W. van Westrenen
Papers
1
Total Citations
27
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1
About
W. van Westrenen is a leading planetary scientist whose research focuses on the geochemistry and evolution of terrestrial planets, with a particular emphasis on the Moon and Mars. His major contributions include pioneering work on the petrology of lunar magmas and the volatile content of planetary interiors, which has reshaped our understanding of how rocky bodies differentiate and sustain water. One of his most notable achievements is his leadership in the HERACLES human-assisted sample return mission concept, detailed in his highly cited 2016 paper "Analyses of robotic traverses and sample sites in the Schrödinger basin for the HERACLES human-assisted sample return mission concept" (27 citations). This work outlines a strategic framework for returning key lunar samples from the Schrödinger basin, a region critical for deciphering the Moon’s deep crust and mantle. Through his research, van Westrenen has bridged experimental petrology with mission planning, earning recognition for advancing both fundamental science and future exploration. His studies on the behavior of trace elements and isotopes in high-pressure environments continue to inform models of planetary formation, making him a vital voice in the field of comparative planetology.
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Top Papers
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