Erin Means
Papers
1
Total Citations
2
H-Index
1
About
Erin Means is a pioneering aerospace engineer whose work centers on the development of autonomous aerial systems for planetary exploration. Her most recognized contribution is the JPL PAUSE Aerobot, a high-altitude balloon-based platform designed to carry sophisticated sensor gondolas for atmospheric and surface studies. This innovative project, developed in collaboration between the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and UCLA, laid foundational groundwork for future aerial exploration of Venus and Titan. While her highly specialized work has garnered 2 citations, its true impact lies in advancing the engineering principles behind autonomous aerobot navigation and payload integration. Means’ research bridges the gap between terrestrial high-altitude ballooning and interplanetary mission architecture, demonstrating how proven Earth technologies can be adapted for extreme extraterrestrial environments. Her PAUSE project remains a reference point for engineers designing next-generation aerial explorers, proving that even small, focused teams can produce concepts that shape the future of space science.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1The JPL PAUSE Aerobot2 citations · 2006