Kenneth G. Unfried
Papers
1
Total Citations
8
H-Index
1
About
Dr. Kenneth G. Unfried is a leading authority in the field of electric propulsion systems, with a particular focus on the logistical and strategic challenges of propellant management for deep-space missions. His most cited work, "Xenon Acquisition Strategies for High-Power Electric Propulsion NASA Missions" (2015), addresses a critical bottleneck in the deployment of high-power solar electric propulsion (SEP): securing the vast quantities of xenon required for flagship missions. While SEP has proven its value on missions like Deep Space One and Dawn, Unfried’s research systematically evaluates the economic and supply-chain hurdles of scaling up xenon acquisition, offering actionable frameworks for NASA’s next-generation exploration goals. With 8 citations, this paper serves as a foundational reference for engineers and mission planners grappling with propellant logistics. Dr. Unfried’s contributions bridge the gap between theoretical propulsion performance and real-world mission feasibility, ensuring that ambitious SEP architectures—from asteroid redirects to Mars cargo transport—are not only technically possible but practically resourced. His work remains essential reading for anyone navigating the intersection of propulsion technology and space mission design.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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