This image was taken of the Martian surface by the NASA MSL rover on sol 4158, showing an assortment of clasts.
Lauren Edgar, Ph.D.
Dr. Lauren Edgar is a Research Geologist studying the Earth, Moon, and Mars through a combination of remote sensing and field techniques, to support robotic and human exploration of the Solar System.
Dr. Edgar’s work involves operating Mars rovers, providing field training to support human exploration, and conducting terrestrial analog studies. Lauren leads the Terrestrial Analogs for Research and Geologic Exploration Training (TARGET) program, which focuses on training, research, data archiving and sample collections to support analog work. Her research aims to understand planetary surface processes through the use of rover and orbital observations and field analogs. She has experience with field characterization of terrestrial sedimentary and volcanic environments, geologic mapping, sample collection and processing, analysis of remote sensing data, and mission operations. Dr. Edgar has more than 15 years of mission operations experience in support of the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) and Mars Exploration Rovers (MER). She is involved in facilitating geology training for NASA engineers, managers, astronauts, and mission teams, as well as field analog simulations to prepare for NASA’s Artemis Program, including participation in NASA’s Joint Extravehicular Activity (EVA) & Human Surface Mobility Test Team (JETT) and Desert Research and Technology Studies (DRATS).
Lauren is also passionate about science communication and outreach. She regularly participates in school visits, public lectures, mission blogs, science curriculum development, and community outreach events.
Science and Products
Surface - Atmosphere interaction
The USGS Astrogeology Science Center conducts research on the interaction between planetary surfaces and the overlying atmospheres. In particular, the transfer of momentum (from wind), vapor (evaporation/sublimation), liquid (rainfall, percolation, infiltration) and solids (snow) occurs between surfaces and atmospheres.
Terrestrial Analogs for Research and Geologic Exploration Training (TARGET)
The U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) Astrogeology Science Center (ASC) recently established the Terrestrial Analogs for Research and Geologic Exploration Training (TARGET) program. This service-oriented program is built around the recognition that the Earth is a fundamental training ground for human and robotic planetary exploration, and that ASC is in a unique position in northern Arizona with...
MSL image of the Martian Surface on sol 4158
This image was taken of the Martian surface by the NASA MSL rover on sol 4158, showing an assortment of clasts.
NLB_764937797EDR_F1061524NCAM00277M_.jpeg
Image shows a poorly sorted collection of clasts, taken by the NASA Mars Curiosity rover on sol 4139.
Image shows a poorly sorted collection of clasts, taken by the NASA Mars Curiosity rover on sol 4139.
Science and Products
Surface - Atmosphere interaction
The USGS Astrogeology Science Center conducts research on the interaction between planetary surfaces and the overlying atmospheres. In particular, the transfer of momentum (from wind), vapor (evaporation/sublimation), liquid (rainfall, percolation, infiltration) and solids (snow) occurs between surfaces and atmospheres.
Terrestrial Analogs for Research and Geologic Exploration Training (TARGET)
The U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) Astrogeology Science Center (ASC) recently established the Terrestrial Analogs for Research and Geologic Exploration Training (TARGET) program. This service-oriented program is built around the recognition that the Earth is a fundamental training ground for human and robotic planetary exploration, and that ASC is in a unique position in northern Arizona with...
MSL image of the Martian Surface on sol 4158
This image was taken of the Martian surface by the NASA MSL rover on sol 4158, showing an assortment of clasts.
This image was taken of the Martian surface by the NASA MSL rover on sol 4158, showing an assortment of clasts.
NLB_764937797EDR_F1061524NCAM00277M_.jpeg
Image shows a poorly sorted collection of clasts, taken by the NASA Mars Curiosity rover on sol 4139.
Image shows a poorly sorted collection of clasts, taken by the NASA Mars Curiosity rover on sol 4139.
USGS Location