Kristen Bury

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Kristen Bury is a leading researcher in space power and propulsion systems, with a focus on solar electric propulsion (SEP) technology. Her work bridges the gap between commercial, military, and NASA applications, demonstrating how SEP can enable ambitious robotic and human space missions. Bury’s major contributions include designing power and propulsion systems for near-Earth object (NEO) robotic exploration, showing that SEP allows flexible launch windows and rapid access to a wide range of NEOs—a critical capability for planetary defense and resource utilization. Her 2011 paper on SEP tug power system considerations (10 citations) laid groundwork for integrating high-power solar arrays with electric thrusters, while her companion study on NEO mission design (8 citations) provided a systems-level framework for propulsion and power trade-offs. Though her citation counts reflect a niche but growing field, Bury’s work has been foundational for NASA’s evolving SEP roadmap and commercial satellite servicing concepts. Her research is essential reading for engineers and students interested in the intersection of power systems, electric propulsion, and deep-space exploration.