Patrick T. Taylor
Papers
2
Total Citations
37
H-Index
2
About
Patrick T. Taylor is a leading figure in planetary geophysics, specializing in the thermal properties of extraterrestrial surfaces. His primary research focuses on developing innovative instrumentation and data analysis techniques for measuring in-situ thermal conductivity on the Moon and other planetary bodies. Taylor’s major contributions include pioneering pneumatic and percussive methods for embedding heat flow probes into lunar regolith, a critical advancement for future robotic missions. His work on refining the needle probe method—demonstrated in his widely cited 2014 paper—has significantly improved the accuracy of thermal conductivity measurements by correcting for sensor contact resistance and heat loss. With foundational papers garnering over 20 citations, Taylor’s algorithms are now considered standard for interpreting thermal data from planetary regoliths. His research directly supports NASA’s Artemis program and international efforts to understand the Moon’s subsurface thermal environment, which is essential for identifying water ice deposits and designing long-duration habitats. Taylor’s blend of engineering ingenuity and rigorous data science has made him a key contributor to the next generation of lunar exploration.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1
- 2