Kepa Castro
Papers
1
Total Citations
322
H-Index
1
About
Dr. Kepa Castro is a leading figure in planetary science and analytical chemistry, whose work is central to our understanding of the Martian surface. His primary research focuses on the development and application of advanced laser-based spectroscopic techniques, particularly Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) and Raman spectroscopy, for in-situ planetary exploration. Dr. Castro is a key member of the SuperCam instrument team on NASA’s Perseverance rover, a role that has defined his career. His most-cited work, "The SuperCam Instrument Suite on the NASA Mars 2020 Rover: Body Unit and Combined System Tests" (2020, 322 citations), details the rigorous testing and integration of this complex instrument, which is now actively analyzing Martian rocks and soils. This contribution is foundational for interpreting the chemical and mineralogical data being returned from Jezero Crater. Through his instrumental expertise, Dr. Castro is directly enabling the mission’s search for ancient biosignatures and the collection of samples for future return to Earth, solidifying his impact on the next generation of space exploration.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1