Carlos Pantano
Papers
3
Total Citations
49
H-Index
3
About
Carlos Pantano is a leading researcher in aerospace engineering, specializing in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and fluid-structure interaction (FSI) for planetary entry, descent, and landing systems. His work is pivotal in advancing the design and qualification of inflatable aerodynamic decelerators (IADs) and supersonic parachutes, technologies critical for robotic and human exploration missions. Pantano’s major contributions include developing high-fidelity FSI simulation methods that model the complex, coupled behavior of flexible decelerators under extreme aerodynamic loads. His most cited paper, “Findings from the Supersonic Qualification Program of the Mars Science Laboratory Parachute System” (2009, 38 citations), documents the rigorous testing of NASA’s largest extra-terrestrial parachute, a key component of the successful 2012 Mars Science Laboratory landing. This work, alongside his studies on tension-cone IADs and computational FSI frameworks, has provided engineers with predictive tools to assess performance and stability. With over 49 citations across his top papers, Pantano’s research directly supports safer, more reliable entry systems for future planetary missions, marking him as a key contributor to the next generation of space exploration technology.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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