Advancing the State-of-the-Art for Planetary Exploration

M-CLASS Lab

Measurement of Composition via Laser Ablation Sampling and Spectrometry

Our Goals

The prime directives of the joint UMD/NASA GSFC M-CLASS Laboratory (Measurement of Composition via Laser Ablation Sampling and Spectrometry) are to 1) develop cutting-edge analytical techniques and 2) mature mission-enabling technologies that promote the in situ study of planetary materials.

Recent News

Oct 25, 2024

Come see the MCLASS Lab's work at AGU!

At the AGU Fall 2024 Meeting, six current and former members of MCLASS lab will be sharing their research! Find their posters, talks, and...

Jul 30, 2024

Maddy selected to receive FINESST award!

Maddy was selected to receive a NASA FINESST award to work on research related to understanding how minerals affect organic detectability...

Jun 30, 2024

Welcome Oya to the Lab!

This week, a new post-doc, Oya, joined the M-CLASS lab. He received his BS and PhD from the University of Tokyo, and will be working on...

See News articles about our latest Nature Astronomy Paper!

Vice - Scientists created a device to find alien life that's so tiny it fits in your hand

Inverse - New lightweight instrument could help detect life on Europa or Mars

Phys.org - Small laser device can help detect signs of life on other planets