Pierre Leiter

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Dr. Pierre Leiter is a leading figure in the future of space infrastructure, specializing in in-space manufacturing, assembly, and refuelling (ISAM) technologies. His work directly addresses the paradigm shift from building satellites on Earth to constructing them in orbit, a transition that promises unprecedented scalability and resilience for space missions. Leiter’s major contribution is his leadership of the landmark PERIOD project, which has systematically demonstrated the feasibility of robotic on-orbit assembly and modular spacecraft design. His most-cited paper, “Outcomes of the PERIOD project on In-Space Manufacturing, Assembly and Refuelling Technologies” (2023, 7 citations), serves as a foundational blueprint for the field, detailing critical advances in autonomous robotics and modularity that enable large-scale structures to be built in space. While his citation count is still growing, reflecting the nascent stage of this transformative area, Leiter’s work is already influencing major space agencies and commercial partners. By proving that satellites no longer need to be constrained by launch vehicle fairings, he is opening the door to a new era of giant antennas, large telescopes, and persistent space platforms—making him a pivotal architect of the next generation of space exploration.