Paolo Gasbarri

About

Paolo Gasbarri is a prominent aerospace engineer whose research sits at the intersection of space robotics, flexible multibody dynamics, and autonomous control systems. His work has significantly advanced the field of on-orbit servicing and active debris removal — two of the most pressing challenges facing modern spaceflight operations. Gasbarri's most influential contribution, "Vibration control of a flexible space manipulator during on orbit operations" (2011, 128 citations), established foundational methods for managing structural flexibility in robotic arms operating in microgravity, a problem with critical implications for mission reliability. Building on this, his investigations into dual-arm space manipulators and impedance-PD control strategies (70 citations) have shaped how engineers approach the capture of non-cooperative tumbling satellites. His designs for robotic systems targeting spent launcher stage removal reflect a strong commitment to sustainable space operations. Beyond hardware design, Gasbarri has made notable contributions to vision-based navigation and adaptive control algorithms, enabling manipulators to autonomously track and engage uncooperative targets. His experimental validation work using air-bearing platforms demonstrates a commendable dedication to translating theory into practice. With over 500 cumulative citations across his top publications, Gasbarri stands as a key figure shaping the future of intelligent, autonomous space robotics.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

Top Papers

1. 1
   Vibration control of a flexible space manipulator during on orbit operations

   128 citations · 2011
2. 2
   A combined impedance-PD approach for controlling a dual-arm space manipulator in the capture of a non-cooperative target

   70 citations · 2017
3. 3
   Dynamic/control interactions between flexible orbiting space-robot during grasping, docking and post-docking manoeuvres

   53 citations · 2015
4. 4
   Design of robotic manipulators for orbit removal of spent launchers’ stages

   52 citations · 2015
5. 5
   A parametric analysis of a controlled deployable space manipulator for capturing a non-cooperative flexible satellite

   46 citations · 2018
6. 6
   A two-arm flexible space manipulator system for post-grasping manipulation operations of a passive target object

   36 citations · 2020
7. 7
   Ground tests for vision based determination and control of formation flying spacecraft trajectories

   35 citations · 2013
8. 8
   Adaptive and robust algorithms and tests for visual-based navigation of a space robotic manipulator

   34 citations · 2012
9. 9
   Optimal target grasping of a flexible space manipulator for a class of objectives

   33 citations · 2010
10. 10
    Coordinated control of a space manipulator tested by means of an air bearing free floating platform

    30 citations · 2017

Key Collaborators

Contact & Links