Donald L. Hooper

Wrocław University of Science and Technology

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Donald L. Hooper is a leading researcher in planetary infrastructure and lunar surface operations, with a primary focus on mitigating the hazards of lunar regolith during spacecraft landings and launches. His most-cited work, "Site Preparation for a Lunar Launch and Landing Pad" (2024), has already garnered 5 citations, establishing him as an emerging authority in this critical area of space exploration. Hooper’s key contribution lies in demonstrating that unprepared lunar landings can excavate tons of regolith, ejecting high-velocity particles that travel kilometers from the landing site and even inject debris into lunar orbit. This finding underscores the urgent need for engineered launch and landing pads (LLPs) to protect both surface assets and orbital infrastructure from destructive particle impacts. By quantifying these risks, Hooper has provided foundational data for NASA’s Artemis program and commercial lunar missions, influencing the design of future lunar bases. His work bridges planetary geology and aerospace engineering, offering practical solutions for sustainable human presence on the Moon. Hooper’s research is essential reading for students and engineers tackling the challenges of extraterrestrial construction and debris mitigation.