Mr. Riccardo Apa, Politecnico di Torino, Italy
Riccardo Apa is a dedicated aerospace engineer currently pursuing a PhD in Aerospace Engineering at Politecnico di Torino. He holds a MSc and Bachelor’s degree in Space Engineering, both with cum laude honors. His research focuses on space systems and control, with notable contributions to NASA JPL on planetary vehicles and THALES ALENIA SPACE in machine learning for space applications. Riccardo has presented at the IEEE Aerospace Conference and ESA Space Debris Conference. He has earned the PEGASUS AWARD and 3AF AWARD for his achievements in aerospace engineering. 🌍🚀
Publication Profile
Scopus
Education 🎓
Mr. Riccardo Apa is an accomplished aerospace engineer currently pursuing a PhD in Aerospace Engineering at Politecnico di Torino (2022 – present). He earned his Diplôme d’ingénieur from ISAE-SUPAERO (2018 – 2021), solidifying his expertise in aerospace technologies. Riccardo completed his MSc in Space Engineering at Politecnico di Torino (2018 – 2021) with the highest distinction, 110/110 cum laude, and previously earned his Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from the same institution, graduating with 110/110 cum laude (2015 – 2018). His exceptional academic record reflects his dedication and passion for the aerospace field. 🚀📚
Job Experience 💼
Mr. Riccardo Apa gained valuable experience at NASA JPL as part of the Visiting Student Research Program (JVSRP) from April 2021 to September 2022. During his internship, he focused on the Modeling, Simulation, and Control of Planetary Vehicles. His work involved stability analysis and control of reconfigurable formation flying, with an emphasis on optimal control and filtering techniques. This opportunity allowed Riccardo to apply advanced aerospace engineering concepts in real-world scenarios, contributing to NASA’s cutting-edge research and further enhancing his expertise in space systems. 🌌🚀
Awards 🏆
Mr. Riccardo Apa has received prestigious recognition for his outstanding contributions to the field of aerospace engineering. He was honored with the PEGASUS AWARD from the European Network of Excellence in Aerospace Engineering Education, acknowledging his excellence in academic and professional pursuits. Additionally, Riccardo received the 3AF AWARD from the Association Aéronautique et Astronautique de France, further validating his achievements and dedication to the aerospace sector. These awards highlight his exceptional skills and commitment to advancing aerospace technologies. 🌟🌍
Research Focus 🔭
Mr. Riccardo Apa’s research primarily focuses on space systems and orbital dynamics, with a particular emphasis on the design, control, and optimization of aerospace technologies. His work on the planetary sunshade system mass/cost optimization reflects his interest in space-based solutions for climate control. He has also contributed significantly to formation flying, studying helical arrays in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and their dynamics and control. Riccardo’s expertise spans orbital mechanics, space system optimization, and satellite technology, positioning him as a leading researcher in aerospace engineering. 🌍🚀
Publication Top Notes
- New results on the mass/cost-optimization analysis of a planetary sunshade system
- Dynamics and Control of Helical Arrays in Low Earth Orbit