Prof. Marcello Romano specializes in spaceflight mechanics, with a primary focus on the rotational and orbital maneuvering of artificial satellites, autonomous guidance, navigation, and control, the engineering of advanced space systems and missions, and orbital robotics for in-space servicing, assembly, and debris removal. His research interests include entrepreneurial innovation, technology transfer, and space-enabled sustainability. His research philosophy integrates theoretical investigation with simulation, laboratory experimentation, and flight testing.
After earning his doctorate in aerospace engineering at Politecnico di Milano, Prof. Marcello Romano became a U.S. National Research Council postdoctoral fellow. He then served as a tenure-track professor and founding director of the Spacecraft Robotics Lab at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. He held visiting professorships at TUM, NASA Ames, and Stanford University. In January 2025, he was appointed professor at the Chair of Astrodynamics at TUM. He is a full member of the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) and an Associate Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA).
ED: How did you become who you are?
Marcello Romano: There are three main aspects I would like to highlight. The first is my experience living in multicultural environments and working in different countries. For instance, I grew up on Lake Lugano in southern Switzerland, studied in Como and Milano, and emigrated after my doctorate to the San Francisco Bay Area in California, where I lived for nearly half of my life. I feel very fortunate to have experienced such diverse and beautiful places, each of which resonated in different ways with various phases of my personal and professional journey.
The second aspect is that I built my foundation in science and engineering upon a background in humanistic studies. I attended a liberal arts gymnasium and lyceum, where I studied ancient Greek, Latin, philosophy and literature. I later approached science and engineering at the university level through the lens of that earlier education. While I initially struggled a bit more than some of my student colleagues, I eventually discovered that this path was the ideal one for me.
Third, I have always valued and sought work environments where I felt I could realize my vision for research, teaching, and innovation — positions that offer a high degree of freedom and independence. This has guided key decisions in my career, such as moving from Italy to California as a young researcher, and more recently, from the U.S. to TUM at mid-career. Feeling aligned with European values, I am excited to live the second half of my professional and personal life here in Munich.
ED: What will be your first research project at TUM?
Marcello Romano: I aim to develop a new research team and unique laboratory facilities dedicated to my field of study: the flight mechanics and control of autonomous artificial satellites and orbital robotic systems. I will continue to integrate theoretical research with simulations, laboratory and flight experiments, and advanced space systems design. This combination has proven to be the most fruitful for me in generating innovative results in astronautical engineering, supporting entrepreneurial initiatives, and educating students and young researchers — regardless of whether their next steps lead them to industry or academia.
ED: What changes would you like to see in the future?
Marcello Romano: I would like to see Europe play a more central role in space engineering and entrepreneurship. Given the current period of profound change, I believe there is significant opportunity for this to happen. More broadly, I hope to see space engineering — and space engineers — contribute more directly to addressing the pressing societal challenges we face, particularly those outlined in the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
In my view, bridging humanistic and critical thought with scientific and engineering knowledge is essential. I have tried to capture this ideal in the motto for my TUM Chair: Astronautica ad Pacem Hominumque Prosperitatem in Susteniri Mundo.