The development of new technology for spacecraft use is technically challenging, integrative (being the application of fundamental science questions and approaches to an engineering problem), and produces a great variety of commercial spin-offs. We are currently developing instruments for determining the ages of recent (<10⁶ years) sediments on Mars using the optical luminescence methods that will have particular application to the polar layered terrain, a solid state chemical/biological analyzer that uses optical flourescence and surface seismic imaging technology for examining substructures on Mars and other planets. In addition to new instruments, we are interested in new construction techniques required by space applications, such as large inflatable spacecraft and habitat structures and MEMS-based diagnostic instrumentation.

While planetary and space science constitutes a new scientific and engineering challenge for gaining new knowledge and skills, the space environment also presents us with new opportunities for creating materials using integrative approaches. We are investigating manufacturing techniques for high technology items for use in space and on other planets that take advantage of the space environment and avoid launch costs. We are also exploring the chemistry of making new polymers from minerals unique to the martian surface that can be used for a wide variety of applications.