Brandon Tomlinson

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Brandon Tomlinson is a visionary aerospace engineer whose work focuses on the future of in-space manufacturing and autonomous construction. His research centers on the conceptual and practical engineering of multipurpose robotic systems designed to build large-scale space habitats using local planetary resources, a field known as in-situ resource utilization (ISRU). Tomlinson’s major contribution lies in pioneering the design of a single robotic craft capable of quarrying material, sintering surfaces, and performing final assembly—a concept that could revolutionize how we construct space stations. His most-cited paper (2005, 6 citations) presents a detailed blueprint for building a 50-meter diameter cylindrical module from pulverized rock sourced from a Near-Earth Object, demonstrating the feasibility of using solar energy for such ambitious projects. A follow-up paper (2005, 2 citations) further refines the engineering of this construction robot. Though his citation counts are modest, Tomlinson’s work is foundational for the emerging field of space-based construction, offering a tangible path toward self-sustaining orbital infrastructure and inspiring future researchers to turn science fiction into engineering reality.