Solar and Planetary Systems

The team conducts research on three themes:

(1) Solid planets and satellites of the solar system

(2) Asteroids and comets

(3) Exoplanets

Using instruments aboard space missions, the team measures the composition of planetary surfaces and atmospheres.

The aim is to characterize the processes of physicochemical and climatic evolution in order to trace the history of the planets.

Particular attention is paid to water and carbon: where and in what state are they found in the Solar System today? What is their history, from primordial inputs to contemporary processes? What is Earth's place in the diversity of planets and exoplanets?

The team's recent research has focused in particular on Mars, water- and carbon-rich asteroids, the icy moons of Jupiter, Mercury and the atmospheres of exoplanets. The composition of these objects is studied using spectrometers and visible and infrared imagers.

Our approach combines observation, data analysis, numerical modeling and laboratory simulation. One of the team's distinguishing features is its direct involvement in the construction of numerous space instruments, with a constant concern to combine scientific and technological challenges. The team also works on microscopic analysis analysis of extraterrestrial samples, in close collaboration with the astrochemistry team.

Dernières news

Cydalise Dumesnil : CNRS Cristal 2022 !

3 years 1 month ago

Congratulations to Cydalise Dumesnil who has been awarded the CNRS Crystal Medal for the quality and originality of her work!
This distinction rewards engineers and technicians who, through their technical expertise and creativity, contribute, alongside researchers, to the advancement of knowledge, to the influence of the CNRS and to the excellence of French research.

Successful validation tests for the PLATO cameras calibration

3 years 2 months ago

The PLATO project has reached a new stage in the development at IAS of the calibration structure for the flight cameras. The validation tests of the installations started at the beginning of March, on cryogenic vacuum infrastructures deployed in the Saturn thermal chamber, at the IAS calibration station. All the tests have just been successfully completed.

Start of the validation tests for the PLATO camera calibration

3 years 4 months ago

The PLATO project at IAS has reached a new stage in the development of the flight camera calibration structure. Indeed, after an intense phase of studies, development, and tuning of the integration and validation activities, the validation tests of the cryogenic and vacuum elements around and inside the Saturn tank are starting this week. All the infrastructures and the control/command for this cryogenic test have been realized under the responsibility of the calibration station team.

Ryugu's samples reveal their secrets

3 years 5 months ago

The first analyzes of the samples collected from the primitive asteroid Ryugu, to which contribute the MicrOmega instrument developed at IAS, provided a first characterization of the physical and chemical properties of the grains.

Delivery of the last flight model hardware item of the MAJIS project to ESA/Airbus

3 years 9 months ago

The optical head of the visible and infrared imaging spectrometer MAJIS (Moons And Jupiter Imaging Spectrometer) has been delivered to ESA and Airbus for mechanical and electrical integration on board the ESA JUICE satellite (JUpiter ICy moon Explorer).

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