Gorka Arana
Papers
1
Total Citations
322
H-Index
1
About
Dr. Gorka Arana is a leading figure in analytical chemistry and planetary exploration, whose work has fundamentally advanced the in-situ analysis of extraterrestrial environments. His primary research focuses on the development and application of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and Raman spectroscopy for remote geochemical analysis. Dr. Arana’s most significant contribution is his integral role in the SuperCam instrument suite aboard NASA’s Perseverance rover, a project that has redefined how we study the Martian surface. His highly cited 2020 paper on the SuperCam’s body unit and system tests (322 citations) details the rigorous validation of this complex tool, which combines LIBS, Raman, and other techniques to remotely analyze rock and soil chemistry. This work has been pivotal in enabling the rover’s mission to seek signs of ancient microbial life. Beyond Mars, his expertise in spectroscopic methods has driven innovations in environmental monitoring and material characterization. With a career marked by high-impact, cross-disciplinary collaboration, Dr. Arana stands as a key architect of modern planetary science instrumentation.
Research Focus
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Top Papers
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