S. Mustafi

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

S. Mustafi is a leading aerospace engineer whose work is central to advancing in-space cryogenic fluid management—a critical capability for future deep-space exploration. Their research focuses on developing technologies for storing, transferring, and handling cryogenic propellants like liquid hydrogen and oxygen in microgravity, enabling long-duration missions and orbital refueling. Mustafi’s most significant contribution is their leadership on the Robotic Refueling Mission-3 (RRM3), a NASA payload on the International Space Station that successfully demonstrated key techniques for on-orbit cryogenic fuel transfer. This landmark project, detailed in their most-cited paper (2020, 20 citations), proved that cryogenic fluids could be stored for extended periods and transferred without significant loss—a breakthrough for sustainable space operations. Their earlier foundational work, "Techniques for on-orbit cryogenic servicing" (2014, 9 citations), laid the groundwork for these demonstrations. Mustafi’s innovations are directly enabling NASA’s Artemis program and future missions to Mars, where in-space refueling will be essential. Their achievements have been recognized through multiple NASA awards, and their research continues to shape the next generation of spacecraft design and propulsion systems.