Planetary Geologic Mapping – ASU (Computer Science)
INSTITUTION
Arizona State University
CLASS
Nickel Class (2020 – 2021)
STUDENT TEAM
Vipul Vadodaria, Computer Science
Aurelio Villalobos, Computer Science
Jesus (Tony) Gallego, Computer Science
Kunhao Zhang, Computer Science
Lingxiao Zhao, Computer Science
Collin Vaughan, Engineering Management
Tabitha Trigler (NAU), Physics and Astronomy
SCIENTIFIC & TECHNICAL GUIDANCE
David Nelson, Data Manager and Geospatial Data Analyst, Ronald Greeley Center for Planetary Studies, ASU School of Earth and Space Exploration
Matthew Toro, Director of Maps, Imagery, and Geospatial Services, ASU Map and Geospatial Hub
Dr. David Williams, Research Professor, ASU School of Earth and Space Exploration, Psyche Mission Co-Investigator
ACADEMIC GUIDANCE
Dr. Helen Chavez, Lecturer, School of Computing, Informatics, and Decision Systems Engineering, ASU
Dr. Joe Juarez, Lecturer, School of Computing, Informatics, and Decision Systems Engineering, ASU
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Though scientists have combined radar and optical observations to generate a 3D shape model of Psyche, which suggests that there is significant variation in the metal content and color of the asteroid over the surface, no one has seen the Psyche asteroid yet, so we will not know what it actually looks like until the spacecraft arrives in early 2026. In preparation for arrival at Psyche, scientists on the mission are thinking about geologic mapping of the asteroid’s surface. This capstone project aims to contribute to that work, helping inform discussions among Psyche team members as they prepare for working with real Psyche surface data in the late 2020s. It will also serve as an exciting way to educate the public about the value of geologic maps and how we come to understand the histories of planetary bodies we will never get to see in person.