Mark W. Crofton, PhD.

Mark W. Crofton holds a Ph.D. degree from the University of Chicago (1987). Prior to joining The Aerospace Corporation, he was first to perform high resolution spectroscopy on several molecular ions of chemical and astrophysical interest, in some cases leading to discovery in interstellar space. He is currently a Senior Scientist in Electric Propulsion and Plasma Science at Aerospace, where he has performed research and analysis in space electric propulsion, spacecraft electrostatic discharge, and chemical propulsion areas for many years. He has created unique capabilities and performed seminal measurements in these fields, addressing performance, plume characterization, spacecraft-thruster interaction, anomalies, and other issues, contributed to thruster design and helped to transition arcjet, gridded ion engine and Hall electric thrusters from the development stage to flight.

Dr Crofton has provided extensive support to Air Force, NRO, Space Force, NASA, and commercial .companies over the years. He has been the principal designer of large space simulation facilities at Aerospace, most recently EP3 which provides the world’s fastest pumping speed of any dedicated test facility for space electric propulsion, due to its unique cryogenic pumping design. He is the author of more than 100 publications.

Dr. Crofton’s support of DWP includes beam and plume modeling, and associated spacecraft integration assessments including thruster erosion and film deposition.