K. L. Donaldson Hanna
Papers
1
Total Citations
19
H-Index
1
About
Dr. K. L. Donaldson Hanna is a leading planetary scientist whose work bridges lunar geology and volatile science. As the Principal Investigator of NASA’s Lunar Trailblazer mission—a pioneering small satellite selected under the SIMPLEx program—she is spearheading efforts to map the form, abundance, and distribution of water on the Moon and unravel the lunar water cycle. Her research integrates high-resolution spectroscopy and thermal infrared data to characterize the composition and physical properties of the lunar surface, with a focus on understanding how volatiles and minerals interact in extreme environments. With over 19 citations on the Trailblazer concept alone, her contributions are shaping the next generation of low-cost, high-impact planetary exploration. Dr. Donaldson Hanna’s work not only advances fundamental knowledge of the Moon’s geology and water resources but also informs future human and robotic exploration. Her leadership in mission design and her dedication to mentoring early-career scientists make her a standout figure in the field, driving innovative small satellite science that is redefining how we explore the Solar System.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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