Planetary Science and Exploration
Stanford AeroAstro faculty conduct research in various areas of planetary science and exploration. This research involves numerical modeling of planetary processes, analysis of data from spacecraft missions (NASA’s Dawn, GRAIL, MESSENGER and Juno missions), development of new sensors for future space missions, analysis of data from the current space missions as well as formulation and design of future space experiments. Stanford AeroAstro planetary labs are:
Planetary Science Laboratory (PSL), led by Professor Anton Ermakov, bridges planetary science and aerospace engineering research. PSL performs planetary science research focusing on studying planetary internal structure and evolution using a diverse range of spacecraft data (e.g., radiometric tracking, stereo-imaging, magnetometry, microwave radiometry, geologic mapping). This works is accompanied with geophysical and orbital dynamics modeling. PSL leads the development of future geophysical space mission targeted at answering priority planetary science questions.
Space Environment and Satellite Systems (SESS), led by Professor Sigrid Elschot.
The Space Environment and Satellite Systems laboratory in the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics at Stanford University studies a variety of topics related to the space environment. Our current efforts are focused on characterizing the space environment and understanding space environment effects on spacecraft. These topics fall under the Space Situational Awareness (SSA) umbrella that include environmental remote sensing using satellite systems and ground-based radar.
Space Rendezvous Laboratory (SLAB), led by Professor Simone D’Amico.
The Space Rendezvous Laboratory (SLAB) is a research and development laboratory of the department of Aeronautics and Astronautics at Stanford University founded and led by Professor Simone D’Amico. SLAB performs fundamental and applied research at the intersection of Astrodynamics, Guidance/Navigation/Control (GN&C), Environment Characterization and Decision Making to enable future Distributed Space Systems (DSS). DSS are space architectures including two or more agents to achieve objectives otherwise impossible or very difficult to achieve by a single spacecraft. These include but are not limited to: spacecraft formation-flying, rendezvous and docking, swarms, and fractionated space architectures.
The vision of SLAB is that DSS will help humanity addressing fundamental questions of space science, technology, exploration, and sustainability. In response to the ever increasing demands posed by these missions, SLAB’s objective is to develop, validate, and embed the necessary cutting-edge technologies into formations and swarms of micro- and nano-satellites to be launched in space. To this end, new multi-satellite mission concepts, new GN&C algorithms, and high-fidelity hardware-in-the-loop testbeds are under development. The research at SLAB is based on more than 20 years of experience in the design, implementation and flight operations of GN&C subsystems for formation-flying and on-orbit servicing missions. Past successfully flown DSS with Professor D'Amico's contributions include GRACE (2003), TanDEM-X (2010), PRISMA (2010), and BIROS (2016). Current DSS under development include STARLING (2022), SWARM-EX (2024), and VISORS (2024). SLAB partnerships at national and international level are paving the way for breakthrough demonstrations of new technology and science.
The EXtreme Environment Microsystems Laboratory (XLab), led by Professor Debbie Senesky
XLab is developing MEMS sensors, nanoelectronics and nanostructured materials that can withstand high temperatures, radiation exposure and chemical attack. It leverages the Stanford Nanofabrication Facility and the Stanford Nano Shared Facilities to create and examine nanomaterials, MEMS sensors and radiation-hardened, temperature-tolerant electronics. It has played a key role in the development of next-generation sensors and electronics for space exploration, combustion, satellites and subsurface well bores.
Autonomous Systems Laboratory (ASL), led by Professor Marco Pavone.
The Autonomous Systems Lab (ASL) develops methodologies for the analysis, design, and control of autonomous systems, with a particular emphasis on large-scale robotic networks and autonomous aerospace vehicles. The lab, comprised of 16 researchers, combines expertise from control theory, robotics, optimization, and operations research to develop the theoretical foundations for networked autonomous systems operating in uncertain, rapidly-changing, and potentially adversarial environments. Our work has been recognized with several awards, including a Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers.
Cross-disciplinary research:
With the department of Geophysics and the department of Earth and Planetary Sciences:
https://epsci.stanford.edu/research-impact/planetary-science
https://magnetism.stanford.edu/
http://web.stanford.edu/group/radar/
https://www.radioglaciology.com/