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About

Elise Harrington is a leading figure in planetary science, specializing in lunar and Martian surface processes, resource utilization, and mission planning. Her research is pivotal for future human and robotic exploration, focusing on the geomechanical properties of extraterrestrial terrains. Harrington’s most cited work, "Analysis of Lunar Boulder Tracks: Implications for Trafficability of Pyroclastic Deposits" (2019, 36 citations), provides critical insights into the stability and traversability of valuable lunar volcanic soils, directly informing rover and habitat design. She also made significant contributions to the "CanMars Mars Sample Return analogue mission" (2018, 33 citations), a high-fidelity simulation that advanced operational strategies for returning Martian samples to Earth. Her detailed "Human-assisted Sample Return Mission at the Schrödinger Basin" (2021, 11 citations) integrates a new geologic map with rover traverse planning, identifying the lunar far side as a prime target for future exploration. Through these works, Harrington has established herself as a key voice in bridging the gap between planetary geology and practical mission engineering, with her findings directly shaping the feasibility and safety of upcoming lunar and Martian expeditions.