Richard Ewell
Papers
2
Total Citations
8
H-Index
2
About
Dr. Richard Ewell is a pioneering figure in space power systems, with a career dedicated to advancing the energy technologies that enable robotic exploration of the Solar System. His primary research areas include radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) and lithium-ion battery systems for extreme environments. Dr. Ewell made a landmark contribution to NASA’s Mars Exploration Rovers, Spirit and Opportunity, by developing the Li-ion rechargeable batteries that powered these rovers for years beyond their expected lifetimes—a feat that directly enabled their groundbreaking geological studies. His work on the Advanced Thermoelectric Converter (ATEC) further pushed the boundaries of high-temperature power generation for deep-space missions, addressing the growing energy demands of future spacecraft. Though his most-cited papers have modest citation counts (5 and 3, respectively), their impact is profound: the technologies he helped create have been critical to some of NASA’s most celebrated missions, demonstrating that engineering reliability in space often matters more than citation metrics. Dr. Ewell’s legacy lies in the silent, enduring power systems that continue to fuel humanity’s quest to understand the cosmos.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1
- 2Li-ion rechargeable batteries on Mars Exploration Rovers3 citations · 2006