We study habitability and potential biosignatures across a wide variety of bodies in the Universe, ranging from early Earth to exoplanets. Our work includes learning about the evolution of Earth’s atmosphere and oceans, biosignature preservation in the geologic record, astronomical life detection techniques, the history of habitable environments across the Solar System, and the relationship between planetary habitability and stellar properties.
Faculty: Borlina, Horgan, Olson, Pearce
We use laboratory experiments and computer simulations to study cloud formation and atmospheric evolution on a range of planets. We also analyze geological records in order to understand what they teach us about climate history on Earth, Mars, and beyond.
Faculty: A. Johnson, Olson, Pearce, Tremblay
We investigate the evolution of planetary bodies by combining geochemical measurements, experimental techniques, petrology, and thermodynamic modeling. We integrate laboratory studies and theory with spacecraft data, sample return missions, and instrument development efforts supporting human and robotic planetary exploration.
Faculty: Horgan, K. Prissel, T. Prissel, Thompson, Tremblay, Wiens
We study the interiors, geodynamics, tectonics, thermal evolution, and impact processes across the solid bodies of the Solar System using data returned from spacecraft missions and sophisticated numerical models.
Faculty: Borlina, Bramson, Freed, B. Johnson, K. Prissel, T. Prissel, Sori
We study the mineralogical, morphological, and tectonic evolution of planetary surfaces using remote sensing analysis, field and laboratory analog studies, and computational methods to understand the processes and environments that shape the landscapes of planets.
Faculty: Bramson, Horgan, B. Johnson, Minton, K. Prissel, T. Prissel, Sori, Thompson, Tremblay
We use state-of-the-art laboratory experiments to analyze extraterrestrial samples, including meteorites, Moon rocks returned by Apollo astronauts, and materials collected from asteroids. Our techniques allow us to study the physical and chemical evolution of the surface of the Earth and other planets and moons.
Faculty: Borlina, K. Prissel, T. Prissel, Thompson, Tremblay
We use observations of populations of Solar System objects and their orbits, combined with computer simulations, to study the formation and evolution of planetary and satellite systems to understand how our Solar System and others developed through time.
Faculty: Minton
We have been and are continuing to be involved with NASA and international spacecraft missions, including MESSENGER, Hayabusa2, OSIRIS-REx, GRAIL, the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, the Curiosity and Perseverance Mars rovers, Mars Odyssey, Dawn, and more. We are also active in planning the next generation of robotic spacecraft missions, human exploration, and astronomical observatories.
Faculty: All
Where did our moon come from?
04-23-2026
NPR — EAPS assistant professors Kelsey Prissel and Tabb Prissel were recently featured on NPR’s Short Wave podcast, discussing how the Moon formed and why lunar exploration and sample-return science matter. It’s a fun listen for everyone and a great example of how Purdue scientists are helping bring planetary science to the public.
Discovery from NASA's Perseverance rover adds new evidence that early Mars had the chemistry needed for life
04-22-2026
A Purdue University-led study of rocks on Mars is giving scientists a new look at whether the red planet once had the right chemical conditions for life.
‘Bathtub ring’ offers new evidence for Mars ocean billions of years ago
04-21-2026
CNN — Mars may have once had an ocean so vast that it covered one-third of the planet before evaporating billions of years ago and leaving behind a telltale sign: a flat band of land, outlining the former ocean — similar to the ring left behind in a drained bathtub. EAPS's Briony Horgan was quoted in the article.
Frozen ocean world found lurking between Mars and Jupiter
04-13-2026
Brighter Side — Scientists argue that Ceres may be far icier than many scientists had come to accept, with an outer crust made not of mostly dry rock but of dirty ice. EAPS's Ian Pamerleau, a PhD student in Purdue’s Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences, and assistant professor Mike Sori led the work.
NASA Aims to Launch the World’s First Planet-Hopping Spacecraft Powered by Nuclear Fission
03-30-2026
Smithsonian Magazine — On March 24, NASA announced that it wants to send a nuclear-powered spacecraft to Mars by the end of 2028. If successful, it would be the first probe to use nuclear propulsion to travel beyond Earth’s orbit. EAPS's Briony Horgan was quoted in the article.
NASA plans to send 3 helicopters to Mars in 2028
03-30-2026
Geekspin — NASA is gearing up for one of its boldest Mars missions yet, and it’s not just about landing on the Red Planet. In 2028, the agency plans to send a nuclear-powered spacecraft carrying not one, but three helicopters designed to take exploration to new heights. EAPS's Briony Horgan was quoted in the article.
Primordial Impact May Explain Why the Moon Is Asymmetrical
03-16-2026
EOS — Analysis of surface samples from the Chang’e-6 mission suggests that an asteroid may have vaporized parts of the lunar mantle, suppressing volcanic activity on the farside of the Moon. EAPS Assistant Professor Kelsey Prissel was interviewed for this article.
Mars sand ridge preserves record of powerful ancient winds
03-02-2026
A 6.5-foot-high sand ridge on Mars has emerged as one of the clearest signs that powerful, steady winds once shaped the planet’s surface for long stretches of time. EAPS PhD student Noah Martin documented how the crest lines trace a prolonged north-south airflow across the region.