Space exploration embodies humanity’s driver to transcend known boundaries and catalyses technological innovation, scientific advancements, and economic growth. As missions become increasingly complex, control theory emerges as a fundamental component, enhancing spacecraft navigation, operation, and adaptability in the dynamic space environment. This tutorial paper explores the pivotal role of control theory in advancing space exploration beyond the 2030s, emphasizing its contributions to autonomous decision-making, artificial intelligence, robust and resilient control, and the management of distributed systems. This paper outlines how advancements in control technologies will significantly enhance mission success and expand humanity’s presence in the solar system from both fundamental research and commercial viewpoints, with contributions from academia, space agencies, and industry. By aligning with the strategic framework of the Global Exploration Roadmap, this tutorial paper presents a comprehensive framework for addressing current limitations in space exploration while devising future possibilities.
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Mammarella et al. (2025) studied this question.