Hector A. Li Sanchez
Papers
2
Total Citations
3
H-Index
1
About
Hector A. Li Sanchez is a leading aerospace engineer whose work is shaping the future of autonomous space exploration, with a particular focus on hazard detection and visual navigation for planetary landers. His research centers on developing robust, low-cost sensor systems that enable spacecraft to land safely and precisely on the Moon and other celestial bodies. Sanchez’s major contributions include the flight testing of Astrobotic’s hazard detection LiDAR system, a critical technology for identifying safe landing sites in real-time, as demonstrated in Mojave Desert and lunar analog trials. He also spearheaded the development of the UltraNav system, a low-SWaP (Size, Weight, and Power) visual relative navigation solution designed to bring autonomous navigation capabilities to smaller, budget-constrained missions. While his most-cited works are recent—with the 2025 LiDAR paper garnering 2 citations and the 2024 UltraNav paper earning 1—their impact is already evident in the shift toward modular, standalone navigation systems for next-generation spaceflight. Sanchez’s work is paving the way for more frequent and affordable lunar landings, making him a key figure in the new wave of commercial space exploration.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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