Kevin S. Kempton
Papers
2
Total Citations
9
H-Index
2
About
Kevin S. Kempton is a leading researcher in autonomous planetary landing systems, with a primary focus on lidar-based hazard detection and avoidance for spacecraft. His most significant contribution is the pioneering closed-loop flight testing of a suite of three lidar sensors aboard the Morpheus rocket-propelled lander. In a world first, Kempton demonstrated that these sensors could scan a lunar-like hazard field, autonomously identify a safe landing site, and, in concert with an experimental Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GN&C) system, guide the vehicle to a precise touchdown. This work, detailed in his most-cited paper (with 5 citations), proved the viability of real-time, sensor-driven hazard avoidance for future lunar and planetary missions. By integrating lidar technology with autonomous flight control, Kempton’s research directly addresses one of the most critical challenges in space exploration: landing safely in unknown, rocky terrain. His achievements on the Morpheus test bed have laid the groundwork for next-generation landers, enhancing the safety and reliability of robotic and crewed missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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