G. W. Patterson

About

G. W. Patterson is a leading planetary scientist whose research centers on the geophysical exploration of the Moon, with a particular focus on radar remote sensing and spacecraft dynamics. As a key investigator for the Miniature Radio Frequency (Mini-RF) instrument aboard NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO), Patterson has made transformative contributions to our understanding of lunar surface properties. His most cited work, “The Miniature Radio Frequency instrument’s (Mini-RF) global observations of Earth’s Moon” (2014, 80 citations), provided a foundational global survey of radar backscatter, revealing the Moon’s polar cold traps and volatile deposits. More recently, Patterson has advanced the field through innovative studies on the variability of lunar dielectric constants, using Mini-RF S-band data to map regolith composition and porosity—critical for future landing site selection and resource utilization. His impact extends beyond science into engineering: his 2024 paper on fast attitude maneuvers for LRO demonstrates a practical application of advanced control theory (Birkhoff pseudospectral theory) to optimize spacecraft operations during extended missions. With over a decade of LRO data analysis, Patterson’s work bridges fundamental planetary science and applied mission support, making him a pivotal figure in lunar exploration.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

Top Papers

1. 1
   The Miniature Radio Frequency instrument’s (Mini-RF) global observations of Earth’s Moon

   80 citations · 2014
2. 2
   Fast Attitude Maneuvers for NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter: Practical Flight Application of Attitude Guidance using Birkhoff Pseudospectral Theory and Hamiltonian Programming

   7 citations · 2024
3. 3
   Inferring the Variability of Dielectric Constant on the Moon from Mini-RF S-Band Observations

   3 citations · 2024

Key Collaborators

Contact & Links