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About

Olivier Grasset is a leading figure in planetary protection and Mars exploration, whose work bridges the critical gap between scientific discovery and responsible space policy. His research focuses on ensuring that humanity’s search for life beyond Earth does not compromise the very environments we seek to study. Grasset’s major contributions include co-authoring the definitive review of the COSPAR Planetary Protection Policy for robotic missions to Mars, a foundational document that synthesizes current scientific knowledge to guide future exploration. He has also articulated planetary protection as an international concern and responsibility, emphasizing the need for global cooperation as space becomes more accessible to new actors. Beyond policy, Grasset contributed to the SuperCam remote sensing instrument suite on the Mars 2020 rover, a key tool for characterizing Martian geology and identifying ancient habitable environments. With his most cited works accumulating over 80 citations, Grasset’s impact is evident in shaping both the technical and ethical frameworks for Mars exploration. His work ensures that as we push the boundaries of discovery, we do so with a commitment to preserving the integrity of other worlds.