C. J. C. McQuin

System Planning Corporation (United States)

Papers

Total Citations

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About

C. J. C. McQuin is a pioneering roboticist whose work bridges the gap between terrestrial engineering and extraterrestrial construction. Their primary research areas include planetary mobility systems, modular robotics, and in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) for space exploration. McQuin’s most notable contribution is the development of the Tri-ATHLETE (All Terrain Hex-Limbed Extra-Terrestrial Explorer) vehicle, a revolutionary wheel-on-limb robotic platform designed to support human return to the lunar surface. Their 2010 paper on this system, cited 33 times, details the design, assembly, and testing of a versatile rover capable of traversing challenging terrain while carrying heavy payloads—a critical enabler for future lunar outposts. Building on this, McQuin’s 2015 work on modular additive construction using native materials (25 citations) introduced a paradigm shift: using 3D printing and modular robotics to bind local regolith into mission support structures. This approach directly addresses the prohibitive cost of transporting mass from Earth, offering a sustainable path for deep-space habitats. McQuin’s research has been instrumental in shaping NASA’s vision for autonomous construction on the Moon and Mars, earning recognition for its blend of practical engineering and visionary thinking.