Theresa Klein
Papers
1
Total Citations
2
H-Index
1
About
Theresa Klein is a leading aerospace engineer whose work centers on autonomous navigation and hazard detection systems for planetary landers, with a particular focus on enabling safe, precise landings on the Moon and other celestial bodies. Her most notable contribution is the development and flight testing of Astrobotic’s Hazard Detection LiDAR system, a scanning LiDAR and high-performance computing suite designed to identify terrain hazards in real time during descent. In her landmark paper, “Hazard Detection LiDAR System for Robotic Lunar Landers: Flight Test Results,” Klein details rigorous field tests conducted in the Mojave Desert and at lunar analog sites, demonstrating the sensor’s ability to detect rocks, craters, and slopes with high accuracy. This work is critical to NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services program and future Artemis missions, where autonomous hazard avoidance is essential for crewed and cargo landings. Though her research is still emerging, with early citations reflecting its recency, Klein’s contributions are already shaping the next generation of lunar exploration technology. Her achievements underscore a career dedicated to bridging sensor engineering and real-world spaceflight operations, making her a key figure in the push toward reliable, autonomous planetary landing systems.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1