Manish Mehta

University of Michigan–Ann Arbor, Marshall Space Flight Center

Papers

Total Citations

105

H-Index

About

Manish Mehta is a leading planetary scientist whose work bridges the gap between extraterrestrial exploration and fundamental soil physics. His primary research focuses on the thermal and electrical properties of planetary regoliths and the complex dynamics of lander-soil interactions during spacecraft descent. Mehta’s most significant contribution is his pivotal role in developing the Thermal and Electrical Conductivity Probe (TECP), a key instrument on NASA’s Phoenix Mars Lander. This probe, which has garnered over 80 citations, was designed to measure temperature, thermal conductivity, and volumetric heat capacity of the Martian regolith, providing critical data on the planet’s near-surface environment. Beyond Mars, Mehta has advanced our understanding of landing hazards through his highly cited work on plume-soil interaction and excavation during the Mars Science Laboratory’s Sky Crane descent phase. By quantifying the erosion caused by rocket exhaust impinging on soil, his research directly informs the design of safer landing systems for future robotic and human missions. Mehta’s unique combination of instrument development and applied physics makes him a key figure in preparing for the next generation of extraterrestrial exploration.