Starmus VII
Dr. Dante Lauretta is a distinguished planetary scientist known for his pivotal role as the Principal Investigator of the OSIRIS-REx mission and his esteemed position as a Regents Professor of Planetary Science at the University of Arizona's Lunar and Planetary Laboratory.
His research is primarily dedicated to the intriguing realms of asteroids and comets, with a special emphasis on deciphering their chemistry and mineralogy. Dr. Lauretta has earned recognition as an expert in the analysis of extraterrestrial materials, a domain encompassing the study of asteroid samples, meteorites, and comet particles.
Beyond his groundbreaking research, Dr. Lauretta is deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of scientists, engineers, and space leaders. He imparts his wealth of knowledge in planetary science and spacecraft mission design and implementation through mentorship and coursework. His dedication is exemplified by his leadership of the OSIRIS-REx research team at the University of Arizona, where he has mentored and guided over 100 undergraduate and graduate students. This visionary project not only advances scientific exploration but also ensures that the University of Arizona remains at the forefront of planetary exploration for years to come.
Dr. Dante Lauretta's contributions to planetary science, coupled with his commitment to education and mentorship, exemplify his outstanding impact on the field of space exploration.
