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T. H. Prettyman is a leading figure in planetary science, whose work bridges the geochemistry of planetary surfaces and the emerging frontier of subsurface exploration. His research focuses on understanding the distribution of volatiles—like water—on planetary bodies and identifying the potential for habitable environments within caves across the solar system. Prettyman’s most impactful contribution is his 2017 global mapping of near-surface water-equivalent hydrogen on Mars, which revealed that vast equatorial regions are unexpectedly rich in water ice, fundamentally altering our understanding of the Martian water cycle and its implications for past climate. This seminal paper has garnered 53 citations, serving as a cornerstone for subsequent Mars exploration. More recently, Prettyman has been a driving force in planetary cave science, co-authoring key roadmap papers (2021, 2022) that outline the fundamental science and engineering questions for exploring caves on the Moon, Mars, and beyond. These works, which have accumulated over 50 citations, are shaping international mission priorities, arguing that caves are critical targets for astrobiology, geology, and future human habitation. Through this dual focus on surface geochemistry and subsurface voids, Prettyman is helping to chart a new course for solar system exploration.