Marco Dolci
Papers
8
Total Citations
43
H-Index
3
About
Marco Dolci is a robotics engineer and space systems researcher whose work spans planetary exploration, on-orbit servicing, and autonomous robotic manipulation. Best known for his contributions to NASA's Mars 2020 Perseverance mission, Dolci has played a meaningful role in advancing robotic arm operations, sampling systems, and surface commissioning procedures — work documented in his most-cited paper summarizing the rover's first 210 sols of operations (20 citations). His research consistently addresses some of the most technically demanding challenges in space robotics, including autonomous sample capture for Mars Sample Return — a multi-paper focus spanning 2017 to 2024 — and the development of compliant motion control strategies that move planetary robotics beyond open-loop force regulation. His work on the "Bradbury" testbed reflects his hands-on contribution to preparing next-generation hardware for returning Martian samples to Earth. Beyond Mars, Dolci has explored robotic grippers for low Earth orbit payload capture and novel energy harvesting concepts for Jovian atmospheric probes. Across his portfolio, his research demonstrates a rare breadth — uniting fundamental robotics research with real-world mission deployment — making him a notable contributor to the future of autonomous space exploration.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1
- 2Concepts for mars on-orbit robotic sample capture and transfer6 citations · 2017
- 3Robotic Gripper for Payload Capture in Low Earth Orbit4 citations · 2016
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8