Victoria V. Ortega

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About

Victoria V. Ortega is a leading researcher in planetary robotics and in-situ resource utilization (ISRU), with a focus on enabling sustainable human exploration of the lunar south pole. Her most impactful work centers on the design and autonomous operation of the ISRU Pilot Excavator (IPEx), a novel robotic system engineered for regolith mining in extreme polar conditions. Ortega’s major contributions include advancing the IPEx design to Technology Readiness Level 5, demonstrating a robust mechanical and mechatronic architecture capable of withstanding the lunar environment’s low solar angles and abrasive dust. Her 2024 paper on the IPEx TRL-5 design has garnered 9 citations, establishing foundational knowledge for future excavation systems. In her 2025 work, she pioneered the IPEx Autonomy Test-Site, a terrestrial proving ground that replicates lunar south pole challenges—such as uneven terrain and limited lighting—to validate autonomous excavation algorithms. This research, with 3 citations, directly supports NASA’s Artemis program by de-risking critical ISRU technologies. Ortega’s achievements bridge the gap between terrestrial testing and off-world operations, positioning her as a key figure in the next era of space exploration.