Michele Bonerba
Papers
1
Total Citations
18
H-Index
1
About
Michele Bonerba is a planetary scientist whose work focuses on the geological characterization of the Moon, particularly the South Pole-Aitken (SPA) basin—one of the largest and oldest impact features in the solar system. His most cited paper, "Analysis of landing site attributes for future missions targeting the rim of the lunar South Pole Aitken basin" (2012, 18 citations), provides a foundational assessment of terrain properties, lighting conditions, and scientific value for prospective landing zones. This research directly supports the strategic planning of robotic and human missions to the lunar far side, bridging remote sensing data with mission engineering constraints. Bonerba’s contributions are instrumental in identifying safe, scientifically rich sites that can yield insights into the Moon’s early crustal evolution and the impact history of the inner solar system. His work is cited by lunar exploration planners and geologists alike, reflecting its practical importance for upcoming international missions. By integrating crater counting, spectral analysis, and topographic modeling, Bonerba has helped define the criteria for selecting high-priority targets in one of the Moon’s most enigmatic regions.
Research Focus
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Top Papers
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