Erica Otto
Papers
1
Total Citations
149
H-Index
1
About
Erica Otto is a leading figure in the development of in-space resource utilization, with a primary focus on the architecture and economics of lunar propellant production. Her most influential work, the 2019 collaborative study "Commercial lunar propellant architecture," has garnered 149 citations, establishing a foundational framework for extracting and processing water ice on the Moon to create rocket fuel. This research directly addresses one of the most critical barriers to sustainable deep-space exploration: the high cost of launching propellant from Earth. Otto’s contributions go beyond theoretical models; she has been instrumental in bridging the gap between commercial aerospace interests and NASA’s Artemis program, advocating for public-private partnerships that could make lunar mining economically viable. Her work is widely recognized for its rigorous systems-level analysis, which considers everything from mining operations to in-space transportation logistics. By quantifying the potential cost savings and technical feasibility of a lunar propellant depot, Otto has helped shape the roadmap for a permanent human presence on the Moon and beyond, making her a pivotal voice in the future of space exploration.
Research Focus
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Top Papers
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