•Planetary
EOA Fact Sheet
The Enceladus Organic Analyzer (EOA) is a novel microchip-based technology enabling analysis of organic molecules in extraterrestrial environments such as that of Saturn’s moon Enceladus.
We study planetary bodies and the processes that govern their formation, evolution, behavior, and potential for life, with a combined theoretical and experimental approach. We investigate the interaction of space plasmas with planetary atmospheres, surfaces, and interiors. We explore the internal structure, origin and evolution of planets, moons, comets and asteroids through observation, modeling, and sample analysis. We also develop high-sensitivity space-based instrumentation for a variety of scientific investigations, including particles, electromagnetic fields, and detection of complex, including biogenic, organics. SSL has led or played a major role in several planetary science missions going back to the dawn of the space age.
The Planetary science group is divided into five section: Astrobiology, Cosmochemistry, Unmagnetized Planet Aeronomy, Airless Body Plasma Interactions and Planetary Geophysics.
The Enceladus Organic Analyzer (EOA) is a novel microchip-based technology enabling analysis of organic molecules in extraterrestrial environments such as that of Saturn’s moon Enceladus.
ESCAPADE is a twin-spacecraft Class D mission dedicated to studying the transfer of solar wind energy and momentum through Mars’ unique hybrid magnetosphere
The Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) mission, launched in November 2013, will be the first mission devoted to understanding the Martian upper atmosphere.
