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About

Daniele Pavarin is a leading aerospace engineer whose research centers on advanced propulsion systems for space exploration and orbital debris mitigation. His most impactful work addresses the critical problem of space debris, proposing an innovative hybrid propulsion module for active debris removal. In his highly cited 2013 paper (75 citations), Pavarin tackles the growing orbital congestion, noting that the mass of artificial objects in orbit has increased to approximately 7,000 metric tons, with 97% of cross-sectional area in low Earth orbit concentrated in about 4,500 intact objects. His hybrid engine concept offers a practical solution for capturing and deorbiting this hazardous debris, directly contributing to the long-term sustainability of space operations. Pavarin also contributes to lunar exploration, leading the development of the propulsion system for the Moon Drone vehicle demonstrator, a candidate element of the international HERACLES robotic sample return mission. This work supports rover scouting and sample retrieval on the lunar surface. Through his dual focus on debris remediation and lunar propulsion, Pavarin demonstrates a commitment to both protecting current space infrastructure and enabling future exploration.