Jennifer Edmunson

Jacobs (United States), Marshall Space Flight Center

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Jennifer Edmunson is a leading researcher at the intersection of space exploration and advanced manufacturing, specializing in additive construction and in-situ resource utilization (ISRU). Her work focuses on the disruptive potential of 3D printing—or additive construction—to build habitats on the Moon and Mars using local materials, a paradigm shift that could make long-duration missions sustainable. Her most cited paper, "The Disruptive Technology that is Additive Construction" (2018, 16 citations), explores the "What If?" of using emerging technologies and in-situ materials to enable off-world exploration, laying groundwork for future planetary infrastructure. Edmunson has also been instrumental in NASA's Centennial Challenge: 3D Printed Habitat, where she helped oversee prize competitions that accelerated innovation in regolith-based construction. More recently, her work on habitat outfitting (2022) addresses the practical challenge of creating livable, safe environments for crewed missions. Her contributions bridge terrestrial construction lessons with the extreme demands of space, positioning her as a key figure in humanity's push toward permanent lunar and Martian settlements.