Luca Ferracina
Papers
1
Total Citations
3
H-Index
1
About
Luca Ferracina is a researcher focused on the complex fluid dynamics of planetary entry, descent, and landing (EDL) systems, with a particular emphasis on Mars exploration. His work addresses critical challenges in spacecraft maneuvering, specifically the interaction between reaction control system (RCS) jets and the surrounding atmosphere, as well as plume impingement on planetary surfaces. In his most-cited paper, "Numerical Investigation of RCS Jet Interaction and Plume Impingement for Mars Precision Landing" (2017), Ferracina provides essential computational insights into how thruster plumes affect vehicle stability and surface erosion during landing—a key concern for robotic sample-return missions. This research supports Europe’s broader ambitions in Mars exploration, where precision landing is vital for collecting and returning soil and rock samples to Earth. While his citation count (3) reflects a niche but highly specialized field, his contributions are foundational for engineers designing future landers. Ferracina’s work bridges numerical modeling and real-world mission constraints, making him a valuable contributor to the next generation of planetary exploration technologies.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1