Phd in AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ENGINEERING

Thesis title: Solutions of in-orbit servicing, space situational awareness and planetary protection for a sustainable development of communication, navigation and observation satellite services

In the context of the radical transformation in the space industry, driven by the emergence of New Space and an increasing need for sustainability, the preliminary design phase plays a crucial role in defining efficient, resilient space missions that meet user requirements. This PhD thesis proposes an integrated, multidisciplinary approach that combines system engineering techniques with a user-focused framework, incorporating industrial inputs and a detailed analysis of user needs. The main objective is to transform sustainability, from traditionally being viewed as a constraint, into an active parameter for optimization by integrating innovative solutions such as In-Orbit Servicing (IOS), Space Situational Awareness (SSA), and Planetary Protection (PP). At the same time, incorporating the fundamental role of the users within a space mission as an active part of the technical preliminary design. The developed methodology, structured into phases of formulation, enumeration, simulation, evaluation, and down-selection, systematically explores the trade-space of possible architectural configurations, identifying solutions that maximize technical, service, and environmental efficiency. The presented systematic approach incorporates stakeholder inputs at early design stages, ensuring that mission objectives align with user needs and constraints. The resulting trade-space provides a comprehensive understanding of the interdependencies and compromises inherent in space mission design. Case studies, including an in-depth analysis of the IRIDE constellation and an industrial study conducted in collaboration with Telespazio, demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach in extending satellite operational lifetimes, reducing overall costs, and minimizing environmental impact, thereby paving the way for a sustainable and circular space economy.