Shuichi Matsumoto
Papers
6
Total Citations
75
H-Index
5
About
Shuichi Matsumoto is a leading figure in space robotics, whose work has fundamentally shaped how we approach the capture and servicing of uncontrolled satellites and orbital debris. His research centers on autonomous guidance, navigation, and control for free-flying space robots, with a particular focus on the safe rendezvous and capture of tumbling, non-cooperative targets. Matsumoto’s most influential contribution is his pioneering work on the "fly-by approach" and guidance algorithms for capturing uncontrolled rotating satellites, detailed in his 2003 papers which have garnered 28 and 21 citations respectively. These studies introduced novel trajectory planning methods that leverage orbital mechanics to create passive, collision-free approach paths—a critical capability for future debris removal and on-orbit servicing missions. He has also explored fail-safe designs for multi-robot cooperation using reinforcement learning, and innovative attitude control methods that utilize gravity gradient torque. Matsumoto’s concepts, including reconfigurable space manipulators for in-orbit servicing, have laid the theoretical groundwork for many active debris removal and satellite life-extension programs under development today.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1Fly-by Approach and Guidance for Uncontrolled Rotating Satellite Capture28 citations · 2003
- 2
- 3SPACE ROBOTIC MISSION CONCEPTS FOR CAPTURING STRAY OBJECTS10 citations · 2002
- 4
- 5
- 6Reconfigurable Space Manipulator for In-Orbit Servicing4 citations · 2000