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About

Markus Pietras is a leading researcher in space robotics, specializing in autonomous orbital debris removal and in-space manufacturing. His most impactful work centers on the European Space Agency’s e.deorbit mission, where he developed a robotic capture concept for the defunct ENVISAT satellite—a tumbling, 8-ton target that poses a significant collision risk. This foundational study, cited 35 times, outlined the design and operational elements needed for a chaser spacecraft to autonomously rendezvous with, grasp, and de-orbit large debris. Pietras also validated these complex maneuvers using microgravity simulators, proving that robots can perform precise grasping tasks without human intervention. Beyond debris removal, he pioneered Direct Robotic Extrusion of Photopolymers (DREPP), a method for manufacturing structures in space that is both cost- and power-efficient. This technology, detailed in a 2022 paper, promises to outperform conventional deployable systems by enabling on-demand fabrication of large components directly in orbit. With a growing citation record and contributions that address critical challenges in space sustainability and infrastructure, Pietras is shaping the future of autonomous orbital operations.