Prof. Dr. Marcello Romano is a Professor at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) , holding the Chair of Astrodynamics since January 2025. With a career spanning over two decades, he has served as a founding director of the Spacecraft Robotics Lab at the Naval Postgraduate School and held visiting professorships at TUM, NASA Ames, and Stanford University. Doctorate in Aerospace Engineering - Politecnico di Milano (2001) National Research Council Postdoctoral Fellow His research focuses on spaceflight mechanics , integrating theoretical analysis, simulation, and flight testing to advance: Rotational and orbital maneuvering of satellites Autonomous GNC systems Orbital robotics for debris removal Space-enabled sustainability initiatives Recent publications highlight his work in convex programming for orbital capture , aerodynamic attitude stabilization , and multi-spacecraft rendezvous maneuvers . He has received prestigious awards including the Patti Grace Smith Award and AIAA Associate Fellowship . Prof. Romano contributes to the field through: Leadership in the International Academy of Astronautics Development of advanced space systems Technology transfer and innovation projects












