planetary science

"It is the first geochronology study to come from the Chang’e-6 samples, and will be of immense importance to the lunar and planetary science community."

“The community is really fortunate to have new rockets with these heavy lift capabilities available to them,” said Matthew Shindell, planetary science and exploration curator at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.

All while Congress had slashed its planetary science budget almost in half compared with a decade prior.

“It’s not too surprising to see JPL win a contract for a planetary mission,” said Matthew Shindell, planetary science and exploration curator at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.

After the success of Flores’ internship, the two scientists started looking for ways to introduce planetary science to students who might not have considered it as part of their training, and lacked access to the tools necessary for sophisticated research.