Fabrizio Paganucci

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About

Fabrizio Paganucci is a leading figure in electric propulsion, specializing in the development and diagnostics of high-power Hall effect thrusters (HETs) for next-generation interplanetary missions. His research centers on lanthanum hexaboride (LaB₆) hollow cathodes, critical components for achieving the extended lifetimes—upwards of 10,000 hours—required for manned and robotic deep-space travel. Paganucci’s major contributions include pioneering the use of triple Langmuir probes to characterize the plasma plume of LaB₆ hollow cathodes, providing essential data on electron temperature, density, and plasma potential. His 2019 paper on this topic has garnered 6 citations, establishing a foundational reference for cathode diagnostics. A second study, with 3 citations, further refines these measurement techniques, underscoring his role in advancing thruster reliability. Collaborating with SITAEL and the University of Pisa, Paganucci’s work directly supports the development of high-current cathodes for next-generation propulsion systems. His achievements are vital for enabling the ambitious missions that will define the future of space exploration, making him a key researcher in the field of electric propulsion.