Sue Linch
Papers
1
Total Citations
19
H-Index
1
About
Dr. Sue Linch is a pioneering planetary scientist whose work centers on lunar geology, volatile cycles, and the advancement of small satellite missions for deep-space exploration. Her most recognized contribution is her leadership of NASA’s Lunar Trailblazer mission, a groundbreaking Small Innovative Missions for Planetary Exploration (SIMPLEx) project selected in 2019. As detailed in her highly cited 2022 paper, Lunar Trailblazer aims to revolutionize our understanding of the form, abundance, and distribution of water on the Moon, as well as the dynamics of the lunar water cycle—a critical area for future human exploration. The mission, which successfully delivered its flight system in late 2022, represents a paradigm shift in planetary science by demonstrating how small, cost-effective satellites can address major scientific questions. Dr. Linch’s work has garnered significant attention, with her flagship paper accumulating 19 citations and influencing subsequent lunar exploration strategies. Her achievements highlight her as a leader in both instrument design and mission architecture, inspiring a new generation of researchers to pursue ambitious, resourceful approaches to studying the Moon and other planetary bodies.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1