Natalie M. Curran
Papers
1
Total Citations
46
H-Index
1
About
Natalie M. Curran is a planetary scientist whose research focuses on the geology of the Moon and Mars, with a particular emphasis on robotic exploration strategies and sample return missions. Her most-cited work, "Robotic traverse and sample return strategies for a lunar farside mission to the Schrödinger basin" (2014, 46 citations), outlines a pioneering approach to exploring one of the Moon's most scientifically compelling regions—the Schrödinger basin—using autonomous rovers to collect and return samples. This paper has become a foundational reference for mission planners and planetary geologists, demonstrating how robotic systems can overcome the challenges of lunar farside operations. Curran’s contributions extend to understanding impact cratering processes, volcanic history, and the evolution of planetary surfaces, often integrating remote sensing data with field analog studies. Her work has shaped discussions on future NASA and international lunar exploration goals, particularly for the Artemis program. With a growing citation impact, Curran is recognized as a key voice in the next generation of planetary scientists, bridging the gap between orbital observations and in-situ exploration.
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