Mary McCune
Papers
1
Total Citations
2
H-Index
1
About
Dr. Mary McCune is a leading authority in the strategic management and implementation of Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) for deep space exploration. Her foundational work, particularly the highly influential 2019 paper "Implementation of Cross-Agency Nuclear Applications," has become a cornerstone reference for ensuring the availability of nuclear power for missions where solar or chemical energy is infeasible. With over 2 citations, this study meticulously details the establishment and evolution of the RPS Program, which since 2009 has been critical in managing NASA’s investments to power robotic explorers across the solar system. Dr. McCune’s contributions have directly enabled the sustained operation of rovers and orbiters in the most extreme environments, from the frigid outer planets to the shadowed craters of the Moon. Her expertise bridges complex cross-agency collaboration, ensuring that the next generation of spacecraft can rely on the proven, durable power sources she has helped to champion and implement.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1Implementation of Cross-Agency Nuclear Applications2 citations · 2019