Niklas Gerdes
Papers
1
Total Citations
4
H-Index
1
About
Dr. Niklas Gerdes is a pioneering researcher in the field of In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU), with a specific focus on laser-based additive manufacturing for lunar construction. His most notable contribution is the development of the MOONRISE payload, a mobile system designed for selective laser melting of lunar regolith. This breakthrough technology aims to transform raw lunar soil into solid, functional structures directly on the Moon’s surface, dramatically reducing the cost and logistical burden of transporting construction materials from Earth. By demonstrating that lasers can effectively melt and solidify regolith in microgravity and vacuum conditions, Gerdes’s work addresses a critical bottleneck for sustainable lunar colonization. His 2021 paper on the MOONRISE payload, which has already garnered 4 citations, is a foundational reference for researchers in extraterrestrial construction and space manufacturing. Gerdes’s research not only advances the practical feasibility of building habitats, landing pads, and roads on the Moon but also inspires a new generation of engineers to explore how local resources can enable long-term human presence beyond Earth.
Research Focus
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Top Papers
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