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About

A. Fortunato is a leading figure in space robotics and human-robot interaction, with a career dedicated to advancing teleoperation for planetary exploration. Their research focuses on developing the technologies and operational concepts needed to control robotic assets from orbital platforms—a critical capability for future Moon and Mars missions. Fortunato’s most notable contribution is the landmark ANALOG-1 experiment, which represents the culmination of over a decade of work within ESA’s METERON project series. This 2022 study, which has already garnered 16 citations, demonstrated the first end-to-end analogue mission for teleoperating a rover from the International Space Station, integrating advanced user interfaces, autonomy, and operational protocols. By proving that astronauts can effectively control robots on a planetary surface from orbit, Fortunato has laid essential groundwork for ESA’s robotic lunar exploration efforts. Their work bridges the gap between technical implementation and real-world operations, making them a key architect of humanity’s return to the Moon.