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About

Vikram Unnithan is a planetary scientist and robotic exploration specialist whose work bridges the fields of volcanology, astrobiology, and autonomous systems. His research focuses on the characterization of volcanic terrains—both on Earth and other planetary bodies—using advanced in situ analytical techniques and robotic platforms. Unnithan’s major contributions include pioneering the use of handheld laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) for field investigations of volcanic deposits, as demonstrated in his 2021 study on Vulcano, Italy, which has garnered 17 citations. This work has proven instrumental in developing portable geochemical tools for future planetary missions. He is also the lead architect of the DAEDALUS mission concept, a compact spherical robot designed for autonomous exploration of lunar lava tubes—a key target for future human habitats and astrobiological research. The DAEDALUS concept, with its tightly integrated payload and autonomous navigation capabilities, has earned 5 citations and represents a novel approach to subsurface planetary exploration. Unnithan’s work not only advances our understanding of volcanic processes but also lays the groundwork for next-generation robotic explorers capable of operating in extreme, inaccessible environments.