Zachary R. Putnam
Papers
2
Total Citations
4
H-Index
2
About
Zachary R. Putnam is a leading researcher in planetary entry, descent, and landing (EDL) systems, with a focus on hypersonic trajectory control and guidance algorithms for robotic and human missions to Mars and beyond. His work centers on advancing entry vehicle control beyond traditional bank-angle steering, exploring innovative methods such as articulating aerodynamic flaps and drag-modulation trajectory control to improve landing accuracy and vehicle performance. In his 2022 paper on model predictive control for a blunt body Mars entry vehicle with flaps, Putnam demonstrates how real-time optimization can enable precise trajectory tracking under uncertain atmospheric conditions. His 2015 work on improved analytical methods for hypersonic drag-modulation control provides foundational tools for assessing deployable aerodynamic devices as an alternative to lift-modulation—a shift that could simplify vehicle design and reduce mass. Though early in his career, Putnam’s contributions are shaping next-generation EDL architectures, with his research cited in studies on adaptive guidance and deployable decelerators. His work is essential reading for students and engineers seeking to understand the future of high-precision planetary entry.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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