Paul van Susante

Recognized under Tier 2 — In-Situ Resource Utilization, Paul van Susante has made highly practical, hands-on contributions to planetary surface systems and space resource extraction. Van Susante's research at Michigan Technological University on excavation systems, regolith handling equipment, and lunar and Mars surface operations has advanced ISRU from theoretical design into testable hardware — including work on prototype excavators and resource extraction systems built and evaluated under realistic conditions. The ability to mine, process, and utilize local materials on Mars for construction, propellant production, and life support is foundational to any self-sustaining colony, and van Susante's engineering approach to making those systems actually work in the field is invaluable.