A. Colaprete
Papers
10
Total Citations
126
H-Index
5
About
A. Colaprete is a leading figure in lunar exploration, whose work is central to NASA’s strategy for In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU). His research focuses on the detection, characterization, and extraction of volatiles, particularly water ice, in the Moon’s polar regions. Colaprete was the Principal Investigator for the groundbreaking LCROSS mission, which provided the first direct evidence of significant water ice in a permanently shadowed lunar crater. Building on this discovery, he has been instrumental in defining and advancing robotic prospecting missions, most notably as the lead for the Resource Prospector (RP) mission concept. His work on the Mojave Volatiles Prospector (MVP) field campaign has provided critical operational lessons for future polar rovers, demonstrating real-time volatile detection using a rover-borne neutron spectrometer. With over 125 citations across his most influential papers, Colaprete’s contributions bridge the gap between remote sensing discoveries and practical, mission-ready technologies. His leadership on the SMART instrumented drill and the Snow Badger concept further underscores his commitment to enabling a sustainable human presence on the Moon by turning its resources into usable water and propellant.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1Robotic Lunar Surface Operations 241 citations · 2020
- 2Introducing the Resource Prospector (RP) Mission27 citations · 2014
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- 7SMART: Instrumented Drill for ISRU Investigations on the Moon3 citations · 2023
- 8Mojave Volatiles Prospector (MVP): Science and Operations Results from a Lunar Polar Rover Analog Field Campaign3 citations · 2015
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