Rickbir Bahia

European Space Research and Technology Centre

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Dr. Rickbir Bahia is a leading planetary scientist whose research focuses on lunar geology, impact cratering, and the identification of high-priority landing sites for robotic and human exploration missions. His most notable contribution is the detailed characterization of the Apollo Basin, a 492 km diameter peak-ring basin within the Moon’s ancient South Pole–Aitken (SPA) basin. In his highly cited 2024 paper, Bahia systematically evaluated and selected three optimal landing sites within this region, balancing scientific value with engineering constraints—work that directly supports future mission planning. With over a dozen citations already, this study has become a key reference for lunar exploration strategy. Bahia’s research bridges the gap between planetary science and mission architecture, providing actionable targets for sample return and in-situ resource utilization. His work not only advances our understanding of the Moon’s oldest and largest impact structures but also lays the groundwork for the next generation of lunar exploration, making him a vital voice in the international space science community.