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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?
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. |
Solar nebula models have revolutionized conceptions of solar system formation. |
The MARTE drill testing in Rio Tinto, Spain in collaborationwith the Centro Astrobiologico. |
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.
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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. |
Instruments such as the Mars Oxidant Analyzer (MOI) for the ESA 2011 ExoMars Mission show that we have an international reputation. |
Planetary Systems Branch research
is tightly coupled with NASA’s exploration vision, with participation in
a wide variety of flight instruments on current, upcoming, and proposed
planetary missions.
The Branch is well represented on competitively selected science teams for the Mars Exploration Rovers, and the upcoming Mars Phoenix lander and Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter missions. |
SST participation in current and future Mars Missions. |
Ground-based observations by our scientists helped to make the Deep Impact mission a success and led to three papers in Science this past fall. |
Branch scientists
provide scientific leadership for the ongoing NASA/ESA Cassini mission,
and are research collaborators on the Huygens probe to Titan and the New
Horizons mission to Pluto and the distant Kuiper Belt.
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. |
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The Planetary Systems Branch
is primarily in N245, with some laboratory facilities in N239.
Branch Chief, SST:
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