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About

H. Schroeven-Deceuninck is a planetary scientist specializing in the development and validation of robotic and autonomous systems for space exploration. Their research focuses on creating functional analogues—terrestrial environments and protocols that simulate extraterrestrial conditions—to test and refine exploration technologies before they are deployed on the Moon, Mars, or beyond. A key contribution is their 2021 paper "Definition and use of functional analogues in planetary exploration," which has garnered 32 citations and established a foundational framework for optimizing instrument setups and data interpretation through rigorous pre-mission testing. This work addresses the practical limitations of human and robotic missions by providing a systematic approach to validation, bridging the gap between laboratory concepts and real-world planetary operations. Schroeven-Deceuninck also contributed to the design of a dedicated facility for the verification and validation of robotics and autonomy for planetary exploration (2013), underscoring their commitment to ensuring mission reliability. Their research is instrumental for students and engineers seeking to understand how analogue studies can reduce risk and enhance the scientific return of space missions.