Francesco BranzFrancesco Branz received the Ph.D. degree in space sciences, technologies and measurements from the Centre of Studies and Activities for Space “Giuseppe Colombo” (CISAS), University of Padova, Italy. He is a Research Associate in Space Systems and Eqipments with the Department of Industrial Engineering of the University of Padova, and is also affiliated with CISAS. His research interests focus on space robotics, CubeSat technology, relative navigation sensors, docking mechanisms, and optical communication. He has taken part in several national and international research projects. Currently, he is technical leader in two ESA-funded projects: the development of a CubeSat-sized docking mechanism in the framework of the Space Rider Observer Cube (SROC) mission, and the development of a simulation tool for the validation of GNC algorithms to enable the capture of space vehicles by a manipulator-equipped chaser satellite. Read More Read Less