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Planetary
Systems Branch (SST) Overview
The overall research effort in the
Planetary Systems Branch is directed at acquiring new, fundamental knowledge about
the origins of stars and planetary systems and life itself. These studies are
an integral part of NASA's overarching thrust in Astrobiology. Principal research
programs include studies of the formation of stars and planets and the early history
of the solar system, studies of planetary atmospheres and climate, investigation
of the dynamics of planetary disks and rings, work on problems associated with
the Martian surface including resource utilization and environments for the origin
of life, and other programs (chiefly theoretical) involving stellar and planetary
dynamics, radiative processes in stars and the interstellar medium, and investigation
of the physical and chemical conditions in molecular clouds and star formation
regions. Scientists in the branch also support NASA flight missions through participation
on various mission science teams. The primary product of the Branch is new knowledge
about the nature of the universe, presented and published in the open literature.
Bruce Smith
Assistant Chief, Planetary Systems Branch (SST)
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