Tyler Hickman
Papers
1
Total Citations
8
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About
Tyler Hickman is a space systems engineer whose work focuses on the intersection of mission design and advanced propulsion, particularly for exploring near-Earth objects (NEOs). His key research areas include solar electric propulsion (SEP) system design, trajectory optimization, and the development of flexible, low-cost architectures for robotic deep-space exploration. Hickman’s most notable contribution is his seminal paper, “Power and Propulsion System Design for Near-Earth Object Robotic Exploration” (2011, 8 citations), which demonstrated that by leveraging SEP, a vast number of scientifically valuable NEOs become accessible within short mission durations and with significant launch window flexibility. This work provided a foundational framework for designing power and propulsion systems that maximize mission robustness while minimizing cost, directly influencing subsequent NASA and international mission concepts. Hickman’s research has been instrumental in shifting the paradigm from single-target, high-cost missions to more agile, multi-target campaigns. His achievements underscore a commitment to enabling practical, scalable exploration of our solar system’s most accessible bodies, making him a key figure in advancing the field of low-thrust mission architecture.
Research Focus
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Top Papers
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