Robert Stough
Papers
1
Total Citations
3
H-Index
1
About
Robert Stough is a key figure in space propulsion and mission architecture, best known for his work on NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS). His research centers on optimizing super heavy-lift launch vehicles for high-energy science missions, particularly those requiring high characteristic energy (C3) values for deep-space exploration. Stough’s major contribution lies in demonstrating how the SLS, while primarily designed for Artemis lunar missions, can be adapted for ambitious robotic missions to the outer solar system and beyond. His 2020 paper, "NASA’s Space Launch System for High-C3 Science Missions," has garnered 3 citations, reflecting its niche but critical role in shaping mission planning. This work highlights the SLS’s versatility, enabling trajectories to high-C3 destinations like Uranus or interstellar space. Stough’s achievements include advancing the dialogue on how evolvable launch vehicles can bridge human exploration and robotic science, making him a respected voice in spaceflight engineering. For students and researchers, his work underscores the importance of reimagining existing infrastructure for bold, new scientific frontiers.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1NASA’s Space Launch System for High-C3 Science Missions3 citations · 2020