L. A. Haskin
Papers
2
Total Citations
247
H-Index
2
About
L. A. Haskin is a pioneering figure in planetary geochemistry and the application of Raman spectroscopy to space exploration. Their research focuses on developing advanced spectroscopic techniques for in-situ mineralogical analysis of extraterrestrial surfaces, particularly the Moon and Mars. Haskin’s major contributions include demonstrating the feasibility of using Raman spectroscopy for mineral identification on robotic missions, as shown in their highly cited 1995 paper (129 citations), which highlighted the technique’s advantages for analyzing lunar plagioclase, pyroxene, and olivine. They further advanced this field by leading the development of the Mars microbeam Raman spectrometer (MMRS), detailed in a 2003 paper (118 citations), a compact, robust instrument designed for close-up analysis of rocks and soils on Mars. This work was instrumental in enabling the detection of water, organic carbon, and key minerals in planetary environments. Haskin’s efforts have directly shaped the design of instruments for NASA’s Mars exploration rovers, cementing their legacy as a key innovator in remote geochemical sensing and planetary surface science.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1
- 2Development of the Mars microbeam Raman spectrometer (MMRS)118 citations · 2003