Tobia La Marca

Information

Bio

I am Tobia Armando La Marca, a PhD student in Cosmology, Space Science and Space Technology at the Scuola Superiore Meriodionale, focusing on the development of Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) novel algorithms for space missions, but also specializing as a mission analyst. My professional journey began at University of Naples, Federico II, where I earned my Master’s degree (cum laude) in Aerospace Engineering. Prior to starting my PhD, I was awarded a scholarship to work on technologies and algorithms for autonomous and cooperative aerospace navigation.

Current Role

Currently, I am a Visiting Researcher at ESA’s ϕ-Lab, where I’m contributing to the development of tip-and-cue mission simulator for Earth observation focusing on innovative approaches to enhance mission precision and efficiency.

Areas of Expertise

My expertise spans several key areas within Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) and Mission Analysis, with a strong focus on Earth Observation (EO) mission design and space segment development. I have experience in designing Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) missions, as well as in developing advanced GNC algorithms for attitude control in EO applications. In addition, I have worked on the design of guidance strategies for proximity operations, including rendezvous and docking scenarios. Furthermore, I have contributed to the analysis and design of aerocapture maneuvers for interplanetary trajectories targeting Mars and Venus, with a particular focus on entry guidance and stability. All these specializations directly support the development of high-fidelity simulators and robust control architectures, which can be implemented and validated within open-source simulation environments such as PASEOS. This expertise can significantly contribute to ESA Φ-lab by fostering innovation in EO mission simulation, agile satellite tasking, and GNC research for advanced orbital and planetary operations, aligning closely with Φ-lab's mission of accelerating the generation of novel technologies and capabilities for future space exploration.

Vision for the Future

Driven by a vision of a future where artificial intelligence not only enhances the analysis of Earth Observation data but also plays a central role in the autonomous orbital and attitude control of spacecraft, I am truly committed into developing tools and methods that bridge GNC engineering, thee AI-based data exploitation and the AI-based decision-making. Looking to th following years, I am particularly confident in the potential of AI to go beyond data post-processing, supporting real-time optimization and control of satellite performance. In the long term, my goal is to facilitate the integration of AI within spacecraft control systems or in high-performance space mission simulators, allowing for autonomous operation in highly demanding environments such as Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO), LEO or interplanetary missions, where traditional control strategies may face significant limitations. This approach can unlock new capabilities in adaptability and capabilities of space missions.

Project as CIN Researcher