Wil Santiago
Papers
1
Total Citations
19
H-Index
1
About
Wil Santiago is a leading figure in planetary science, best known for his foundational work on NASA’s Lunar Trailblazer mission. His research centers on lunar geology, the distribution and cycling of water on the Moon, and the advancement of small satellite technology for deep-space exploration. Santiago’s most cited paper, “NASA's Lunar Trailblazer Mission: A Pioneering Small Satellite for Lunar Water and Lunar Geology” (2022, 19 citations), details the mission’s ambitious goals: to map the form, abundance, and distribution of lunar water and to unravel the Moon’s water cycle. Selected in 2019 as a NASA SIMPLEx mission, Lunar Trailblazer is now in implementation for flight system delivery, representing a major achievement in low-cost, high-impact planetary exploration. Santiago’s work is pivotal for future in-situ resource utilization and our understanding of the Moon’s geology. His contributions have already shaped the trajectory of small satellite science, earning him recognition as a key innovator in the next generation of lunar exploration.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1