Nalik Kenia

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Nalik Kenia is a visionary aerospace engineer whose work centers on the trajectory design and mission architecture for small satellite exploration of the Martian system. His most notable contribution is the conceptualization of the Perseus mission, a CubeSat concept designed to rendezvous with Phobos, one of Mars’ enigmatic moons. Kenia’s research addresses a critical gap in planetary science: using low Δv trajectories, he demonstrates how small, cost-effective spacecraft can serve as precursors for human exploration, positioning Phobos and Deimos as ideal staging bases for future Mars surface missions. Though his most cited paper has garnered 4 citations, its influence is significant within the small satellite and planetary defense communities, highlighting his role in advancing affordable deep-space access. Kenia’s work is particularly compelling for students and researchers interested in the intersection of astrodynamics, mission design, and the practical pathways to human Mars exploration.