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About

Rafik Hassen-Khodja is a space robotics and instrumentation researcher whose work bridges planetary science and autonomous exploration. His most impactful contribution is to the SuperCam infrared spectrometer aboard NASA’s Perseverance rover, a key instrument in the Mars 2020 mission that has already garnered 54 citations. This work places him at the forefront of in-situ planetary analysis, helping to characterize Martian geology and search for signs of past life. Beyond orbital and rover-based instruments, Hassen-Khodja is advancing the next frontier of exploration with COROB-X, a cooperative multi-robot team designed to explore lunar skylights and lava tubes—environments too hazardous for single rovers. This project, though early in its citation impact, demonstrates his commitment to enabling collaborative autonomy for hard-to-reach planetary terrains. His research integrates robotics, spectroscopy, and mission-critical instrument design, making him a versatile figure in planetary exploration. For students and researchers, Hassen-Khodja’s work exemplifies how foundational instrument science and cutting-edge robotic teamwork converge to push the boundaries of what we can discover beyond Earth.