Department of Space Studies
The Department drives advances in space science through basic and fundamental research, technology development, and instrument and mission leadership. Multidisciplinary expertise and collaboration fuel innovative ideas that deepen our understanding of the Solar System and beyond.
Planetary Science and Exploration
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Studies planetary geology, geochemistry, interiors, and atmospheres
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Investigates the formation and evolution of planetary bodies
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Explores how interactions of planetary bodies and processes enabled the conditions for life on at least one planet in the solar system
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Supports and leads missions to explore planets, moons, asteroids, and more
Astrobiology
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Explores how planets and moons may develop habitable environments
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Investigates the potential for life in our solar system
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Explores extreme environments on Earth to study conditions that may exist elsewhere in the universe
Spacecraft and Instrument Development
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Conceives, designs and builds innovative and novel instrumentation to achieve high priority science and maximize science return from space missions
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Develops sensors for both ground-based and space-based observatories
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Partners with internal teams and external organizations to deliver payloads
Data Analysis and Modeling
- Analyzes mission data to uncover new scientific insights from space missions
- Develops and applies theoretical and numerical models to simulate planetary formation and evolution
- Studies weather and climate systems of other worlds through atmospheric modeling
Remote Sensing and Observation
- Uses telescopes and other observational platforms to study distant objects
- Develops new remote sensing techniques to increase data precision and resolution