Planetary Systems
We use observations of populations of solar system objects and their orbits to study the formation and evolution of planetary and satellite systems to understand how our Solar System and others developed through time.
Planetary Surfaces
We study the mineralogic, climatic, and tectonic evolution of planetary surfaces to understand how these environments have developed over time, and the potential for past and future habitability on and beneath planetary surfaces.
Asteroid Impacts
We study the complete evolution of impact craters, from excavation to transient crater collapse, through cooling and viscoelastic relaxation. We also study the hazards produced by impacts and how we might prevent them.
Spacecraft Missions
Our group has been and continues to be involved with a number of spacecraft missions, including GRAIL, MESSENGER, Deep Impact, NExT, EPOCH, EPOXI, Mars Odyssey, Mars Science Laboratory, and the Mars2020 rover.
Planetary Science News
EAPS Alumnus Dr. Feustel Blasts Off for Third Space Mission
04-05-2018
From studying car design in community college and racing in the Purdue Grand Prix to exploring for oil to servicing the Hubble telescope, Dr. Andrew “Drew” Feustel (BS ‘89, MS ’91, EAPS) has had anything but a typical career trajectory.
Dr. Melosh Quoted in Story on Chinese Space Lab
02-22-2018
Chinese space laboratory Tiangong-1 is predicted to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere in late April, but where or when it will reach the surface is hard to say.
Dr. Feustel featured in NASA Press Conference
12-07-2017
EAPS alumnus Dr. Drew Feustel is being featured in a NASA press conference.
EAPS-Led Study Investigates Moon's Interior
10-07-2017
Scientists have long assumed that all the planets in our solar system look the same beneath the surface, but a study published in Geology on Oct. 4 tells a different story.
Multiple EAPS Graduate Students Receive IN Space Grant Consortium Fellowship
07-20-2017
Three EAPS graduate students have been selected for a NASA-affiliated graduate fellowship.
