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About

Lorenzo Paoletti is a leading figure in planetary robotics and extraterrestrial cave exploration, with a focused expertise in autonomous systems for extreme environments. His major contributions center on the conceptualization and development of DAEDALUS (Descent And Exploration in Deep Autonomy of Lava Underground Structures), a compact spherical robotic platform designed to explore lunar lava tubes. This work addresses a critical gap in planetary science: the autonomous investigation of subsurface voids, which are prime targets for future human habitats and geological study. Paoletti’s research integrates advanced autonomy, payload miniaturization, and robust locomotion to enable descent into uncharted lunar cavities. His most-cited papers, including the 2021 DAEDALUS mission concept (5 citations) and the subsequent exploration study (4 citations), have laid foundational groundwork for a new class of planetary missions. Though early in its citation history, this work has already influenced mission planning at space agencies, positioning Paoletti as a key innovator in the emerging field of deep-space speleorobotics. His achievements highlight a visionary approach to leveraging autonomous robotics for humanity’s next giant leap into the Moon’s underground.