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Planetary Systems Branch (Code SST)

Observational, theoretical, and experimental research on the origin and evolution of planetary systems
Hubble observations that discovered rings of Uranus

Hubble observations that discovered rings of Uranus

How common are planetary systems around nearby stars? Which conditions are necessary for planet formation? Are there other Earth-like planets capable of harboring life? What forms of life can be sustained in different physical and chemical environments?

Solar nebula models have revolutionized conceptions of solar system formation

Solar nebula models have revolutionized conceptions of solar system formation

We have world-class expertise in planetary geology and geophysics, planetary atmospheres and climate, and planetary disks and rings.

Solar nebula models have revolutionized conceptions of solar system formation.

Our scientists are at the very forefront of many observational and theoretical studies.

Extensive Mars research efforts include global circulation modeling of the atmosphere, and detailed studies of the geology, chemistry and mineralogy of surface materials.

Ames scientists also provide science and engineering leadership in sub-surface exploration, with a demonstrated capability in developing and testing drills.

Branch scientists conduct a large array of Mars analog field campaigns in arid sites such as Antarctica, the Atacama desert in Chile, California’s Mojave desert, and the Rio Tinto region of Spain, making critical tests of technologies and practices that will be integrated into future missions.

Branch scientists are conducting science and engineering concept studies for future missions including Mars Scout concepts like the Mars Polar Drill and Mars Meteorology Orbiter.

 

The Planetary Systems Branch is primarily in N245, with some laboratory facilities in N239.

Branch Chief, SST:
Dr. Jeff Hollingsworth
Email: Jeffery.L.Hollingsworth@nasa.gov
Front Office: 650-604-5524

MARTE Drilling and Sampling System

MARTE Drilling and Sampling System

 


Instruments such as the Mars Oxidant Analyzer (MOI) for the ESA 2011 ExoMars Mission show that we have an international reputati

Instruments such as the Mars Oxidant Analyzer (MOI) for the ESA 2011 ExoMars Mission show that we have an international reputat
SST participation in current and future Mars Missions

SST participation in current and future Mars Missions
SST

SST
SST2

SST2
Deep Impact mission graph

Ground-based observations by our scientists helped to make the Deep Impact mission a success and led to three papers in Science

  

 Highlights

Curiosity Rover Preparing For Upcoming Activities

SPACE (5/8, Wall) continued coverage of how now that the Curiosity rover has resumed operations, it is "gearing up for lots of action in the coming weeks." Curiosity deputy project scientist Ashwin Vasavada of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory said, "A couple of weeks to move to the site and drill, and then the experiments themselves can take also a couple of weeks - that's about the time scale we're looking at. …
Richard Young

In memorium - Richard E. Young 1943-2013

Update: Please plan to join old friends and neighbors and meet new friends to celebrate the short, good life of Rich Young.

March 16, 2013 at 3:00pm in Squaw Valley, California

Please RSVP by email to cynyoung2@aol.com

"NASA tech talk" at Google Making maps to explore the Earth, Moon, and Mars

Dr. Ross Beyer gave the second talk in the revived "NASA tech talk" series at Google. This talk focused on the advanced digital cartography work at Ames we use to create high-quality terrestrial and planetary maps. High-quality planetary maps and 3D terrain models have become essential for NASA to plan exploration missions and conduct planetary science. This is particularly true for robotic missions to the Moon and Mars, where maps are used for site selection, traverse planning, and planetary science.

Phys.org – Researchers first to identify nature of historic meteorite.

"Researchers at the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence Institute and NASA Ames Research Center, both located in Mountain View, Calif., initiated the Sutter's Mill Meteorite Consortium. Beauford and Sears, now a meteoriticist with NASA Ames, co–edit Meteorite magazine, an international journal of meteorite science. Sears is Beauford's doctoral adviser."
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