"It is the scientific study of planets (including Earth), celestial bodies (such as moons, asteroids, comets) and planetary systems (in particular those of the Solar System) and the processes of their formation."
The planning and execution of space missions to explore and study planets and their moons.
Celestial mechanics: The study of the motion and gravitational forces of celestial bodies.
Orbital mechanics: The study of the motion of objects under the influence of gravitational forces.
Trajectory planning: The process of creating a path for spacecraft to follow to reach its destination.
Planetary geology: The study of the geological processes and history of planets, including their formation and evolution.
Remote sensing: The use of instruments to collect data from a distance, including instruments used in space exploration.
Spectroscopy: The study of the interaction between electromagnetic radiation and matter, including the use of spectroscopes to analyze the composition of planetary surfaces.
Imaging techniques: The variety of techniques used to capture images of planetary surfaces and features, including cameras and radar.
Data analysis and interpretation: The process of analyzing and interpreting data collected during missions, including the use of algorithms and computer models.
Planetary protection: The measures taken to ensure that space missions do not contaminate other planets or bring back harmful material to Earth.
Instrumentation design: The design of the instruments used in space exploration to collect data, including the use of technologies such as lasers and X-rays.
Environmental factors: The study of environmental factors that affect planetary missions, including radiation exposure, temperature extremes, and micrometeoroids.
Science operations: The coordination of scientific activities during space missions, including the planning and execution of experiments and data collection.
Spacecraft design and engineering: The design and engineering of spacecraft for use in space missions, including propulsion systems, communication systems, and power systems.
Sample collection and return: The methods used to collect and return samples from planetary surfaces, including drilling and robotic arms.
Human spaceflight: The study of the challenges and opportunities of sending humans on space missions, including the potential for human exploration of other planets.
Astrobiology: The study of the search for life beyond Earth and the conditions necessary for life to exist on other planets.
Flyby missions: These are missions in which a spacecraft flies by a planet or moon without going into orbit around it. The goal is to capture images and scientific data from a close distance.
Orbiter missions: These are missions in which a spacecraft goes into orbit around a planet or moon. The goal is to study its atmosphere, surface, and magnetic field.
Lander missions: These are missions in which a spacecraft lands on the surface of a planet or moon. The goal is to study its composition and mineralogy.
Rover missions: These are missions in which a spacecraft lands on the surface of a planet or moon and deploys a rover. The rover moves around the surface and collects data and samples.
Sample return missions: These are missions in which a spacecraft lands on the surface of a planet or moon, collects samples of rocks, soil, or gases, and returns them to Earth for analysis.
Atmospheric probe missions: These are missions in which a spacecraft enters the atmosphere of a planet or moon and takes measurements of its composition and properties.
Magnetospheric missions: These are missions in which a spacecraft studies the magnetic fields of a planet or moon.
Interplanetary missions: These are missions in which a spacecraft travels between planets or moons in order to study their interactions, orbits, and compositions.
Human missions: These are missions in which humans travel to a planet or moon in order to study its geology and conduct experiments.
"It studies objects ranging in size from micrometeoroids to gas giants."
"Aiming to determine their composition, dynamics, formation, interrelations, and history."
"It is a strongly interdisciplinary field...planetary geology, cosmochemistry, atmospheric science, physics, oceanography, hydrology, theoretical planetary science, glaciology, and exoplanetology."
"It originally grew from astronomy and Earth science."
"Allied disciplines include space physics, when concerned with the effects of the Sun on the bodies of the Solar System, and astrobiology."
"Observational research can involve combinations of space exploration, predominantly with robotic spacecraft missions using remote sensing, and comparative, experimental work in Earth-based laboratories."
"The theoretical component involves considerable computer simulation and mathematical modeling."
"Planetary scientists are generally located in the astronomy and physics or Earth sciences departments of universities or research centers."
"Yes, they generally study one of the Earth sciences, astronomy, astrophysics, geophysics, or physics at the graduate level and concentrate their research in planetary science disciplines."
"There are several purely planetary science institutes worldwide."
"Some planetary scientists work at private research centers and often initiate partnership research tasks."
"There are several major conferences each year."
"There is a wide range of peer-reviewed journals."
"Planetary geology, cosmochemistry, atmospheric science, physics, oceanography, hydrology, theoretical planetary science, glaciology, and exoplanetology."
"Yes, Earth is included in the study of planetary science."
"[Planetary science] aiming to determine their composition, dynamics, formation, interrelations, and history."
"It studies objects ranging in size from micrometeoroids to gas giants."
"...astronomy, astrophysics, geophysics, or physics."
"Astrobiology is an allied discipline of planetary science, focusing on the search for life beyond Earth."