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About

Rijian Yao is a leading figure in lunar science, whose work has fundamentally advanced our understanding of the Moon’s surface environment. His primary research focuses on the in situ characterization of lunar dust and the geophysical properties of the lunar regolith, addressing what is widely considered the most critical environmental hazard for future exploration. Yao’s most notable contribution is his pioneering study, "In Situ Measurements of Lunar Dust at the Chang'E‐3 Landing Site in the Northern Mare Imbrium" (2019, 29 citations), which provided the first direct, on-site measurements of lunar dust behavior. This landmark work, conducted with the Chang'E-3 mission, revealed key insights into dust particle size, distribution, and electrostatic charging, directly informing the design of protective systems for future landers and astronauts. By translating raw data from the lunar surface into actionable engineering parameters, Yao’s research bridges the gap between planetary science and space technology. His achievements have positioned him as a critical voice in the international lunar exploration community, and his findings continue to shape mission planning for both robotic and crewed ventures to the Moon.