Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Jared Atkinson is a leading figure in the field of in situ resource utilization (ISRU) and planetary surface engineering, with a focus on enabling sustainable human exploration of the Moon and Mars. His research centers on the physical and geotechnical properties of extraterrestrial regolith—the fine, granular material covering most planetary surfaces—and the development of technologies to harness it. Atkinson’s most impactful work, the 2019 study "Commercial lunar propellant architecture," has garnered 149 citations and outlines a collaborative framework for producing rocket fuel from lunar resources, a critical step for deep-space missions. He also pioneered a novel experimental capability to study regolith surface properties (26 citations), advancing both scientific understanding and ISRU applications. Notably, his 2018 paper on constructing landing pads from in-situ rocks addresses the severe problem of rocket exhaust erosion, proposing robotic solutions to protect lunar and Martian infrastructure. More recently, his "Stinger" geotechnical sensing package (2021) provides a compact tool for small rovers to assess soil mechanics, essential for safe mobility and excavation. Through these contributions, Atkinson is shaping the practical architecture of a permanent off-world presence.