David M. Cornelius
Papers
1
Total Citations
5
H-Index
1
About
David M. Cornelius is a researcher in astrodynamics and space mission design, with a focus on the complex challenges of asteroid capture and deflection. His most-cited work, "Catching a Rolling Stone: Dynamics and Control of a Spacecraft and an Asteroid" (2013), proposes a robotic mission to collect a small asteroid or fragment and transport it to an Earth-Moon orbit. This paper, with 5 citations, lays foundational groundwork for solving the engineering problems of interacting with and redirecting small celestial bodies. Cornelius’s contributions address critical dynamics and control issues that underpin future asteroid retrieval and planetary defense efforts. While his citation count is modest, his research speaks to a niche but vital area of space exploration, offering early-stage insights into the feasibility of asteroid capture. His work is particularly relevant for students and researchers interested in the intersection of orbital mechanics, spacecraft control, and in-situ resource utilization, marking him as a thoughtful contributor to the long-term vision of human activity in cislunar space.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1