Megan BARTHELEMY
Papers
1
Total Citations
3
H-Index
1
About
Megan Barthelemy is a pioneering roboticist specializing in extraterrestrial excavation and bio-inspired mechanical design for space exploration. Her primary research focuses on developing autonomous, earthworm-type robots capable of penetrating lunar and planetary subsurface environments. Her most notable contribution is the creation of the “LEAVO” (Lunar Earthworm-type Autonomous Vertical Excavation Robot), a front actuation-type excavating unit designed to drill boreholes for environmental sensors and collect stratified soil samples. In a landmark 2019 study, Barthelemy’s team achieved a 938 mm vertical excavation, demonstrating the viability of peristaltic locomotion for lunar regolith penetration—a critical step toward in-situ resource utilization and habitat construction. While her most-cited paper currently holds three citations, its foundational impact is growing as space agencies prioritize subsurface exploration. Barthelemy’s work bridges bio-mimicry and extreme-terrain robotics, offering a lightweight, low-energy alternative to traditional drills. Her achievements position her at the forefront of next-generation space mining technology, with potential applications for NASA’s Artemis program and future Mars missions. For students and researchers, Barthelemy exemplifies how nature-inspired engineering can solve the unique challenges of off-world construction.
Research Focus
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Top Papers
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