B. Bierhaus

Papers

Total Citations

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About

B. Bierhaus is a key figure in planetary science, best known for his foundational contributions to asteroid sample-return mission design and impact cratering mechanics. His work is central to the NASA OSIRIS-REx mission, where he played a leading role in developing the Touch-and-Go (TAG) sample collection strategy, a complex maneuver that successfully retrieved pristine regolith from the near-Earth asteroid Bennu. This landmark achievement, detailed in his highly cited 2014 mission design paper, has enabled unprecedented analysis of early solar system materials. Beyond OSIRIS-REx, Bierhaus has made significant advances in understanding impact processes on icy satellites, particularly Europa and Ganymede, where his research on secondary cratering and crater size-frequency distributions has reshaped models of surface ages and geologic history. With over 10,000 citations, his work is widely recognized for its rigorous integration of mission engineering with fundamental planetary science. He has also contributed to the Europa Clipper mission, further cementing his reputation as a leading architect of modern planetary exploration.