Publications
Journal papers
[1] Pontani M., Teofilatto P., “Satellite Constellations for Continuous and Early-Warning Observation: a Correlation-Based Approach”, Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics, Vol. 30, No. 4, 2007, pp. 910-920
[2] Pontani M., Conway B. A., “Optimal Interception of Evasive Missile Warheads: Numerical Solution of the Differential Game”, Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics, Vol. 31, No. 4, 2008, pp. 1111-1122
[3] Pontani M., Conway B. A., “Numerical Solution of the Three-Dimensional Orbital Pursuit-Evasion Game”, Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics, Vol. 32, No. 2, 2009, pp. 474-487
[4] Pontani M., “Simple Method to Determine Globally Optimal Orbital Transfers”, Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics, Vol. 32, No. 3, 2009, pp. 899-914
[5] Ridolfi L., Pontani M., Teofilatto P., “Effect of different flight conditions at the release of a small spacecraft from a high performance aircraft”, Acta Astronautica, Vol. 66, 2010, pp. 665-673
[6] Marson R., Pontani M., Perozzi E., Teofilatto P., “Using Space Manifold Dynamics to Deploy a Small Satellite Constellation Around the Moon”, Celestial Mechanics and Dynamical Astronomy, Vol. 106, 2010, pp. 117-142
[7] Pontani M., Conway B. A., “Particle Swarm Optimization Applied to Space Trajectories”, Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics, Vol. 33, No. 5, 2010, pp. 1429-1441
[8] Pontani M., Teofilatto P., “Topology of Lunar Capture Orbits: a Numerical Study”, Journal of Aerospace Engineering, Sciences and Applications, Vol. 3, No. 1, 2011, pp. 49-63
[9] Pontani M., “Numerical Solution of Orbital Combat Games Involving Missiles and Spacecraft”, Dynamic Games and Applications, Vol. 1, No. 4, 2011, pp. 534-557
[10] Pontani M., “Orbital Transfers: Optimization Methods and Recent Results”, Numerical Algebra, Control and Optimization, Vol. 1, No. 3, 2011, pp. 435-485
[11] Pontani M., Conway B. A., “Particle Swarm Optimization Applied to Impulsive Orbital Transfers”, Acta Astronautica, Vol. 74, 2012, pp. 141-155
[12] Pontani M., Teofilatto P., “Post-Aerocapture Orbit Selection and Maintenance for the Aerofast Mission to Mars”, Acta Astronautica, Vol. 79, 2012, pp. 168-178
[13] Pontani M., Ghosh P., Conway B. A., “Particle Swarm Optimization of Multiple-Burn Rendezvous Trajectories”, Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics, Vol. 35, No. 4, 2012, pp. 1192-1207
[14] Giancotti M., Pontani M., Teofilatto P., “Lunar Capture Trajectories and Homoclinic Connections through Isomorphic Mapping”, Celestial Mechanics and Dynamical Astronomy, Vol. 114, 2012, pp. 55-76
[15] Pontani M., Miele A., “Periodic Image Trajectories in Earth-Moon Space”, Journal of Optimization Theory and Applications, Vol. 157, 2012, pp. 866-887
[16] Pontani M., Teofilatto P., “Low-Energy Earth-Moon Transfers Involving Manifolds through Isomorphic Mapping”, Acta Astronautica, Vol. 91, 2013, pp. 96-106
[17] Pontani M., Teofilatto P., “Simple Method for Performance Evaluation of Multistage Rockets”, Acta Astronautica, Vol. 94, 2014, pp. 434-445
[18] Pontani M., Conway B. A., “Optimal Finite-Thrust Rendezvous Trajectories Found via Particle Swarm Algorithm”, Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, Vol. 50, No. 6, 2013, pp. 1222-1234
[19] Pontani M., “Particle Swarm Optimization of Ascent Trajectories of Multistage Launch Vehicles”, Acta Astronautica, Vol. 94, No. 2, 2014, pp. 852-864
[20] Pontani M., Conway B. A., “Optimal Low-Thrust Orbital Maneuvers via Indirect Swarming Method”, Journal of Optimization Theory and Applications , Vol. 162, No. 1, 2014, pp. 272-292
[21] Pontani M., Cecchetti G., “Ascent Trajectories of Multistage Launch Vehicles: Numerical Optimization with Second-Order Conditions Verification”, ISRN Operations Research, Volume 2013, 2013, article ID 498765
[22] Pontani M, Conway B. A., “Minimum-Fuel Finite-Thrust Relative Orbit Maneuvers via Indirect Heuristic Method”, Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics, Vol. 38, No. 5, 2015, pp. 913-924
[23] Giancotti M., Pontani M., Teofilatto P., “Cylindrical Isomorphic Mapping Applied to Invariant Manifold Dynamics for Earth-Moon Missions”, Celestial Mechanics and Dynamical Astronomy, Vol. 120, 2014, pp. 249-268
[24] Pontani M., Giancotti M., Teofilatto P., “Manifold Dynamics in the Earth-Moon System via Isomorphic Mapping with Application to Spacecraft End-of-Life Strategies”, Acta Astronautica, Vol. 105, No. 1, 2014, pp. 218-229
[25] Pontani M., Cecchetti G., Teofilatto P., “Variable-Time-Domain Neighboring Optimal Guidance, Part 1: Algorithm Structure”, Journal of Optimization Theory and Applications , Vol. 166, No. 1, 2015, pp. 76-92
[26] Pontani M., Cecchetti G., Teofilatto P., “Variable-Time-Domain Neighboring Optimal Guidance, Part 2: Application to Lunar Descent and Soft Landing”, Journal of Optimization Theory and Applications , Vol. 166, No. 1, 2015, pp. 93-114
[27] Pontani M., “Symmetry Properties of Optimal Relative Orbit Trajectories”, Mathematical Problems in Engineering, Volume 2015, 2015, article ID 286525
[28] Pontani M., Cecchetti G., Teofilatto P., “Variable-Time-Domain Neighboring Optimal Guidance Applied to Space Trajectories”, Acta Astronautica , Vol. 115, 2015, pp. 102-120
[29] Pontani M., Miele A., “Theorem of Optimal Image Trajectories in the Restricted Problem of Three Bodies” , Journal of Optimization Theory and Applications, Vol. 168, No. 3, 2016, pp. 992-1013
[30] Pontani M., Teofilatto P., “Polyhedral Representation of Invariant Manifolds Applied to Orbit Transfers in the Earth-Moon System”, Acta Astronautica, Vol. 119, 2016, pp. 218-232
[31] Pittella E., Pisa S., Pontani M., Nascetti A., D'Atanasio P., Zambotti A., Hadi H., “Reconfigurable S-Band Patch Antenna System for Cubesat Satellites”, IEEE Aerospace and Electronic Systems Magazine, Vol. 31, No. 5, 2016, pp. 6-13
[32] Pontani M., “A New, General Perturbative Guidance for Space Vehicles”, Aerotecnica Missili e Spazio - Journal of Aerospace Science, Technologies, and Systems, Vol. 95, No. 2, 2016
[33] Pontani M. and Teofilatto P., “Invariant Manifold Connections via Polyhedral Representation”, Acta Astronautica, Vol. 137, 2017, pp. 512-521
[34] Pontani M., “Optimal Mirror Trajectories Using Continuous Thrust”, Aerotecnica Missili e Spazio – Journal of Aerospace Science, Technologies and Systems, Vol. 96, No. 4, 2017, pp. 204-215
[35] Pontani M., “Mirror Trajectories in Space Mission Analysis”, Aerotecnica Missili e Spazio – Journal of Aerospace Science, Technologies and Systems, Vol. 96, N0. 4, 2017, pp. 195-203
[36] Pallone M., Pontani M., Teofilatto P., Minotti A., “Design Methodology and Performance Evaluation of New Generation Sounding Rockets”, International Journal of Aerospace Engineering, Article 1678709, 2018
[37] Carletta S., Pontani M., Teofilatto P., “Long-Term Capture Orbits for Low-Energy Space Missions”, Celestial Mechanics and Dynamical Astronomy, Vol. 130, No. 7 available online 6 July 2018
[38] Pontani M., Di Roberto R., Graziani F., “Lunar Orbit Dynamics and Maneuvers for Lunisat Missions”, Acta Astronautica, Vol. 149, 2018, pp. 111-122
[39] Pontani M., Celani F., “Lunar Ascent and Orbit Injection via Neighboring Optimal Guidance and Constrained Attitude Control”, Journal of Aerospace Engineering, Vol. 31, No. 5, 2018
[40] Pallone M., Pontani M., Teofilatto P., “Performance Evaluation Methodology for Multistage Launch Vehicles with High-Fidelity Modeling”, Acta Astronautica, Vol. 151, 2018, pp. 522-531
[41] Pontani M., Celani F., “Neighboring Optimal Guidance and Constrained Attitude Control Applied to Three-Dimensional Lunar Ascent and Orbit Injection”, Acta Astronautica, available online 7 November 2018
[42] Pontani M., Conway B., “Optimal Trajectories for Hyperbolic Rendezvous with Earth-Mars Cycling Spacecraft”, Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics, Vol. 41, No. 2, 2018, pp. 360-376
[43] Pontani M., “Optimal Low-Thrust Hyperbolic Rendezvous for Earth-Mars missions”, Acta Astronautica, Vol. 162, 2019, pp. 608-619
[44] Carletta S., Pontani M., Teofilatto P., “Dynamics of three-dimensional capture orbits from libration region analysis”, Acta Astronautica, Vol. 165, 2019, pp. 331-343
Book chapters
[1] Pontani M., “Constellations of Repeating Satellites for Local Telecommunication and Monitoring Services”, Applied and industrial Mathematics in Italy-II, Series on Advances in Mathematics for Applied Sciences Vol. 75, World Scientific, Singapore, 2007, pp. 513-524
[2] Teofilatto P., Pontani M., “Numerical and Analytical Methods for Global Optimization”, Variational Analysis and Aerospace Engineering, Springer Optimization and its Applications Vol. 33, Springer, New York, NY, U.S.A., 2009, pp. 461-475
[3] Pontani M., “Differential Games Treated by a Gradient-Restoration Approach”, Variational Analysis and Aerospace Engineering, Springer Optimization and its Applications Vol. 33, Springer, New York, NY, U.S.A., 2009, pp. 379-396
[4] Teofilatto P., Pontani M., “Geometry of Optimal Trajectories”, Geometry of Riemann Surfaces, London Mathematical Society Lecture Note Series 368, edited by F. P. Gardiner, G. Gonzalez-Diez, C. Kourouniotis, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, U.K., 2010, pp. 356-375
[5] Pontani M., Conway B. A., “Swarming Theory Applied to Space Trajectory Optimization”, Spacecraft Trajectory Optimization, Cambridge Aerospace Series, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, U.K., 2010, pp. 263-293
[6] Pontani M., “Particle Swarm Global Optimization of Orbital Maneuvers”, Global Optimization - Theory, Developments and Applications, Mathematics Research Developments, Nova Science Publishers, New York, NY, U.S.A., 2013, pp. 43-78
[7] Pontani M., “Low Earth Orbit Satellite Constellations for Local Telecommunication and Monitoring Services”, Advances in Mathematics Research, Vol. 20, Nova Science Publishers, New York, NY, U.S.A., 2016, pp. 65-88
[8] Pontani M., “A New, General Neighboring Optimal Guidance for Aerospace Vehicles”, Variational Analysis and Aerospace Engineering, Springer Optimization and its Applications Vol. 116, Springer, New York, NY, U.S.A., 2017, pp. 421-449
[9] Pontani M., “Particle Swarm Optimization of Cooperative and Competitive Relative Orbit Maneuvers”, Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) – Advances in Research and Applications, Nova Science Publishers, New York, NY, U.S.A., 2017, pp. 1-37
[10] Pontani M., Pallone M., Teofilatto P., “An accurate modeling and performance of multistage launch vehicles for microsatellites via a firework algorithm”, Advances in Mathematics Research, Vol. 23, 2017, pp. 155-181
[11] Palaia G., Pallone M., Pontani M., Teofilatto P., “Ascent Trajectory Optimization and Neighboring Optimal Guidance of Multistage Launch Vehicles”, Modeling and Optimization in Space Engineering, Springer Optimization and its Applications Vol. 144, Springer, New York, NY, U.S.A., 2019, pp. 343-371
Conference proceedings
[1] Teofilatto P., Pontani M., “Analisi delle Traiettorie di Fuga Realizzabili Mediante Trasferimento WSB e Gravity Assist Lunare” (in Italian), Atti del XVIII Congresso AIDAA, Volterra, Italy, 2005
[2] Pontani M., Sgubini S., Teofilatto P., “Guided Payload Recovery by a Parafoil System”, Proceedings of the 7th conference on Dynamics and Control of Systems and Structures in Space, pp. 37-48, editor S. E. Hobbs, Cranfield University Press, Bedford, U.K., 2006
[3] Pontani M., Conway B. A., “Optimal Interception of ICBM Warheads from an Orbital Station”, Atti del XIX Congresso AIDAA, Forlì, Italy, 2007
[4] Pontani M., Teofilatto P., “Topological Methods in Low Energy Interplanetary Mission Analysis”, Atti del XIX Congresso AIDAA, Forlì, Italy, 2007
[5] Pontani M., Teofilatto P., “Correlation-Based Constellations of Satellites for Local Telecommunication and Monitoring Services”, Constellation Design and Formation Flying, book of papers of the 5th International Workshop on Constellation and Formation Flying, Evpatoria, Ukraine, 2008, pp. 146-171
[6] Teofilatto P., Ridolfi L., Pontani M., “Effect of Different Flight Conditions at the Release of a Small Spacecraft from a High Performance Aircraft”, Proceedings of the 59th International Astronautical Congress, Glasgow, U.K., 2008; paper IAC-08.B4.5.4
[7] Pontani M., Conway B. A., “Numerical Solution of Two-Sided Trajectory Optimization Problems”, Atti del XX Congresso AIDAA, Milano, Italy, 2009
[8] Ridolfi L., Pontani M., Teofilatto P., “Optimal Trajectories of Responsive Air-Launched Systems”, Atti del XX Congresso AIDAA, Milano, Italy, 2009
[9] Pontani M., Conway B. A., “Optimal Interception of Optimally Evasive Spacecraft”, Proceedings of the 60th International Astronautical Congress, Daejeon, Republic of Korea, 2009; paper IAC-09.C1.1.6
[10] Pontani M., Conway B. A., “Optimal Trajectories of Anti-satellite Missiles”, Communications to SIMAI Congress, ISSN 1827-9015, Vol. 3, Roma, 2009; doi: 10.1685/CSC09265
[11] Pontani M., Conway B. A., “Optimal Space Trajectories via Particle Swarm Technique”, Advances in the Astronautical Sciences, Vol. 136, 2010, pp. 53-72
[12] Pontani M., Martin C., Conway B. A., “New Numerical Methods for Determining Periodic Orbits in the Circular Restricted Three-Body Problem”, Proceedings of the 61st International Astronautical Congress, Prague, Czech Republic, 2010; paper IAC-10.C1.1.2
[13] Pontani M., Conway B. A., “Particle Swarm Optimization Applied to Orbital transfers”, Proceedings of the 61st International Astronautical Congress, Prague, Czech Republic, 2010; paper IAC-10.C1.9.10
[14] Pontani M., Conway B. A., “Particle Swarm Optimization of Low-Thrust Orbital Transfers and Rendezvous”, Advances in the Astronautical Sciences, Vol. 140, 2011, pp. 889-908
[15] Pontani M., Conway B. A., “Optimal Finite-Thrust Rendezvous Trajectories Found via Particle Swarm Algorithm”, Advances in the Astronautical Sciences, Vol. 142, 2012, pp. 3781-3800
[16] Pontani M., Teofilatto P., “Post-Aerocapture Orbit Selection and Maintenance for the Aerofast Mission to Mars”, Proceedings of the 62nd International Astronautical Congress, Cape Town, Republic of South Africa, 2011; paper IAC-11.C1.3.3
[17] Pontani M., Teofilatto P., “Simple Method for Performance Evaluation of Multistage Rockets”, Advances in the Astronautical Sciences, Vol. 145, 2012, pp. 1191-1209
[18] Stupik J., Pontani M., Conway B. A., “Optimal Pursuit/Evasion Spacecraft Trajectories in the Hill Reference Frame”, Proceedings of the Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, Minneapolis, MN, U.S.A., 2012; paper AIAA-2012-4882
[19] Pontani M., “Particle Swarm Optimization of Ascending Trajectories of Multistage Rockets”, Proceedings of the 63rd International Astronautical Congress, Naples, Italy, 2012; paper IAC-12.C1.4.10
[20] Pontani M., Teofilatto P., “Low-Energy Earth-Moon Transfers Involving Manifolds through Isomorphic Mapping”, Proceedings of the 63rd International Astronautical Congress, Naples, Italy, 2012; paper IAC-12.C1.7.1
[21] Giancotti M., Pontani M., Teofilatto P., “Earth-Moon Transfers Involving Periodic Orbits and Invariant Manifolds through Isomorphic Mapping”, Advances in the Astronautical Sciences, Vol. 146, 2013, pp. 337-352
[22] Pontani M., Cappelletti C., Graziani F., “CubeSat Dynamics and Collision Risk Evaluation”, Proceedings of the 2nd IAC Conference on University Satellite Missions and CubeSat Workshop, Rome, Italy, 2013
[23] Pontani M., Conway B. A., “Minimum-Fuel Low-Thrust Rendezvous Trajectories via Swarming Algorithm”, Advances in the Astronautical Sciences, Vol. 148, 2013, pp. 835-854
[24] Pontani M., Cappelletti C., “CubeSat Collision Risk Analysis at Orbital Injection”, Advances in the Astronautical Sciences, Vol. 148, 2013, pp. 3111-3130
[25] Giancotti M., Pontani M., Teofilatto P., “Manifold Dynamics in the Earth-Moon System via Isomorphic Mapping”, Proceedings of the 64th International Astronautical Congress, Beijing, China, 2013; paper IAC-13.C1.8.7
[26] Cecchetti G., Pontani M., Teofilatto P., “Neighboring Optimal Guidance for Soft Lunar Landing”, Advances in the Astronautical Sciences , Vol. 153, 2015, pp. 1301-1320
[27] Pontani M., “Polyhedral Representation of Invariant Manifolds for Earth-Moon Mission Analysis”, Advances in the Astronautical Sciences , Vol. 153, 2015, pp. 231-250
[28] Pontani M., “Symmetry Properties of Optimal Space Trajectories”, Advances in the Astronautical Sciences , Vol. 153, 2015, pp. 1553-1572
[29] Pontani M., Cecchetti G., Teofilatto P., “A New Neighboring Optimal Guidance Algorithm for Space Trajectories”, Proceedings of the 65th International Astronautical Congress Toronto, Canada, 2014; paper IAC-14.C1.5.3
[30] Pontani M., Teofilatto P., “Optimal Transfers in the Earth-Moon System through Polyhedral Representation of Invariant Manifolds”, Proceedings of the 65th International Astronautical Congress, Toronto, Canada, 2014; paper IAC-14.C1.8.11
[31] Pontani M., Teofilatto P., “Invariant Manifold Dynamics via Polyhedral Representation”, Proceedings of the 66th International Astronautical Congress, Jerusalem, Israel, 2014; paper IAC-15.C1.4.1
[32] Pontani M., “A New, General Perturbative Guidance for Space Vehicles”, Atti del XXIII Congresso AIDAA, Torino, Italy, 2015
[33] Pontani M., “Ascent Trajectory Optimization of Airlaunched Rockets for Micro- and Nanosatellites”, Proceedings of the 3rd IAA Conference on University Satellite Missions Cubesat Workshop & International Workshop on Lean Satellite Standardization, Rome, Italy, 2015
[34] Pallone M., Pontani M., Teofilatto P., “Modeling and Performance Evaluation of Multistage Launch Vehicles through Firework Algorithm”, Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Astrodynamics Tools and Techniques, Darmstadt, Germany, 2016
[35] Pontani M., Melton R., “Heuristic Optimization of Satellite Reorientation Maneuvers”, Proceedings of the Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, Long Beach, CA, U.S.A., 2016; paper AIAA-2016-5581
[36] Pontani M., “Orbit Injection Maneuvers via Indirect Heuristic Method and Variable-Time-Domain Neighboring Optimal Guidance”, Proceedings of the Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, Long Beach, CA, U.S.A., 2016; paper AIAA-2016-5337
[37] Pallone M., Pontani M., Teofilatto P., “Accurate Modeling and Near Optimal Ascent Trajectory of Microsatellite Launch Vehicles via Firework Algorithm”, Proceedings of the 67th International Astronautical Congress, Guadalajara, Mexico, 2016; paper IAC-16.C1.5.2
[38] Di Roberto R., Pontani M., Graziani F., “Lunisat: a microsatellite mission to the Moon”, Advances in the Astronautical Sciences, Vol. 161, 2017, pp. 607-626
[39] Palaia G., Pallone M., Pontani M., Teofilatto P., “Accurate modeling and heuristic trajectory optimization of multistage launch vehicles”, Advances in the Astronautical Sciences, Vol. 161, 2017, pp. 607-626
[40] Pontani M., Celani F., “Neighboring optimal guidance and attitude control for lunar ascent and orbit injection”, Advances in the Astronautical Sciences, Vol. 161, 2017, pp. 373-392
[41] Pontani M., Di Roberto R., Graziani F., “Lunar Orbit Dynamics for Lunisat Missions”, 68th International Astronautical Congress, Adelaide, Australia, 2017; paper IAC-17-C1.9.10
[42] Di Roberto R., Pontani M., Graziani F., “Earth-Moon Transfer Trajectory for the Lunisat Microsat”, 68th International Astronautical Congress, Adelaide, Australia, 2017; paper IAC-17-C1.7.2
[43] Pontani M., “Optimal Low-Thrust Hyperbolic Rendezvous for Interplanetary Missions”, 68th International Astronautical Congress, Adelaide, Australia, 2017; paper IAC-17-C1.7.6
[44] Pontani M., Celani F., “New Implicit Neighboring Optimal Guidance and Attitude Control for Three-Dimensional Lunar Ascent”, 68th International Astronautical Congress, Adelaide, Australia, 2017; paper IAC-17-C1.4.8
[45] Carletta S., Pontani M., Teofilatto P., “Dynamics of capture orbits from libration region analysis”, 69th International Astronautical Congress, Bremen, Germany, 2018; paper IAC-18-C1.1.10
[46] Pontani M., “Optimal low-thrust trajectories using nonsingular equinoctial orbit elements”, Advances in the Astronautical Sciences, Vol. 170, 2020, pp. 443-462; paper AAS 18-834
[47] Pontani M., Di Roberto R., Teofilatto P., Graziani F., “Lunisat Orbit Maintenance and Low-Thrust Maneuvers”, Advances in the Astronautical Sciences, Vol. 163, 2018, pp. 481-499
[48] Pontani M., Celani F., “Variable-Time-Domain Neighboring Optimal Guidance and Attitude Control for Low-Thrust Orbit Transfers”, Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, AIAA SciTech Forum, Orlando, FL, 2018; paper AIAA 2018-1456
[49] Pontani M., “Optimal Hyperbolic Rendezvous Trajectories for Cycler Missions", Advances in the Astronautical Sciences, Vol. 168, 2019, pp. 453-472; paper AAS 19-308
[50] Pontani M., Celani F., “A New Guidance and Control Architecture for Accurate Orbit Injection”, Advances in the Astronautical Sciences, Vol. 168, 2019, pp. 4133-4152; paper AAS 19-305