Pedro Arroz Correia Bonifácio Serra is a researcher in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Universidade Lusófona, specializing in Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) systems for aerospace and robotic applications. His work is closely aligned with European Space Agency (ESA) missions such as e.Deorbit, COMRADE, GUIBEAR, and HERACLES, focusing on active debris removal, on-orbit servicing, and autonomous spacecraft operations. Research Interests: His primary research areas include Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC), space robotics, autonomous systems, image-based visual servo control, fault-tolerant control, and nonlinear control systems. He has made significant contributions to the development and validation of control architectures for capturing tumbling satellites and enabling autonomous landing of UAVs and spacecraft. The most recent publications reflect a strong emphasis on space safety, debris removal technologies, and computational GNC for complex space missions. His work bridges theoretical control design with practical ground validation, particularly in the context of ESA-led projects. The recurring themes across his publications include autonomous rendezvous, manipulator control for space robots, and robust GNC under uncertain conditions. Scientific Contributions: Key contributor to ESA's e.Deorbit mission studies, focusing on capture and deorbiting of defunct satellites like Envisat. Developed and tested GNC systems for the HERACLES lunar ascent element. Involved in the COMRADE project for combined control of robotic spacecraft and manipulators. Worked on GUIBEAR project for bearings-only rendezvous navigation. Advising and Grants: While no formal students are listed, his research is supported by major European space initiatives, likely involving collaborative grants from ESA and industrial partners such as Airbus. His work involves experimental validation and prototype development, indicating access to advanced research funding and facilities. Labs and Teams: Although specific lab affiliations are not mentioned, his involvement in projects like WMS LEMUR and e.Deorbit suggests collaboration with ESA’s GNC teams and space robotics laboratories focused on on-orbit servicing and debris removal technologies.





