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Francisco Javier Colmenero is a leading researcher in autonomous space robotics, specializing in multi-robot cooperation, on-orbit manufacturing, and planetary exploration. His work centers on developing intelligent robotic systems capable of operating with minimal human intervention in extreme space environments. Colmenero’s most significant contribution is the ERGO (European Robotic Goal-Oriented Autonomous Controller) framework, which enables higher levels of autonomy for future missions like ExoMars and Mars 2020. He has also been instrumental in the PERIOD project, advancing in-space manufacturing, assembly, and refueling technologies—a paradigm shift from building satellites on Earth to constructing them directly in orbit. His research on the six-legged walking robot Mantis demonstrates how multi-robot teams can cooperatively build lunar infrastructure, such as In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) facilities. With over 26 citations across his key publications, Colmenero’s work is shaping the next generation of autonomous space exploration. His achievements include leading European Space Agency-funded projects and pioneering heterogeneous robot teams for lunar construction, making him a pivotal figure in the transition from Earth-bound assembly to autonomous space-based operations.