D. Piazza

University of Bern, International Space Science Institute

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

D. Piazza is a pioneering aerospace engineer and instrument scientist whose work is shaping the next generation of lunar exploration. Their primary research focuses on the development of in-situ analytical instrumentation for planetary surfaces, with a particular emphasis on laser-based mass spectrometry (LIMS) for geochemical analysis. Piazza’s major contribution is the design and integration of a complete sample handling and analysis system for the lunar regolith, a critical component for upcoming robotic missions under NASA’s Artemis CLPS program. Their most cited work, “In Situ Lunar Regolith Analysis by Laser-Based Mass Spectrometry” (2023, 10 citations), details the development of a LIMS instrument capable of determining the chemical and mineralogical composition of the Moon’s surface directly on-site. Building on this, their 2025 paper (2 citations) provides a comprehensive blueprint for the sample handling system that prepares lunar soil for laser ablation ionization, solving a key engineering challenge for autonomous operations. With a growing citation footprint and direct involvement in NASA’s return to the Moon, Piazza is establishing themselves as a vital contributor to the infrastructure needed for sustained lunar science and resource utilization.