Evgeny Shafirovich

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About

Evgeny Shafirovich is a leading researcher in advanced propulsion and in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) for space exploration, with a particular focus on enabling sustainable missions to Mars. His most notable contribution is the pioneering concept of metal-CO₂ propulsion, which proposes using Martian carbon dioxide directly as an oxidizer in jet or rocket engines, eliminating the need for energy-intensive chemical processing. This innovative approach, detailed in his highly cited 2008 paper (93 citations), offers a significant advantage in power efficiency over other ISRU technologies, potentially revolutionizing how spacecraft refuel and operate on the Red Planet. Shafirovich’s work bridges combustion science and planetary engineering, addressing critical challenges in reducing mission payload and reliance on Earth-supplied propellants. His research has garnered substantial attention from the aerospace community, underscoring its impact on future Mars exploration strategies. By advancing practical, low-energy solutions for using local planetary resources, Shafirovich is shaping the next generation of space propulsion systems, making him a key figure in the quest for long-duration, self-sustaining human missions beyond Earth.