Leonardo Turchi

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About

Leonardo Turchi is a leading figure in planetary geology and astronaut training, whose work directly supports the next generation of human space exploration. His primary research focuses on developing the scientific tools and operational frameworks needed for astronauts to conduct high-quality field geology on the Moon and Mars. Turchi’s most significant contribution is his leadership on the PANGAEA project, a planetary analogue training program for astronauts. His highly cited 2020 paper, "The PANGAEA mineralogical database" (12 citations), details a novel support tool that enables rapid, in-situ science decision-making during surface missions, a critical capability for future lunar and Martian exploration. This work has established him as a key architect of the protocols that will guide astronaut-scientists. More recently, Turchi has ventured into the emerging field of lunar cave exploration, as evidenced by his 2025 paper on radio wave propagation inside these potential habitats. This forward-looking analysis is essential for designing robotic networks to explore lava tubes, which are prime candidates for future human settlements. Through his blend of practical training and visionary research, Turchi is bridging the gap between terrestrial analogue studies and the operational realities of living and working on other worlds.