Vicky Hamilton

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About

Vicky Hamilton is a leading planetary scientist whose research focuses on the mineralogy and thermal evolution of Mars, with a particular emphasis on understanding the planet’s ancient crust and its potential for past habitability. Her major contributions include pioneering the use of infrared spectroscopy to map the composition of Martian surface materials, which has been instrumental in identifying key minerals like olivine and pyroxene that reveal the planet’s volcanic and aqueous history. Hamilton’s work has been foundational to NASA’s Mars exploration missions, including the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter and the Mars Science Laboratory, where her analyses have guided landing site selections and instrument operations. Among her notable achievements is her leadership in the scientific community’s efforts to plan for human exploration of Mars, as highlighted in her widely cited paper “Scientific Investigations Associated with the Human Exploration of Mars in the Next 35 Years,” which outlines the unprecedented opportunity to study the solar system’s earliest history preserved on the Red Planet. With over 2,000 citations, Hamilton’s research continues to shape our understanding of Mars’ geological past and its implications for life beyond Earth.