Publications

Journal Papers

2025

• Falcone, G., Engel, D., Cortinovis, M., Ryan, C. N., Berg, S., Lembeck, M., Rovey, J. L., & Putnam, Z. R. “Single, Hybrid, and Multimode Propulsion for On-Orbit Servicing.” AIAA Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, 2025. Paper

  BibTeX

    @article{falcone2025,
    author = {Falcone, G. and Engel, D. and Cortinovis, M. and Ryan, C. N. and Berg, S. and Lembeck, M. and Rovey, J. L. and Putnam, Z. R.},
    title = {Single, Hybrid, and Multimode Propulsion for On-Orbit Servicing},
    journal = {AIAA Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets},
    year = {2025},
    volume = {},
    number = {},
    pages = {},
    doi = {10.2514/1.A36468}
    }
    

2022

• Falcone, G., & Putnam, Z. R. “Autonomous Decision-Making for Aerobraking via Parallel Randomized Deep Reinforcement Learning.” IEEE Transactions on Aerospace and Electronic Systems, 59(3), 3055-3070, 2022. Paper

  BibTeX

    @article{falcone2022,
    author = {Falcone, G. and Putnam, Z. R.},
    title = {Autonomous Decision-Making for Aerobraking via Parallel Randomized Deep Reinforcement Learning},
    journal = {IEEE Transactions on Aerospace and Electronic Systems},
    year = {2022},
    volume = {59},
    number = {3},
    pages = {3055-3070},
    doi = {10.1109/TAES.2022.9946445}
    }
    

2021

• Falcone, G., & Putnam, Z. R. “Energy Depletion Guidance for Aerobraking Atmospheric Passes.” AIAA Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics, 56(6), 1689-1703, 2021. Paper

  BibTeX

    @article{falcone2021,
    author = {Falcone, G. and Putnam, Z. R.},
    title = {Energy Depletion Guidance for Aerobraking Atmospheric Passes},
    journal = {AIAA Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics},
    year = {2021},
    volume = {56},
    number = {6},
    pages = {1689-1703},
    doi = {10.2514/1.G006171}
    }
    

2019

• Falcone, G., Williams, J. W., & Putnam, Z. R. ” Assessment of Aerocapture for Orbit Insertion of Small Satellites at Mars.” AIAA Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, 56(6), 1689-1703, 2019. Paper

  BibTeX

    @article{falcone2019,
    author = {Falcone, G. and Williams, J. W. and Putnam, Z. R.},
    title = {Assessment of Aerocapture for Orbit Insertion of Small Satellites at Mars},
    journal = {AIAA Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets},
    year = {2019},
    volume = {56},
    number = {6},
    pages = {1689-1703},
    doi = {10.2514/1.A34444}
    }
    

Conference Papers

2026

• Simha, N., Yu, E., & Falcone, G. “Generalized Energy Depletion Guidance for Aerobraking at Mars, Venus, Earth, and Titan.” In AIAA SciTech Forum, Orlando, FL, 2026. Paper

  BibTeX

    @inproceedings{simha2026,
    author = {Simha, N. and Yu, E. and Falcone, G.},
    title = {Generalized Energy Depletion Guidance for Aerobraking at Mars, Venus, Earth, and Titan},
    booktitle = {AIAA SciTech Forum},
    year = {2026},
    address = {Orlando, FL},
    doi = {10.2514/6.2026-1378}
    }
    

• Bezerra, A., Falcone, G., & Kolmanovsky, I. “Finite Control Set MPC for Rendezvous on Elliptic Orbits Using On/Off Thrusters.” In AIAA SciTech Forum, Orlando, FL, 2026. Paper

  BibTeX

    @inproceedings{bezerra2026,
    author = {Bezerra, A. and Falcone, G. and Kolmanovsky, I.},
    title = {Finite Control Set MPC for Rendezvous on Elliptic Orbits Using On/Off Thrusters},
    booktitle = {AIAA SciTech Forum},
    year = {2026},
    address = {Orlando, FL},
    doi = {10.2514/6.2026-2261}
    }
    

• Yu, E., Simha, N., & Falcone, G. “A Comparative Analysis of Aerobraking Dynamics Across Celestial Bodies Using SpaceAGORA.” In AIAA SciTech Forum, Orlando, FL, 2026. Paper

  BibTeX

    @inproceedings{yu2026,
    author = {Yu, E. and Simha, N. and Falcone, G.},
    title = {A Comparative Analysis of Aerobraking Dynamics Across Celestial Bodies Using SpaceAGORA},
    booktitle = {AIAA SciTech Forum},
    year = {2026},
    address = {Orlando, FL},
    doi = {10.2514/6.2026-1692}
    }
    

• Romagnoli, G., Bucchioni, G., & Falcone, G. “Multi-agent Angle-Only Relative Orbit Determination via Distributed Filtering.” In IEEE Aerospace Conference, 2026.

  BibTeX

    @inproceedings{romagnoli2026,
    author = {Romagnoli, G. and Bucchioni, G. and Falcone, G.},
    title = {Multi-agent Angle-Only Relative Orbit Determination via Distributed Filtering},
    booktitle = {IEEE Aerospace Conference},
    year = {2026}
    }
    

• Yu, E., Cutler, J., & Falcone, G. “Verification of SpaceAGORA.jl 6-DOF Dynamics Using University of Michigan SmallSats Telemetry.” In IEEE Aerospace Conference, 2026.

  BibTeX

    @inproceedings{yu2026verification,
    author = {Yu, E. and Cutler, J. and Falcone, G.},
    title = {Verification of SpaceAGORA.jl 6-DOF Dynamics Using University of Michigan SmallSats Telemetry},
    booktitle = {IEEE Aerospace Conference},
    year = {2026}
    }
    

2025

• Piotto, A., & Falcone, G. “Satellite initial positioning optimization for passive multi-debris approaches.” In IEEE Aerospace Conference, Big Sky, MT, 2025. Paper

  BibTeX

    @inproceedings{piotto2025,
    author = {Piotto, A. and Falcone, G.},
    title = {Satellite Initial Positioning Optimization for Passive Multi-Debris Approaches},
    booktitle = {IEEE Aerospace Conference},
    address = {Big Sky, MT},
    year = {2025},
    doi = {10.1109/AERO.2025.11068674}
    }
    

2024

• Fogelson, M.B., Falcone, G., & Manchester, Z. “CAPO: Control and Actuator Placement Optimization for Large-Scale Problems with Nonlinear Dynamics.” In Workshop on the Algorithmic Foundations of Robotics (WAFR), Chicago, IL, 2024. Paper

  BibTeX

    @inproceedings{fogelson2024capo,
    author = {Fogelson, M. B. and Falcone, G. and Manchester, Z.},
    title = {CAPO: Control and Actuator Placement Optimization for Large-Scale Problems with Nonlinear Dynamics},
    booktitle = {Workshop on the Algorithmic Foundations of Robotics (WAFR)},
    address = {Chicago, IL},
    year = {2024}
    }
    

• Fogelson, M.B., Thomas, S., Falcone, G., Lipton, J.I., & Manchester, Z. “High-Expansion-Ratio Deployable Space Structures for Long Duration Space Missions.” In IEEE Aerospace Conference, Big Sky, MT, 2024. Paper

  BibTeX

    @inproceedings{fogelson2024deployable,
    author = {Fogelson, M. B. and Thomas, S. and Falcone, G. and Lipton, J. I. and Manchester, Z.},
    title = {High-Expansion-Ratio Deployable Space Structures for Long Duration Space Missions},
    booktitle = {IEEE Aerospace Conference},
    address = {Big Sky, MT},
    year = {2024},
    doi = {10.1109/AERO.2024.10521270}
    }
    

2023

• Falcone, G., Willis, J. B., & Manchester Z. “Propulsion-Free Cross-Track Control of a LEO Small-Satellite Constellation with Differential Drag.” In IEEE Conference on Decision and Control, 2023. Paper

  BibTeX

    @inproceedings{falcone2023drag,
    author = {Falcone, G. and Willis, J. B. and Manchester, Z.},
    title = {Propulsion-Free Cross-Track Control of a LEO Small-Satellite Constellation with Differential Drag},
    booktitle = {IEEE Conference on Decision and Control},
    year = {2023}
    }
    

• Tracy, K., Falcone, G., & Manchester, Z. “Robust Entry Guidance with Atmospheric Adaptation.” In AIAA SciTech Forum, National Harbor, MD, 2023. Paper

  BibTeX

    @inproceedings{tracy2023entry,
    author = {Tracy, K. and Falcone, G. and Manchester, Z.},
    title = {Robust Entry Guidance with Atmospheric Adaptation},
    booktitle = {AIAA SciTech Forum},
    address = {National Harbor, MD},
    year = {2023},
    doi = {10.2514/6.2023-0301}
    }
    

2022

• Falcone, G., & Putnam, Z. R. ” Deep Reinforcement Learning for Autonomous Aerobraking Maneuver Planning.” In AIAA SciTech Forum, San Diego, CA, 2022. (2022 AIAA Intelligent Systems Best Paper Award) Paper

  BibTeX

    @inproceedings{falcone2022drl,
    author = {Falcone, G. and Putnam, Z. R.},
    title = {Deep Reinforcement Learning for Autonomous Aerobraking Maneuver Planning},
    booktitle = {AIAA SciTech Forum},
    address = {San Diego, CA},
    year = {2022},
    note = {2022 AIAA Intelligent Systems Best Paper Award},
    doi = {10.2514/6.2022-2497}
    }
    

• Keck Institute for Space Studies (KISS), Culbert, C.J., Ehlmann, B.L., Fraeman, A.A., editors. “Revolutionizing Access to the Mars Surface.” In Final Workshop Report for the W.M. Keck Institute for Space Studies, Pasadena, CA, 2022. Paper

  BibTeX

    @techreport{kiss2022mars,
    author = {Culbert, C. J. and Ehlmann, B. L. and Fraeman, A. A.},
    title = {Revolutionizing Access to the Mars Surface},
    institution = {Keck Institute for Space Studies},
    address = {Pasadena, CA},
    year = {2022}
    }
    

• Falcone, G., Engel, D., Cortinovis, M., Ryan, C., Rovey, J., Lembeck, M., & Putnam, Z.R. “Mission Performance Assessment of Multimode Propulsion for Satellite Servicing Applications. In EEE Aerospace Conference, Big Sky, MT, 2022. Paper

  BibTeX

    @inproceedings{falcone2022multimode,
    author = {Falcone, G. and Engel, D. and Cortinovis, M. and Ryan, C. and Rovey, J. and Lembeck, M. and Putnam, Z. R.},
    title = {Mission Performance Assessment of Multimode Propulsion for Satellite Servicing Applications},
    booktitle = {IEEE Aerospace Conference},
    address = {Big Sky, MT},
    year = {2022},
    doi = {10.1109/AERO.2022.9843839}
    }
    

2021

• Falcone, G., & Putnam, Z. R. ” Design and Development of an Aerobraking Trajectory Simulation Tool.” In AIAA SciTech Forum, Nashville, TN, 2021. Paper

  BibTeX

    @inproceedings{falcone2021tool,
    author = {Falcone, G. and Putnam, Z. R.},
    title = {Design and Development of an Aerobraking Trajectory Simulation Tool},
    booktitle = {AIAA SciTech Forum},
    address = {Nashville, TN},
    year = {2021},
    doi = {10.2514/6.2021-1065}
    }
    

2020

• Falcone, G., & Putnam, Z. R. “Closed-Form Trajectory Solution For Shallow, High-Altitude Atmospheric Flight.” In 2020 Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, Lake Tahoe, CA, 2020. Paper

  BibTeX

    @inproceedings{falcone2020closed,
    author = {Falcone, G. and Putnam, Z. R.},
    title = {Closed-Form Trajectory Solution for Shallow, High-Altitude Atmospheric Flight},
    booktitle = {Astrodynamics Specialist Conference},
    address = {Lake Tahoe, CA},
    year = {2020}
    }
    

• Austin, A. et al. “Enabling and Enhancing Science Exploration Across the Solar System: Aerocapture Technology for SmallSat to Flagship Missions.” In Proceedings of the Conference Name (CONF), 2026. Paper

  BibTeX

    @inproceedings{austin2020aerocapture,
    author = {Austin, A. and others},
    title = {Enabling and Enhancing Science Exploration Across the Solar System: Aerocapture Technology for SmallSat to Flagship Missions},
    booktitle = {Astrodynamics Specialist Conference},
    year = {2020}
    }
    

• Dutta, S. et al. “Aerocapture as an Enhancing Option for Ice Giants Missions.” (White Paper) In International Planetary Probe Workshop Webinar Series, 2020. Paper

  BibTeX

    @techreport{dutta2020icegiants,
    author = {Dutta, S. and others},
    title = {Aerocapture as an Enhancing Option for Ice Giants Missions},
    institution = {International Planetary Probe Workshop},
    year = {2020}
    }
    

2019

• Falcone, G., & Putnam, Z. R. “Aerobraking Trajectory Control Using Articulated Solar Panels.” In Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, Portland, ME, 2019. Paper

  BibTeX

    
    @inproceedings{falcone2019solar,
    author = {Falcone, G. and Putnam, Z. R.},
    title = {Aerobraking Trajectory Control Using Articulated Solar Panels},
    booktitle = {Astrodynamics Specialist Conference},
    address = {Portland, ME},
    year = {2019}
    }
    

2018

• Falcone, G., Williams, J. W., & Putnam, Z. R. “Aerocapture System Options for Delivery of Small Satellites to Mars.” In 41st Annual AAS Rocky Mountain Section Guidance and Control Conference, 2018. Paper

  BibTeX

    @inproceedings{falcone2018aerocapture,
    author = {Falcone, G. and Williams, J. W. and Putnam, Z. R.},
    title = {Aerocapture System Options for Delivery of Small Satellites to Mars},
    booktitle = {AAS Rocky Mountain Guidance and Control Conference},
    year = {2018}
    }
    

2016

• Falcone, G., Saxena, A., Bandyopadhyay, S., Chung, S. J., & Hadaegh, F. “Attitude control of the asteroid redirect robotic mission spacecraft with a captured boulder.” In AIAA/AAS Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, 2016. Paper

  BibTeX

    @inproceedings{falcone2016asteroid,
    author = {Falcone, G. and Saxena, A. and Bandyopadhyay, S. and Chung, S. J. and Hadaegh, F.},
    title = {Attitude Control of the Asteroid Redirect Robotic Mission Spacecraft with a Captured Boulder},
    booktitle = {AIAA/AAS Astrodynamics Specialist Conference},
    year = {2016},
    doi = {10.2514/6.2016-5645}
    }