Papers
2
Total Citations
14
H-Index
2
About
Min Qu is a researcher specializing in interplanetary trajectory design and planetary defense strategies, with a particular focus on near-Earth asteroid (NEA) missions. Their work has made meaningful contributions to the field of astrodynamics, most notably through detailed mission performance analyses and trajectory optimization for NASA's Asteroid Robotic Redirect Mission (ARRM). Qu's research on heliocentric low-thrust trajectory design has helped advance our understanding of how spacecraft can efficiently navigate to and interact with small celestial bodies, a critical challenge in modern space exploration. Beyond trajectory mechanics, Qu has contributed to planetary defense research, investigating innovative techniques such as the Enhanced Gravity Tractor — a method derived from the ARM concept that would use a spacecraft's gravitational influence to gradually deflect potentially hazardous asteroids. This work, applied to hypothetical impact scenarios like asteroid 2017 PDC, demonstrates a commitment to translating mission concepts into actionable defense strategies. With a combined citation record reflecting growing interest in asteroid redirection technologies, Qu's contributions sit at a compelling intersection of mission design, astrodynamics, and planetary protection — research areas of increasing urgency as space agencies worldwide prioritize asteroid threat mitigation.
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Top Papers
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