Greg Pixler

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About

Dr. Greg Pixler is a planetary scientist whose work has been instrumental in advancing our understanding of Martian geology and climate through robotic exploration. His primary research focuses on the design and operation of robotic arms for in-situ planetary science, particularly for sample acquisition and environmental monitoring on Mars. Pixler’s most notable contribution is his leadership in developing the Mars Volatiles and Climate Surveyor (MVACS) Robotic Arm, a critical instrument for the 1998 Mars Polar Lander mission. This arm was engineered to dig trenches, collect soil samples, and precisely deliver them to the Thermal Evolved Gas Analyzer, while also positioning a soil temperature probe—enabling direct measurements of Martian volatiles and climate processes. Though the mission was lost, Pixler’s work on the MVACS arm (cited 15 times) laid foundational engineering and operational principles for subsequent Mars surface missions. His achievements highlight the vital role of robotic manipulation in planetary science, influencing the design of later sample-return and in-situ analysis systems. Pixler’s contributions remain a key reference for researchers developing autonomous tools for extraterrestrial exploration.