Kyla Defore
Papers
1
Total Citations
17
H-Index
1
About
Kyla Defore is a pioneering researcher in the field of in situ resource utilization (ISRU) and space construction, with a focus on enabling sustainable human exploration of the Moon and Mars. Her most cited work, "Planetary Lego: Designing a Construction Block from a Regolith Derived Feedstock for In Situ Robotic Manufacturing" (2018, 17 citations), introduces a groundbreaking concept for creating modular building blocks from local planetary soil—regolith—using robotic manufacturing. This approach addresses a critical challenge in space exploration: reducing the mass of construction materials that must be transported from Earth. Defore’s contributions center on developing infrastructure such as landing pads, dust mitigation surfaces, thermal wadis, and habitats, all fabricated prior to human arrival. Her research demonstrates how simple, interlocking blocks can be produced autonomously, laying the groundwork for self-sustaining off-world colonies. By combining materials science, robotics, and planetary engineering, Defore’s work has significant implications for lowering mission costs and risks. Her innovative "Lego" concept has been recognized as a key step toward practical ISRU, inspiring further studies in autonomous construction and extraterrestrial manufacturing.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1