Anthony Sournac

Université Fédérale de Toulouse Midi-Pyrénées

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About

Anthony Sournac is a planetary scientist and instrument specialist whose work centers on the development and deployment of advanced acoustic and spectroscopic instruments for planetary exploration. He is best known for his pivotal contributions to the SuperCam instrument suite aboard NASA’s Perseverance rover, where he led the design and integration of the Mars Microphone—a groundbreaking device that captured the first audible sounds of the Martian environment. This achievement, detailed in his highly cited 2023 paper (13 citations), opened a new sensory dimension in planetary science, enabling researchers to study wind, dust devils, and the acoustic properties of rocks. Sournac’s work has not only advanced our understanding of Mars’ atmosphere and geology but also demonstrated the feasibility of acoustic sensing in extreme extraterrestrial conditions. His contributions have been instrumental in shaping the next generation of planetary missions, and his innovative approach continues to inspire students and researchers in the field of space instrumentation.