Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Lilit Hakobyan is a leading figure in planetary analogue research, specializing in the subsurface exploration of extraterrestrial environments. Her work bridges astrobiology, geology, and space technology, with a focus on understanding how deep subsurface conditions on Mars and other planetary bodies could support life. Her most cited paper, "Subsurface scientific exploration of extraterrestrial environments (MINAR 5): analogue science, technology and education in the Boulby Mine, UK" (2018, 25 citations), exemplifies her contributions. This study, conducted in the Boulby Mine—one of the deepest mines in the UK—demonstrates how terrestrial subsurface sites can serve as powerful analogues for planetary missions. Hakobyan’s research has advanced techniques for detecting biosignatures and testing robotic drilling technologies, directly informing future exploration of Martian caves and lava tubes. Her work is notable for integrating education and public engagement, training the next generation of planetary scientists. With growing impact, her findings are shaping how we search for habitable environments beyond Earth, making her a key voice in the quest to understand life’s potential in the cosmos.