Xuefeng Tong
Papers
1
Total Citations
20
H-Index
1
About
Xuefeng Tong is a leading figure in extraterrestrial robotic drilling and planetary sample-return technology, with his most impactful work centered on the Chinese Chang’E 5 lunar mission. His major contribution is the design, development, and successful deployment of a 2-meter-class robotic drill that, on December 2, 2020, penetrated 1 meter into the lunar regolith and retrieved 259.72 grams of samples—the first lunar sample return in over 40 years. His 2023 paper detailing the drill’s engineering, terrestrial validation, and in-situ performance has garnered 20 citations, reflecting its significance in space robotics and planetary science. Tong’s work bridges mechanical design, autonomous drilling in low-gravity environments, and contamination-free sample acquisition, setting a benchmark for future missions like Chang’E 6 and 7. His achievements demonstrate how precision robotics can unlock the Moon’s geological history, inspiring students and researchers in aerospace engineering and planetary exploration.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1Robotic drilling for the Chinese Chang’E 5 lunar sample-return mission20 citations · 2023