Alessandro Lotti 🛰️
Current Projects
Autonomous navigation of satellites for proximity and docking operations

Autonomous navigation of satellites for proximity and docking operations
PhD

My Ph.D. research focuses on autonomous satellite navigation, emphasizing monocular pose estimation and tracking using deep learning. I address challenges like domain gap and prioritize the deployability of developed algorithms.
Past Projects
Sun simulator for ADCS facility

Sun simulator for ADCS facility

Within the ESA-Nautilus NanoDynA ADCS project, I focus on designing and testing Sun simulator solutions. Key requirements include 0.53° angular divergence, sub-10% spatial non-uniformity, and an illumination working diameter of around 30 cm.
WACE 2024 - IFAC Workshop on Aerospace Control Education

WACE 2024 - IFAC Workshop on Aerospace Control Education

I'm the chair for social media at the 2nd IFAC WACE 2024, overseeing the workshop's online presence. I created the website using Astro V4, implemented AWS Cloud services, and manage the network infrastructure.
#Hyperview - Seeing beyond the visible

#Hyperview - Seeing beyond the visible
2023

We participated in the ESA's sponsored #HYPERVIEW Competition, challenging researchers to build AI-based methods for estimating soil parameters from hyperspectral images. The code is available on Github.
#T-TeC 2021

#T-TeC 2021
2021

I led the proposal Multi-Purpose Modular Satellite Servicer, a 12U CubeSat concept for on-orbit life extension, awarded at Expo 2020 Dubai.
Satellite pose estimation challenge

Satellite pose estimation challenge
2021

I took part in SPEC 2021, a competition challenging researchers to develop algorithms for pose estimation across domain gap. I secured the 4th and 5th positions out of 36 participants on the final leaderboard.
Machine learning for docking (ML4DOCK)

Machine learning for docking (ML4DOCK)
2021

The project centered on conducting a feasibility analysis of Deep Convolutional Neural Networks for camera pose estimation. Within this framework, a dataset was created using Blender, and neural networks were developed and evaluated on a Coral Dev Board Mini.
Robotic exploration of lunar caves - communication system

Robotic exploration of lunar caves - communication system
2020

This master thesis, developed in collaboration with Alén Space S.L., explores communication solutions for lunar cave exploration. Focusing on parametric tools and telerobotic operations, the study covers Moon-Earth ground station links, wired connections, and rover-to-interface unit communication.

Small solid propellant motor design - 🚀 science

Small solid propellant motor design - 🚀 science
2019

The project involved designing a solid rocket propellant that met specified requirements, encompassing thrust profile, total mass, minimum specific impulse, and aluminum mass content in the propellant. The initiative was carried out as part of the Aerospace Propulsion Systems course under the supervision of Prof. Ponti.
GPS navigation algorithms for orbital determination

GPS navigation algorithms for orbital determination
2018

This bachelor thesis centers on a Cubesat project with a GPS payload, assessing low-cost GNSS receivers for real-time orbital determination. Employing MATLAB and RTKLib, the project aims to estimate minimal errors in position and velocity. Utilizing the university's prior involvement in the ESEO mission, simulation data from an ESEO receiver serves as a key reference.
Almacontest

Almacontest
2017

We developed an Android application to enhance counseling for prospective students and streamline the search for information regarding the courses, structures, and services of the University of Bologna. This effort resulted in securing the first place at Almacontest 2017.
CV Publications