Matthew B. Francom

Goddard Space Flight Center, Virginia Tech

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Matthew B. Francom is a pioneering aerospace and robotic systems engineer whose work bridges the gap between orbital refueling technology and autonomous medical robotics. His most significant contribution is his leadership on the Robotic Refueling Mission-3 (RRM3), a landmark external payload on the International Space Station that demonstrated the critical techniques for storing and transferring cryogenic fuel in orbit. This work, published in 2020 and garnering 20 citations, directly supports NASA’s long-term goals for sustainable space exploration by enabling spacecraft to be refueled rather than discarded. In a striking parallel application, Francom also developed an autonomous robotic system for cataract surgery, proposing a three-actuator RPS parallel mechanism to address the growing global treatment gap. This innovative crossover between space robotics and medical devices highlights his unique ability to solve complex manipulation challenges across domains. Francom’s work at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center exemplifies how robotic precision engineering can serve both the frontiers of space and the immediate needs of human health.