June F. Zakrajsek

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About

June F. Zakrajsek has made pivotal contributions to the advancement of space exploration through her leadership in radioisotope power systems (RPS). Her primary research areas encompass nuclear power applications for deep-space missions, cross-agency collaboration in aerospace technology, and the strategic management of RPS investments. Zakrajsek’s most notable work includes her role in establishing and implementing the RPS Program in 2009, which ensures the availability of reliable power for missions where solar or chemical energy is unfeasible—such as exploring the outer solar system. Her paper "Implementation of Cross-Agency Nuclear Applications" (2019) documents this critical framework, though her broader impact is measured by the program’s enabling of landmark missions like the Mars rovers and the upcoming Dragonfly mission to Titan. With over a decade of influence, her work has garnered significant attention, reflected in the program’s foundational citation count. Zakrajsek’s achievements highlight her as a key architect of sustainable nuclear power for NASA, driving innovation in environments where conventional power fails. Her legacy inspires researchers pursuing resilient energy solutions for humanity’s most ambitious voyages.