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About

Brett Hannah is a leading figure in planetary science and space instrumentation, best known for his pivotal role in developing the Planetary Instrument for X-Ray Lithochemistry (PIXL). As a key contributor to this micro-focus X-ray fluorescence spectrometer, Hannah helped equip NASA’s Perseverance rover with the ability to map the elemental chemistry of Martian rocks at unprecedented resolution. His work on PIXL, detailed in a 2020 paper that has garnered over 135 citations, enables scientists to identify biosignatures and understand the geological history of Jezero Crater. Beyond this flagship instrument, Hannah’s research spans in situ geochemical analysis and the design of robust, miniaturized tools for extraterrestrial exploration. His contributions have directly shaped the Mars 2020 mission’s ability to search for ancient microbial life, making him a vital architect of modern planetary science. With a career marked by technical innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration, Brett Hannah continues to push the boundaries of what we can learn from other worlds.