Leonard Felicetti

Dr. Leonard Felicetti is a Senior Lecturer in Space Engineering at Cranfield University, UK, where he leads research and teaching in guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) of space systems. Previously, he held positions at Luleå University of Technology (2015–2018) and the University of Glasgow (2015). He holds a Ph.D. in Space Systems from Sapienza University of Rome (2013) and an M.Sc. in Aerospace Engineering (2008).

His research focuses on spacecraft control systems, space robotics, and space debris surveillance. Key areas include orbital/attitude control, formation flying, reusable launch vehicle landing, and optical sensor constellations for debris tracking. He has pioneered the OnOrbitROS framework for space robotics simulations, integrating ROS/Gazebo for realistic orbital conditions.

Notable contributions include:

• Design of model predictive control strategies for reusable launchers
• Development of visual servoing algorithms for on-orbit robotics
• Optimization of Martian aerobot configurations
• Debris removal mission concepts for mega-constellations

He has authored over 50 peer-reviewed articles and serves as a reviewer for journals like Acta Astronautica and the Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics. His work bridges theoretical control systems with practical space mission applications.