Hello, I'm Rodolfo.
I am a GNC Researcher & Flight Dynamics Engineer at the Satellite Control Center (CCS) of the National Institute for Space Research (INPE) in Brazil.
My work revolves around astrodynamics, space mission design, nonlinear control, and developing state-of-the-art algorithms for spacecraft autonomy and navigation.
About & Experience
I hold a Ph.D. in Space Technology and Engineering from INPE. I am currently leading research in spacecraft autonomy, optical navigation, and GNC algorithms for next-generation missions while overseeing flight dynamics responsibilities over 5 satellites (SCD-1, SCD-2, CBERS-4, CBERS-4A, and AMZ-1).
Experience
GNC Researcher & Flight Dynamics Engineer
National Institute for Space Research (INPE) - Satellite Control Center
Shared flight dynamics responsibilities over 5 satellites, modernizing legacy architectures to CCSDS standards, and research in spacecraft autonomy.
Postdoctoral Researcher
Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP)
Project: Autonomous Spacecraft in Asteroid Missions. Simulated 6-DOF dynamics, implemented vision-based navigation in C++ (OpenCV), and integrated multi-language dynamics code.
Visiting Student Researcher
Jet Propulsion Laboratory (NASA JPL) - Pasadena, USA
Astrobiology group. Project: Determining Ganymede Profile with a Thermal-orbital Model.
Education
Ph.D. in Space Technology and Engineering
National Institute for Space Research - INPE, Brazil
Thesis: "Study on Dynamics, Guidance, Navigation, and Control Applied to Asteroid Deflection Missions."
M.S.E. in Space Technology and Engineering
National Institute for Space Research - INPE, Brazil
Thesis: "Swing-by Dynamics: Analysis of the Limitations of the Patched-conics Approximation."
B.S.E. in Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering
Federal University of Itajubá - UNIFEI, Brazil
Includes exchange in Aerospace Engineering at The George Washington University (2014-2015).
Research Interests
Guidance, Navigation, & Control
Advanced control strategies, vision-based navigation, and robust systems.
Astrodynamics
Orbital mechanics, trajectory optimization, and deep space mission design.
Nonlinear Dynamics & Control
Mathematical modeling and control of complex dynamical systems.
Autonomous Vehicles & Robotics
Designing autonomy for spacecraft exploration in unknown environments.
Space Mission Design
End-to-end planning and analysis for planetary and asteroid missions.
Flight Software & Embedded Systems
Modernizing legacy code to CCSDS standards and C++/Python toolchains.
Publications
Peer-Reviewed Journal Publications
Sociedade Interplanetária Brasileira: O Internacionalismo da Exploração Espacial no Brasil
Revista Brasileira de História da Ciência
Shallow Encounters’ Impact on Asteroid Deflection Prediction and Implications on Trajectory Design
Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics, 47(7), 1341-1358.
Autonomous Rapid Exploration in Close-Proximity of Asteroids
Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics, 47(5), 914-933.
Robust path-following for Keplerian orbits
Journal of the Brazilian Society of Mechanical Sciences and Engineering, 46(8), 500.
Autonomous and Robust Orbit-Keeping for Small-Body Missions
Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics, 45(3), 1357-1365.
Circular Restricted n-Body Problem
Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics, 45(7), 587-598.
First Approximation for Spacecraft Motion Relative to (99942) Apophis
Romanian Astronomical Journal, 31, 241.
A historical review of the theory of gravity-assists in the pre-spaceflight era
Journal of the Brazilian Society of Mechanical Sciences and Engineering, 42(8), 1-10.
Generalizing the Bicircular Restricted Four-Body Problem
Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics, 43(6), 1173-1179.
Lunar gravity assists using patched-conics approximation, three and four-body problems
Advances in Space Research, 64(1), 42-63.
Studying the errors in the estimation of the variation of energy by the “patched-conics” model in the three-dimensional swing-by
Celestial Mechanics and Dynamical Astronomy, 129(3), 269-284.
Teaching & Mentoring
Teaching
Professor, Navegação de Espaçonaves
National Institute for Space Research, São José dos Campos
Professor, Mecânica Celeste I
Federal University of São Paulo, São José dos Campos
Professor, Fundamentals of Astrodynamics
Federal University of São Paulo, São José dos Campos
Professor, Engineering of Space Missions
National Institute for Space Research, São José dos Campos
Teaching Assistant, Calculus II
São Paulo State University, Guaratinguetá
Mentoring
- Shyenne Pinheiro (MS Student, exp. graduation Feb. 2026)
Contact
rodolfo.negri@inpe.br
Location
Satellite Control Center (CCS) - INPE
São José dos Campos, SP, Brazil
ORCID
0000-0002-8196-8579