Benedict Grefen
Papers
1
Total Citations
4
H-Index
1
About
Dr. Benedict Grefen is a pioneering aerospace engineer whose research focuses on in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) and additive manufacturing for lunar infrastructure. His major contribution lies in advancing Mobile Selective Laser Melting (M-SLM) technology, which enables the direct conversion of lunar regolith into solid, usable structures—a critical capability for establishing permanent bases on the Moon. As the lead developer of the MOONRISE payload, Grefen provided the first proof-of-principle for this mobile 3D printing approach in a lunar-like environment, demonstrating that raw soil can be melted and shaped without transporting heavy materials from Earth. This work, published in 2023, has already garnered 4 citations and is foundational for future extraterrestrial construction. Grefen’s achievements include designing the payload for operation under vacuum and microgravity, addressing key challenges in thermal management and material behavior. His research directly supports the vision of sustainable lunar habitation, drastically reducing mission costs and logistical burdens. For students and researchers, Grefen exemplifies how innovative materials science and robotics can transform science fiction into engineering reality.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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