Prateek Tripathi

Dr. Tripathi uses advanced spectroscopic techniques, including near-infrared, thermal, Raman spectroscopy, and hyperspectral imaging, to characterize the composition and physical properties of planetary surfaces. He analyzed imaging and non-imaging spectroscopic data from lunar missions like Chandrayaan-1, Chandrayaan-2, LRO and also worked with ground-based spectrometers and Earth observations datasets like PRISMA, DESIS, Hyperion to identify and map minerals. As an Exploration intern at the Lunar and Planetary Institute, Dr. Tripathi worked on astronaut traverses in support for Artemis missions. He also conducted experiments on lunar samples and meteorites at DLR’s Planetary Spectroscopy Laboratory and collected field and lab spectra from terrestrial impact craters in India. As part of the Lunar-VISE team at UCF, he investigates lunar silicic volcanism through exploration of the Gruithuisen domes on the moon. Additionally, he contributes to lab work at both the Dr. Donaldson Hanna and Dr. Dove labs, utilizing FTIR and ASD spectrometers to build spectral libraries for Lunar-VISE mission materials.