Lunar and Planetary Science

Applied Lunar Science provides integrated support for Artemis and Moon to Mars initiatives. Its deep expertise spans remote sensing, sample analysis, fieldwork, instrument development, planetary data, mission leadership, and public engagement in support of lunar and Martian exploration goals.

The Planetary Geodesy group analyzes spacecraft data — including radio, laser, and radiometry — to produce gravity fields, topographic maps, and illumination conditions. The group also supports mission planning through simulation studies and offers expertise in creating and using gravity, topography, and illumination datasets for scientific analysis and exploration.

Goddard's Planetary Noble Gas Lab performs noble gas isotope measurements, including Ar-Ar and I-Xe radioactive dating to determine the formation ages of rocks and meteorites, along with Ar/Kr/Ne cosmic-ray exposure age analysis.

artemis, lunar exploration, planetary geodesy, remote sensing, topographic maps, gravity fields, illumination datasets, noble gas, ar-ar dating, meteorites