Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Frank J. Cepollina is a pioneering figure in space systems engineering, best known for his foundational work in satellite servicing and modular spacecraft design. His research focuses on enabling on-orbit maintenance, robotic servicing, and advanced instrumentation for the International Space Station (ISS). Cepollina’s major contributions include championing the concept of spacecraft modularity for serviceable satellites, a paradigm that proved critical to the success of the Hubble Space Telescope and the assembly of the ISS. His most-cited paper, “Spacecraft Modularity for Serviceable Satellites” (2015, 15 citations), underscores how astronaut-led servicing missions revolutionized space operations. He also led the development of the compact thermal imager (CTI), a dual-band strained-layer-superlattice detector installed on the ISS in 2018 as part of the Robotic Refueling Mission 3 (RRM3), demonstrating next-generation thermal imaging technology. Additionally, his work on NASA’s In-Space Robotic Servicing (ISRS) activities (2015, 13 citations) outlines the critical link between demonstrated ISS capabilities and future commercial space endeavors. With a career that has directly shaped NASA’s servicing legacy, Cepollina’s research continues to influence the design of sustainable, maintainable space architectures.