Jie Ji

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About

Jie Ji is a leading figure in planetary exploration engineering, specializing in the development of autonomous drilling systems for extraterrestrial subsurface investigation. His primary research focuses on robotic drilling mechanisms, in situ identification of planetary regolith properties, and the design of lightweight, energy-efficient tools for lunar and Martian missions. Ji’s most notable contribution is the invention of the inchworm drilling system, a novel bio-inspired mechanism that enables deep subsurface sampling with minimal reaction force—critical for low-gravity environments. His 2019 paper on this system, which has garnered 32 citations, details how the design can access planetary regolith to study its physical properties, sequence structure, and heat flow, advancing our understanding of lunar evolution and resource utilization. In his 2018 work (15 citations), Ji proposed a drilling tool design coupled with an in situ identification method for regolith mechanical parameters, enabling real-time adaptation to unknown subsurface conditions. These innovations have positioned him as a key contributor to future planetary exploration missions, with his work directly supporting efforts in astrobiology and in situ resource utilization. Ji’s research bridges mechanical engineering and space science, offering practical solutions for one of space exploration’s most challenging tasks: autonomous subsurface sampling.