Liz Zhang

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About

Liz Zhang is a pioneering researcher in space robotics and in-situ resource utilization (ISRU), with a focused expertise in robotic locomotion and excavation for extraterrestrial environments. Her most notable contribution is the development and testing of the ISRU Pilot Excavator (IPEx), a NASA-funded robotic system designed to autonomously traverse and excavate lunar regolith. Through rigorous wheel testing in simulated lunar soil, Zhang demonstrated critical performance parameters for a robot tasked with driving up to 70 km at speeds of 30 cm/s on the Moon, directly informing the mission’s concept of operations. Her work addresses fundamental challenges in terramechanics and mobility for low-gravity, abrasive terrains, ensuring the IPEx can reliably collect resources for future sustained lunar habitation. With 2 citations to date, her research is foundational for upcoming NASA Artemis missions, positioning her as an emerging leader in space robotics. Zhang’s achievements highlight her role in bridging robotic engineering with planetary science, making her a key figure in the next era of lunar exploration.