Benjamin C. Martell
SpaceX (United States), Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Papers
3
Total Citations
17
H-Index
2
About
Benjamin C. Martell is a space systems researcher whose work sits at the intersection of deployable structures, lunar infrastructure, and robotic exploration. He has made notable contributions to the design and development of autonomous tower systems for use on the Moon, particularly in support of NASA's Artemis program and its objectives surrounding the lunar south pole. Martell's most recognized work focuses on lightweight, self-deploying lunar towers — most prominently through his involvement with the Multifunctional Expandable Lunar Lite & Tall Tower (MELLTT) concept — which leverages deployable composite boom technology developed in collaboration between MIT and NASA Langley Research Center. These structures are designed to extend communication and sensing capabilities into permanently shadowed regions (PSRs), areas of intense scientific and resource-extraction interest due to their suspected water ice deposits. His research addresses the formidable engineering challenges of operating in these extreme environments, where conventional lander access is severely limited. With work spanning feasibility studies to detailed design development, and accumulating citations across multiple peer-reviewed conference contributions, Martell represents an emerging voice in next-generation lunar surface infrastructure — research increasingly vital as humanity prepares to return to the Moon.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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