Gabriele Novelli

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About

Gabriele Novelli is a leading researcher in space robotics and orbital debris mitigation, whose work directly addresses one of the most pressing challenges in modern spaceflight: the safe removal of hazardous debris. His primary research areas encompass autonomous robotic rendezvous and grasping manoeuvres, microgravity simulation, and on-ground validation of debris removal technologies. Novelli’s major contributions include pioneering experimental frameworks that test the feasibility of using unmanned chaser satellites equipped with robotic manipulators to autonomously capture and de-orbit defunct satellites. His 2018 paper, “On ground validation of debris removal technologies,” has garnered 29 citations, establishing a foundational benchmark for terrestrial testing protocols. In a related study, “Validation of the Robot Rendezvous and Grasping Manoeuvre Using Microgravity Simulators” (12 citations), he demonstrated how manipulators mounted on chaser spacecraft can perform complex, autonomous tasks with the precision required for orbital operations. By bridging the gap between simulation and real-world constraints, Novelli’s work provides critical insights for developing reliable, cost-effective debris removal systems, directly supporting the long-term sustainability of space environments.