Xuemin Zhou

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Xuemin Zhou is a leading figure in lunar and planetary geomechanics, with a focused research portfolio on the mechanical behavior of extraterrestrial materials under extreme environmental conditions. Her work is central to advancing in situ resource utilization and sample-return missions, particularly for the Moon. Her most notable contribution is the development of experimental frameworks that simulate the real-time thermal and mechanical stresses acting on lunar rocks, as exemplified by her 2023 study on simulated lunar rock failure modes under in situ temperature conditions. This research, which has garnered early citations, directly addresses the critical challenge of preserving the physical integrity of lunar core samples during retrieval and return to Earth. By characterizing the mechanical properties and failure mechanisms of mare basalt analogs, Zhou provides essential data for designing coring tools and mission protocols that can withstand the Moon’s harsh thermal cycles and vacuum environment. Her work bridges planetary science and engineering, offering practical insights for future lunar exploration. With a growing citation impact, Xuemin Zhou is establishing herself as a key contributor to the next generation of lunar drilling and sample-return technologies.