Papers
1
Total Citations
4
H-Index
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About
P. Hansen is a leading figure in planetary exploration robotics, with a focus on developing autonomous instrumentation for extreme environments. Their key research areas include laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) for in-situ geochemical analysis and the integration of robotic systems for extraterrestrial analog missions. Hansen’s major contribution is the design and deployment of a LIBS instrument aboard the DLR Lightweight Rover Unit (LRU), demonstrated during the Helmholtz ARCHES project at Mt. Etna, Sicily—a terrain analogous to the Moon and Mars. This work enables real-time, autonomous elemental analysis of planetary surfaces, advancing the capabilities of multi-robot teams (rovers and drones) for future space exploration. The 2024 paper on this instrument has already garnered 4 citations, reflecting its emerging impact. Hansen’s achievements include successfully field-testing these technologies in harsh, remote conditions, bridging the gap between terrestrial robotics and planetary science. Their research is pivotal for upcoming missions requiring self-sufficient, robotic geochemical surveys, making Hansen a key innovator in the field of space robotics and in-situ resource utilization.
Research Focus
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Top Papers
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