Researcher's Profile

Although Mars lacks a global intrinsic magnetic field, the localized and asymmetric crustal magnetic fields are primarily distributed in the southern hemisphere. Atmospheric escape into space induced by the solar wind interaction with Mars has been revealed by direct in-situ spacecraft observations over the past several decades. This process may have played an important role in the evolution of the Martian atmosphere and climate.

My research focuses on the dynamics of the Martian plasma environment and the mechanisms of atmospheric escape associated with solar wind interactions with Mars. I have investigated these processes using plasma measurements from instruments aboard ESA’s Mars Express and NASA’s Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) spacecraft.

I am currently involved in NASA’s Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers (ESCAPADE) mission, which uses two identical small orbiters to conduct simultaneous multipoint measurements of the Martian plasma environment (see, Figure 1). ESCAPADE aims to investigate the spatiotemporal variability of the Martian hybrid magnetosphere and ionosphere, which is difficult to disentangle using observations from a single spacecraft, and to characterize their real-time responses to upstream solar wind variations. I serve as the Science Data Lead, responsible for developing the science data processing and analysis pipeline. ESCAPADE launched in November 2025 and is scheduled to enter Mars orbit around September 2027.

Japan’s Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) mission is also expected to reach the Martian system around the same period. If these missions proceed as planned, up to six spacecraft from multiple international missions may simultaneously observe the Martian plasma environment in the late 2020s.

Building on my knowledge and experience I have gained through participation in international Mars exploration missions, I aim to maximize the scientific return from this exciting new era of simultaneous multipoint observations of the Martian plasma environment.

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• Figure 1: ESCAPADE (courtesy of Rocket Lab)