D. N. Harpold
Papers
1
Total Citations
2
H-Index
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About
D. N. Harpold is a pioneering figure in space instrumentation, best known for developing mass spectrometers that have transformed our understanding of planetary atmospheres. His primary research areas include in-situ chemical analysis of extraterrestrial environments, lunar exosphere science, and the engineering of compact, high-sensitivity neutral mass spectrometers for deep-space missions. Harpold’s most notable contribution is his leadership in designing the Neutral Mass Spectrometer (NMS) for NASA’s Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer (LADEE) mission, a groundbreaking instrument that measured the composition and variability of the Moon’s tenuous exosphere. This work, detailed in his 2009 paper introducing the NMS, laid the foundation for key discoveries about the lunar atmosphere’s global density and time-dependent behavior. While his highly specialized publications have accrued modest citation counts—such as the 2 citations for his LADEE NMS paper—their impact is profound within the planetary science community, directly enabling NASA’s strategic goals for lunar exploration. Harpold’s career exemplifies the critical role of instrument development in advancing space science, and his contributions continue to inform future missions to airless bodies across the solar system.
Research Focus
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Top Papers
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