Planetary Exploration

Our goal is to understand how planetary bodies including planets, moons and asteroids form and evolve and to figure out which of them could now or could have in the past supported life.

When it comes to Mars, our scientists try to understand how winds shape dunes on Mars and how ancient rivers formed valleys and other geological patterns on the planet’s surface. Further, our researchers study how geochemical processes impacted minerals on Mars, and we support Rover missions including Pathfinder, Spirit, Opportunity, Curiosity and Perseverance.

On the Moon, we’re trying to understand water ice in the permanently shadowed regions, studying volatiles that change depending on depth below the surface and composition across the surface and even how these volatiles change depending on time of day. This research will help shape future human missions to the Moon.

Our scientists also study the moons around Jupiter and Saturn, the nature of icy bodies, and the makeup of asteroids and meteorites. It’s all part of our quest to understand the diverse worlds that share our solar system.