making him a key contributor to the future of orbital safety and debris management.