More from Episode 105:

Oceanographers Hilairy Hartnett and Deirdre Meldrum

Seismologist Matt Fouch

EARTH AND SPACE EXPLORATION

Space Researchers Phil Christensen and Mark Robinson

TESS. THEMIS. MINI-TESS.

All three are instruments developed by ASU scientists to help assemble a “big picture” of the planet Mars. TESS, an infrared spectrometer, has provided a 10-year record of Mars’ atmosphere and weather. Images captured by the THEMIS camera has revealed compositions of volcanoes and rocks. Lastly, MINI TESS has been placed aboard the two Mars rovers for a closer look at the planet’s surface. Christensen, Ph.D. and Regent’s Professor, explains ASU’s groundbreaking research and how it will help us better understand our own planet’s future.

Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO)

According to Robinson, Ph.D., LRO will launch in the fall of 2008 to further explore two large lesser-known areas, and unknown geologic provinces, of the moon. Oufitted with a multiple camera component, LRO will be used to create a detailed topographic map. Robinson and his fellow researchers will be able to send commands to the spacecraft from their facility at ASU, selecting specific targets to photograph.