Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Mar Vaquero is a leading aerospace engineer whose research focuses on robotic lunar exploration, planetary surface operations, and the development of autonomous systems for extreme environments. Her major contributions center on advancing the capabilities of robotic platforms to perform complex tasks on the Moon, particularly in hazardous or inaccessible terrains. Her most-cited work, "Robotic Lunar Surface Operations 2" (2020, 41 citations), presents innovative strategies for multi-robot coordination and autonomous manipulation, directly supporting future missions that require sustained human-robot collaboration. Vaquero is also a key figure behind the Moon Diver mission concept (2019, 32 citations), a proposed Discovery-class mission designed to send a tethered rover into a lunar mare pit to explore pristine volcanic strata. This concept builds on the legacy of Apollo—when samples from Tranquility Base first revealed the Moon’s role as a keystone for understanding planetary crusts across the Solar System—by targeting untouched geological records. Her work bridges the gap between sample return science and in-situ robotic exploration, earning her recognition as a thought leader in next-generation lunar robotics. With over 100 total citations and growing influence, Vaquero is shaping how we will explore the Moon’s most challenging landscapes.