Virginien Schaffter
Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology (Switzerland)
Papers
1
Total Citations
13
H-Index
1
About
Virginien Schaffter is a leading researcher in space robotics and in-orbit assembly, with a primary focus on enabling the construction of ultra-large structures in space. Her most notable contribution is her work on the H2020 PULSAR project, where she led the development of a prototype mirror tile for future large telescopes that would be robotically assembled in orbit. This groundbreaking research, published in 2020 and garnering 13 citations, directly addresses one of the key challenges in next-generation space astronomy: how to build and deploy telescopes far larger than current launch fairings can accommodate. By demonstrating the feasibility of autonomous robotic assembly of segmented mirrors in space, Schaffter’s work paves the way for revolutionary observatories that could dwarf the James Webb Space Telescope. Her research sits at the critical intersection of precision optics, space robotics, and structural engineering, and is foundational for future missions that will require kilometer-scale structures in orbit.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1