M. L. Litvak
Papers
6
Total Citations
1,352
H-Index
6
About
M. L. Litvak is a leading planetary scientist whose research spans the radiation environments of Mars, the Moon, and beyond, with a career marked by pivotal contributions to space exploration. A key figure in the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) mission, Litvak co-authored the foundational 2012 paper "Mars Science Laboratory Mission and Science Investigation" (816 citations), which outlined the Curiosity rover's quest to assess Martian habitability. Their work on the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) is equally impactful, with the 2007 overview of its instrument suite (401 citations) serving as a cornerstone for lunar science. Litvak’s expertise in radiation detection is evident in studies of the Martian surface, including unfolding neutron flux spectra using MSL-RAD and Odyssey-HEND data, and monitoring solar energetic particles from the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter. They also contributed to the discovery of gamma-ray burst GRB 020405 and its optical afterglow. More recently, Litvak led experiments with the Luna-25 robotic arm, testing lunar regolith analogs under simulated conditions. With over a thousand citations across their most prominent works, Litvak’s research is essential for understanding planetary habitability and preparing for future crewed missions.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1Mars Science Laboratory Mission and Science Investigation816 citations · 2012
- 2Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Overview: The Instrument Suite and Mission401 citations · 2007
- 3Discovery of GRB 020405 and Its Late Red Bump93 citations · 2003
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