Papers
9
Total Citations
771
H-Index
9
About
D. P. Glavin is a prominent astrobiologist and planetary scientist whose research sits at the intersection of astrobiology, organic geochemistry, and Mars exploration. Best known for his contributions to the Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) instrument suite aboard NASA's Mars Science Laboratory — a landmark investigation that has garnered over 560 citations — Glavin has played a central role in advancing humanity's ability to detect and characterize organic compounds, atmospheric chemistry, and volatile isotopes on the Martian surface. His work extends across the detection of oxychlorine species on Mars, the development of early organic detection instrumentation, and critical assessments of planetary protection protocols — particularly studying biological contamination from Apollo-era lunar missions to inform safer future exploration of Mars and the Moon. Glavin has also contributed meaningfully to the science planning behind the ambitious Mars Sample Return Campaign and NASA's Asteroid Redirect Mission, reflecting his broad influence across mission design and strategy. Beyond Mars, his investigation into the effects of X-ray microtomography on amino acid preservation in carbonaceous chondrites demonstrates meticulous attention to sample integrity — essential for the credibility of life detection science. Across his career, Glavin has helped shape both the tools and the intellectual framework for searching for life beyond Earth.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1The Sample Analysis at Mars Investigation and Instrument Suite563 citations · 2012
- 2Measurements of Oxychlorine species on Mars51 citations · 2016
- 3
- 4MOD: an organic detector for the future robotic exploration of Mars31 citations · 2000
- 5Rationale and Proposed Design for a Mars Sample Return (MSR) Science Program29 citations · 2022
- 6
- 7Asteroid Redirect Mission (ARM) Formulation Assessment and Support Team (FAST) Final Report17 citations · 2016
- 8
- 9