Sergio Pellegrino

Recognized under Tier 5 — Energy Systems & Power Generation, Sergio Pellegrino conducts pioneering work in deployable space structures and lightweight large-aperture systems at Caltech. Pellegrino's research on ultra-thin, foldable structural systems — including thin-shell space structures, deployable solar arrays, and the mechanics of flexible composites — is directly relevant to deploying large-area power generation and communication systems from compact launch volumes. On Mars, where every kilogram launched from Earth carries enormous cost, the ability to unfold large solar arrays or antenna systems from tightly packaged form factors is a significant practical advantage, and this structural engineering work is advancing what makes it possible.