Paul Bielski

Johnson Space Center, Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Paul Bielski is a visionary in the field of human space exploration, with a focused expertise in mission architecture and planetary science. His primary research centers on the strategic role of Phobos as a critical stepping stone for humanity’s journey to Mars. Bielski’s major contribution lies in championing the concept of a human and robotic mission to Phobos *before* a crewed Mars surface landing. He argues that such a precursor expedition is not merely a detour but an essential proving ground. His work demonstrates how a Phobos mission would allow us to develop and test the entire Mars transportation infrastructure—including crewed spacecraft, unmanned cargo delivery, and surface systems—in a real deep-space environment, all while mitigating the risks of a direct landing. His most-cited paper (2016, 13 citations) and its companion piece (2 citations) detail how Phobos offers unique scientific value, operational challenges, and public engagement opportunities that would enhance subsequent surface missions. By advocating for this pragmatic, stepwise approach, Bielski has helped shape the conversation around sustainable human expansion into the solar system, offering a clear, achievable path to making Mars a destination for humanity.