Papers
2
Total Citations
89
H-Index
2
About
Luciano Anselmo is a leading figure in space debris mitigation and orbital environment sustainability. His research centers on the long-term evolution of the man-made debris population, active debris removal (ADR) strategies, and the stability of the near-Earth orbital regime. Anselmo’s most impactful contribution is his pioneering work on hybrid propulsion modules for ADR, demonstrating how combining chemical and electric thrusters can efficiently de-orbit large, intact objects—such as defunct satellites and rocket bodies—that dominate collision risk. His 2013 paper on this concept has garnered 75 citations, reflecting its influence on operational debris removal mission designs. Anselmo has also documented the alarming growth of orbital mass, noting that over 40 years, the total mass of artificial objects in orbit increased by roughly 145 metric tons annually, reaching approximately 7,000 metric tons, with 97% of cross-sectional area and mass in low Earth orbit concentrated in just 4,500 intact objects. This work has shaped international guidelines and policy discussions on space sustainability. A senior researcher at the Space Flight Dynamics Laboratory (ISTI-CNR, Italy), Anselmo’s analyses remain essential for engineers and policymakers tackling the growing threat of orbital debris.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1Active space debris removal by a hybrid propulsion module75 citations · 2013
- 2Active space debris removal by hybrid engine module14 citations · 2012