Margarita Marinova
Film Independent, California Institute of Technology, Ames Research Center
Papers
5
Total Citations
141
H-Index
5
About
Margarita Marinova is a leading figure in planetary science and human space exploration, whose work bridges the gap between Earth-based analogs and the future of interplanetary settlement. Her research centers on Mars mission architecture, in situ resource utilization (ISRU), and the use of terrestrial environments to simulate extraterrestrial conditions. Marinova’s most cited work, the 2021 paper on using SpaceX’s Starship to establish a sustained human presence on Mars (60 citations), outlines a transformative blueprint for making humanity a multi-planet species. She also made foundational contributions through the Pavilion Lake Research Project (40 citations), which demonstrated how underwater environments serve as powerful analogs for space exploration. Her studies on midlatitude ice-rich ground on Mars (15 citations) highlight its dual value for astrobiology and as a resource for future missions, while her work on lunar volatiles prospecting (10 citations) advances real-time resource detection. Marinova’s unique ability to integrate engineering, science, and exploration strategy has made her a key voice in preparing for humanity’s next giant leap—whether on the Moon, Mars, or beyond.
Research Focus
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Top Papers
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