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

MAJIS calibration: 5 intense weeks of activities and measurements and a major project milestone successfully completed!

3 years 9 months ago

The Optical Head (OH) of the MAJIS (Moons and Jupiter Imaging Spectrometer) instrument which was delivered to IAS in mid-August has been calibrated at the IAS calibration facilities. This crucial stage in the life of a space instrument allows us to assess the performances of the instrument in conditions very close to those it will encounter in space, and to make the final adjustments to its control with the electronics spare (the electronic flight unit having already been delivered).

MAJIS/JUICE : delivery of the main electronic module to Airbus, a first milestone for the MAJIS project

3 years 11 months ago

The MAJIS project has reached an important milestone by delivering the main electronics (ME) to Airbus for integration into the heart of the satellite in order to be best protected from Jupiter radiation. This box allows to drive the instrument, to compress and to format the science and auxiliary data thanks to the on-board software developed by the IAS in partnership with the CNES.

IAS analyzes samples of the Ryugu asteroid

3 years 11 months ago

The Astrochemistry and Origins team at IAS, in collaboration with the SMIS beam-line of the SOLEIL synchrotron, is starting the analysis of several Ryugu micrometric grains, in particular by Fourier transform infrared micro-tomography.

Cédric Pilorget, laureate of the Institut Universitaire de France

4 years 1 week ago

Cédric Pilorget, Université Paris-Saclay assistant professor at IAS, has been named a junior member of the Institut Universitaire de France. This nomination will allow him to carry on his research in planetology, on quantifying mineral abundances on planetary and small body surfaces, and to prepare future space missions.

IAS participates in a live radio contact between ISS and Université Paris-Saclay

4 years 3 weeks ago

On 17 June 2021, the International Space Station (ISS) will fly over the Orsay campus of Université Paris-Saclay. To mark the occasion, a radio contact lasting approximately 10 minutes will be organised with Thomas Pesquet, live from the ISS. A unique opportunity to follow the conversation between the astronaut and secondary school and university students!

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