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Houston Geological Society Bulletin
Abstract
Abstract: Curiosity: The Science, The People, The Future of Mars Exploration
The Mars Science Laboratory Rover Curiosity landed on Mars in August 2012 to investigate the sedimentary rocks in Gale Crater, which tell the story of a time when Mars, like Earth, had liquid water in lakes and rivers at the surface. Curiosity’s investigations have revealed that there were lake environments on Mars 3.6 billion years ago that would have supported Earth-like life if it had developed there. I will discuss Curiosity’s site selection, landing, the human side of daily science operations on Mars, and some key scientific findings from the rover so far. I will also discuss the upcoming Mars 2020 Rover Perseverance, which will be launching for Mars this July.
Biographical Sketch
Kirsten Siebach is an Assistant Professor in the Rice University Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences and calls herself a Martian Geologist. She researches “source-to-sink” sedimentary processes on Mars and early Earth to interpret the history of water and surface environments early in our solar system. She earned her PhD in geology at Caltech working on the data returned from Mars rovers, and is currently a member of the Science and Operations Team for the Mars Science Laboratory rover Curiosity. Previously, she also worked on the science and engineering teams for the Phoenix Lander and the two Mars Exploration Rovers. She is actively engaged in promoting education and outreach related to Earth and Planetary science and regularly presents at schools and outreach events. Outside of professional interests, she loves travel and photography (on Earth as well as Mars), and enjoys swimming, hiking, and social dancing.
Acknowledgments and Associated Footnotes
1 Kirsten Siebach: Assistant Professor, Rice University Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences
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