Zhanlin Chen

Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Papers

1

Total Citations

33

H-Index

1

About

Zhanlin Chen is a leading researcher in autonomous navigation and planetary robotics, with a focus on enabling long-range lunar exploration for the Artemis era. His key contributions lie in developing robust, vision-based localization systems that allow rovers to traverse tens of kilometers without relying on Earth-based operators. His most-cited work, "LunarNav: Crater-based Localization for Long-range Autonomous Lunar Rover Navigation" (2023, 33 citations), introduces a novel method using craters as natural landmarks for self-localization on the Moon’s surface. This breakthrough directly supports mission concepts like the "Endurance" rover, which aims to explore the South Pole-Aitken Basin. Chen’s research addresses a critical gap in planetary science: enabling rovers to autonomously navigate beyond line-of-sight of base camps, thereby expanding the reach of resource prospecting, facility construction, and human exploration. His work has already influenced the design of navigation systems for upcoming NASA and commercial lunar missions, making him a key figure in the future of off-world mobility.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

1
H-Index
1
Papers
33
Total Citations
33
Avg Citations/Paper
🏆 Most Cited Paper
LunarNav: Crater-based Localization for Long-range Autonomous Lunar Rover Navigation
33 citations · 2023
📈 Most Prolific Year: 2023 (1 Papers)
🤝 Key Collaborators: 9
🏛 Institutions: Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Top Papers

  1. 1

Key Collaborators

Contact & Links

Available for collaboration
Content generated · 11 days ago