Laboratory Information:
Astrogeology Research Program
Flagstaff Field Center
2255 N. Gemini Dr.
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Email: info@astrogeology.usgs.gov
Website: http://astrogeology.usgs.gov/
Agency/Department: Dept. of Interior
Region: Far West
Background/History of the Laboratory:
The Astrogeology Research Program is a
team of over 80 research scientists, cartographers, computer
scientists, administrative staff, students, contractors, and volunteers working to support the efforts
to explore,
map, and understand our solar system. Fields of particular interest are mapping, planetary geologic
processes, remote sensing and monitoring, and scientific analysis, which leads to answers about our
neighboring planets.
The USGS Astrogeology Research Program has a rich history
of participation in space exploration efforts and
planetary mapping, starting in 1963 when the Flagstaff Science Center was established to provide lunar
geologic mapping and assist in training astronauts destined for the Moon.
Throughout the years, the Program has participated in processing
and analyzing data from various missions to
the planetary bodies in our solar system, assisting in finding potential landing sites for exploration
vehicles,
mapping our neighboring planets and their moons, and conducting research to better understand the origins,
evolutions, and geologic processes operating on these bodies.
Mission of the Laboratory:
The mission of the USGS Astrogeology Research
Program is to establish and maintain geoscientific and
technical expertise in planetary science and remote sensing to perform the following tasks:
