Mark Robinson
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Phone: 480-727-9691
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Interdisciplinary A 120A TEMPE, AZ 85287-1404
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Dr. Robinson serves as the PI for the NASA Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera. He is also the PI for a new NASA lunar imaging experiment ShadowCam, which is now under development.
Dr. Robinson's research interests are currently focused on the origin and evolution of planetary crusts, including volcanism, tectonism, and regolith development. His investigations are approached using a variety of remote sensing techniques and utilizing datasets from a dozen NASA missions. Dr. Robinson’s graduate school took him to the University of Hawaii, where he worked with researchers studying Mars, Mercury and the Moon. Later, he worked on the Clementine mission that began the second era of lunar exploration. He was also a member of the Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous mission that orbited the asteroid 433 Eros. Much of his current research efforts focus on expanding on our knowledge of the lunar surface, paving the way for future human and robotic exploration of the Moon.
Doctorate: Some Aspects of Lunar and Martian Volcanism, 1993, Geology and Geophysics, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI.
Master of Science: Some Aspects of Martian Topography, 1991, Geology and Geophysics, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI.
Bachelor of Science: 1988, Geology, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, Alaska.
Bachelor of Arts: Double Major - Political Science and Fine Arts, 1982, University of the South, Sewanee TN.
Boyce, J. M., T. A. Giguere, B. Ray Hawke, P. J. Mouginis-Mark, M. S. Robinson, S. J. Lawrence, D. Trang, and R. N. Clegg-Watkins (2017), Hansteen Mons: An LROC geological perspective, Icarus, 283, 254-267.
Henriksen, M. R, M. R. Manheim, K. N. Burns, P. Seymour, E. J. Speyerer, A. Deran, A. K. Boyd, E. Howington-Kraus, M. R. Rosiek, B. A. Archinal, and M. S. Robinson (2017), Extracting accurate and precise topography from LROC narrow angle camera stereo observations, Icarus, 283, 122-137, doi: 10.1016/j.icarus.2016.05.012.
Karachevtseva, I.P., N.A. Kozlova, A. A. Kokhanov, A. E. Zubarev, I. E. Nadezhdina, V. D. Patratiy, A. A. Konopikhin, A. T. Basilevsky, A. M. Abdrakhimov, J. Oberst, I. Haase, B. L. Jolliff, J. B. Plescia, M. S. Robinson (2017), Cartography of the Luna-21 landing site and Lunokhod-2 traverse area based on Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera images and surface archive TV-panoramas, Icarus, 283, 104–121, 10.1016/j.icarus.2016.05.021.
Sato, H., M. S. Robinson, S. J. Lawrence, B. W. Denevi, B. Hapke, B. L. Jolliff, H. Hiesinger (2017) Lunar mare TiO2 abundances estimated from UV/Vis reflectance, Icarus, 296, 216–238. doi:10.1016/j.icarus.2017.06.013.
Smith, D. E., M. T. Zuber, G. A. Neumann, E. Mazarico, F. G. Lemoine, J. W. Head III, P. G. Lucey, O. Aharonson, M. S. Robinson et al. (2017), Summary of the results from the lunar orbiter laser altimeter after seven years in lunar orbit, Icarus, 283, 70-91, doi: 10.1016/j.icarus.2016.06.006
Wagner, R. V., D. M. Nelson, J. B. Plescia, M. S. Robinson, E. J. Speyerer, and E. Mazarico (2017), Coordinates of anthropogenic features on the Moon, Icarus, 283, 92-103, doi: 10.1016/j.icarus.2016.05.011
Robinson, M. S., P. C. Thomas, J. B. Plescia, B. W. Denevi, K. N. Burns, E. B. Cisneros, M. R. Henriksen, C. H. van der Bogert, H. Hiesinger, P. Mahanti, R. W. Stelling, and R. Z. Povilaitis (2016), An Exceptional Grouping Of Lunar Highland Smooth Plains: Geography, Morphology, and Possible Origins, Icarus, 273, 121-134, doi:10.1016/j.icarus.2015.06.028.
Ashley, J. W., M. S. Robinson, J. D. Stopar, T. D. Glotch, B. R. Hawke, S. J. Lawrence, B. L. Jolliff, H. Hiesinger, C. H. van der Bogert, B. T. Greenhagen, and D. A. Paige (2016), The Lassell Massif — a Silicic Lunar Volcano, Icarus, 273, 248-261, doi:10.1016/j.icarus.2015.12.036.
Clegg-Watkins, R. N., B. L. Jolliff, A. K. Boyd, M. S. Robinson, R. Wagner, J. D. Stopar, J. B. Plescia, and E. J. Speyerer (2016), Photometric characterization of the Chang’e-3 landing site using LROC NAC images, Icarus, 273, 84-95, doi: 10.1016/j.icarus.2015.12.010.
Denevi, B.W., M. S. Robinson, A. K. Boyd, D. T. Blewett, and R. L. Klima (2016), The distribution and extent of lunar swirls, Icarus, 273, 53-67, dx.doi.org/10.1016/ j.icarus.2016.01.017.
Humm, D. C., M. Tschimmel, S. M. Brylow, P. Mahanti, T. N. Tran, S. E. Braden, S. Wiseman, J. Danton, E. M. Eliason, and M. S. Robinson (2016), Flight calibration of the LROC Narrow Angle Camera, Space Science Reviews, 200, 431-473, doi:10.1007/s11214-015-0201-8.
Mahanti, P., D. C. Humm, M. S. Robinson, A. K. Boyd, R. Stelling, H. Sato, B. W. Denevi, S. E. Braden, E. Bowman-Cisneros, S. M. Brylow, and M. Tschimmel (2016), Inflight Calibration of the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera Wide Angle Camera, Space Science Reviews, 200, 353-430, doi:10.1007/s11214-015-0197-0.
Meyer, H. M., B. W. Denevi, A. K. Boyd, and M. S. Robinson (2016), The distribution and origin of lunar light plains around Orientale basin, Icarus, 273, 135-145, doi: 10.1016/j.icarus.2016.02.014.
Plescia, J. B., M. S. Robinson, R. Wagner, and R. Baldridge (2016), Ranger and Apollo S-IVB spacecraft impact craters, Planetary and Space Sciences, 124, 15-35, dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.pss.2016.01.002.
Speyerer[MR1] , E.J., R.V. Wagner, M. S. Robinson, A. Licht, P.C. Thomas, K. Becker, J. Anderson, S.M. Brylow, D.C. Humm, M. Tschimmel (2016), Pre-flight and On-orbit Geometric Calibration of the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera, Space Science Reviews, 200, 357-392, doi:10.1007/s11214-014-0073-3.
Speyerer, E. J., S. J. Lawrence, J. D. Stopar, P. Gläser, M. S. Robinson, and B. L. Jolliff (2016), Optimized traverse planning for future polar prospectors based on lunar topography, Icarus, 273, 337-345, doi: 10.1016/j.icarus.2016.03.011.
Speyerer, E.J., R.Z. Povilaitis, M. S. Robinson, P.C. Thomas, R.V. Wagner (2016), Quantifying crater production and regolith overturn on the Moon with temporal imaging, Nature, 538, 215-218, doi:10.1038/nature19829.
Robinson, M.S., A.K. Boyd, B.W. Denevi, S.J. Lawrence, A.S. McEwen, D.E. Moser, R.Z. Povilaitis, R.W. Stelling, R.M. Suggs, S.D. Thompson, R. V. Wagner (2015), New Crater on the Moon and a Swarm of Secondaries, Icarus, 252, 229-235, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/ j.icarus.2015.01.019.
Ernst, C.M., B.W. Denevi, O.S. Barnouin, C. Klimczak, N.L. Chabot, J.W. Head, S.L. Murchie, G.A. Neumann, L.M. Prockter, M. S. Robinson, S.C. Solomon, Thomas R. Watters (2015), Stratigraphy of the Caloris basin, Mercury: Implications for volcanic history and basin impact melt, Icarus, 250, 413-429, doi: 10.1016/j.icarus.2014.11.003.
French, R.A., C.R. Bina, M. S. Robinson, T.R. Watters (2015), Small-scale lunar graben: distribution, dimensions, and formation processes, Icarus, 252, 95-106, doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.icarus, 2014.12.031.
Ostrach, L.R., M. S. Robinson, J.L. Whitten, C.I. Fassett, R.G. Strom, J.W. Head, S.C. Solomon, (2015), Extent, age, and resurfacing history of the northern smooth plains on Mercury from MESSENGER observations, Icarus, 250, 602-622, doi: 10.1016/j.icarus.2014.11.010.
Watters, T.R., M.M. Selvans, M.E. Banks1, S.A. Hauck II, K.J. Becker, M. S. Robinson (2015), Distribution of large-scale contractional tectonic landforms on Mercury: Implications for the origin of global stresses, Geophysical Research Letters, 42, doi:10.1002/2015GL063570.
Watters, T. R., M. S. Robinson, G. C. Collins, M. E. Banks, K. Daud, N. R. Williams, M. M. Selvans (2015), Global Thrust Faulting on the Moon and the Influence of Earth-Raised Tidal Stresses, Geology, 10.1130/G37120.1.
Bauch, K.E., H. Hiesinger, J. Helbert, M. S. Robinson, F. Scholten (2014), Estimation of lunar surface temperatures and thermophysical properties: test of a thermal model in preparation of the MERTIS experiment onboard BepiColombo, Planetary and Space Science, 101, 27-36, doi: 0.1016/j.pss.2014.06.004.
Braden, S.E., J.D. Stopar, M. S. Robinson, S.J. Lawrence, C.H. van der Bogert, H. Hiesinger (2014), Evidence for basaltic volcanism on the Moon within the past 100 million years, Nature Geoscience, 7, doi: 10.1038/ngeo2252.
Clegg, R.N., B.L. Jolliff, M. S. Robinson, B.W. Hapke, J.B. Plescia (2014), Effects of Rocket Exhaust on Lunar Soil Reflectance Properties, Icarus, 227, doi:10.1016/j.icarus.2013.09.013.
Denevi, B.W., M. S. Robinson, A.K. Boyd, H. Sato, B.W. Hapke, B. Ray Hawke (2014), Characterization of space weathering from Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera ultraviolet observations of the Moon, Journal of Geophysical Research Planets, 119, doi:10.1002/2013JE004527.
Gläser, P, F. Scholten, D. De Rosa, R. Marco Figuera, J. Oberst, E. Mazarico, G.A. Neumann, M. S. Robinson (2014), Illumination conditions at the lunar south pole using high resolution Digital Terrain Models from LOLA, Icarus, 243, 78-90, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.icarus.2014.08.013.
Mahanti, P., M. S. Robinson, D.C. Humm, J.D. Stopar (2014), A standardized approach for quantitative characterization of impact crater topography, Icarus, 241, 114-129, doi:10.1016/j.icarus.2014.06.023.
Sato, H., M. S. Robinson, B. Hapke, B.W. Denevi and A.K. Boyd (2014) Resolved Hapke parameter maps of the Moon, Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets, 119, 1775-1805, doi:10.1002/2013JE004580.
Stopar, J. D., B. R. Hawke, M. S. Robinson, B. W. Denevi, T. A. Giguere, S. D. Koeber (2014) Occurrence and Mechanisms of Impact Melt Emplacement at Small Lunar Craters, Icarus, 243, 337-357, doi: 10.1016/j.icarus.2014.08.011.
Wagner, R.V., M. S. Robinson (2014), Distribution, formation mechanisms, and significance of lunar pits, Icarus, 237, 52-60, doi:10.1016/j.icarus.2014.04.002.
Braden, S.E. and M. S. Robinson (2013), Relative rates of optical maturation of regolith on Mercury and the Moon, Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets, 118, 1903-1914 doi:10.1002/jgre.20143.
Denevi, B.W., C.M. Ernst, H.M. Meyer, M. S. Robinson, S.L. Murchie, J.L. Whitten, J.W. Head, T.R. Watters, S.C. Solomon, L.R. Ostrach, C.R. Chapman, P.K. Byrne, C. Klimczak, and P.N. Peplowski (2013), The distribution and origin of smooth plains on Mercury, Journal of Geophysical Research, doi:10.1002/jgre.20075.
Dolgopolov, V.P., A.T. Basilevsky, M. S. Robinson, J.B. Plescia, J.W. Head (2013), Where did the Luna 23 and 24 spacecraft land?: Comparing the spacecraft seen in LROC NAC images with synthetic images, Planetary and Space Science, doi:10.1016/j.pss.2013.03.013.
Karachevtseva, I., J. Oberst, F. Scholten, А. Konopikhin, K. Shingareva, E. Cherepanova, E. Gusakova, I. Haase, O. Peters, J. Plescia, M. Robinson (2013), Cartography of the Lunokhod-1 landing site and traverse from LRO image and stereo-topographic data, Planetary and Space Science, 85, 175-187. dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.pss.2013.06.002.
Lawrence, S.J., J.D. Stopar, B.R. Hawke, B.T. Greenhagen, J.T.S. Cahill, J.L. Bandfield, B.L. Jolliff, B.W. Denevi, M. S. Robinson, T.D. Glotch, D.B.J. Bussey, P.D. Spudis, T.A. Giguere, W.B. Garry (2013), LRO observations of morphology and surface roughness of volcanic cones and lobate lava flows in the Marius Hills, Journal of Geophysical Research, 118, doi:10.1002/jgre.20060.
Mahanti, P., M. S. Robinson (2013), Visualization of probabilistic relationships in shape-maturity data for lunar craters, Proc. SPIE 9017, Visualization and Data Analysis 2014, 90170W; doi:10.1117/12.2042618.
Speyerer, E.J, and M. S. Robinson (2013), Persistently Illuminated Regions at the Lunar Poles: Ideal Sites For Future Exploration, Icarus, 222, 122-136, doi:10.1016/j.icarus.2012.10.010.
- Speyerer,Emerson Jacob*, Lawrence,Samuel J, Robinson,Mark Southwick, Wagner,Robert Vernon. Improving the Geometry of the Clementine Mission and Creating New Maps to Enhance Future Scientific Investigations. NASA-GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CTR(10/1/2015 - 9/30/2018).
- Hardgrove,Craig J*, Bell III,James, Robinson,Mark Southwick, Scowen,Paul Andrew. Lunar Polar Hydrogen Mapper. NASA-GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CTR(10/1/2015 - 9/30/2020).
- Thangavelautham,Jekanthan*, Barnaby,Hugh James, Bell III,James, Clark,Lawrence T, Robinson,Mark Southwick, Scowen,Paul Andrew. Europa South Pole eXplorer (ESP-X). JPL(9/23/2014 - 8/15/2015).
- Robinson,Mark Southwick*, Meyer,Heather Mary. (Meyer) Investigating the Origin of Lunar Light Plains. NASA-GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CTR(9/1/2014 - 8/31/2017).
- Scowen,Paul Andrew*, Robinson,Mark Southwick, Saripalli,Srikanth. Partnering for the Future: ASU and JPL Training for the Next Generation of Explorers. JPL(5/14/2012 - 4/11/2013).
- Yu,Hongyu*, Yu,Hongyu*, Yu,Hongyu*, Fouch,Matthew James, Garnero,Edward, Robinson,Mark Southwick. MEMS-based Lightweight Sensitive Autonomous Lunar Seismometer Devlopment. NASA-GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CTR(5/27/2010 - 5/26/2015).
- Fouch,Matthew James*, Garnero,Edward, Robinson,Mark Southwick, Yu,Hongyu, Yu,Hongyu. Flight Readiness Development of Miniature Lunar Seismometer Based on Moledular Electronic Transducers. UNIV OF AZ(1/1/2010 - 3/30/2011).
- Lawrence,Samuel J*, Robinson,Mark Southwick. Characterizing the Diversity of Pristine Lunar Highlands Indigenous Materials (LASER). NASA-GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CTR(7/15/2009 - 9/30/2013).
- Robinson,Mark Southwick. LROC/LMMP Team Collaboration Processing LROC datasets to Reduced Data Records (LMMP). NASA-MARSHALL SPACE FLIGHT CTR(6/1/2009 - 9/30/2011).
- Robinson,Mark Southwick. Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter (LOLA) Science Team Participation. NASA-GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CTR(2/1/2009 - 1/30/2012).
- Robinson,Mark Southwick. Chandrayaan/Mini RF Experiment. (New contract established, as prime sponsor changed. PVS0154 closed on 9/4/2008). JHUAPL(9/5/2008 - 7/31/2011).
- Farmer,Jack*, Robinson,Mark Southwick. Multispectral Hand Lens and Field Microscope. NASA-GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CTR(8/1/2008 - 7/31/2010).
- Robinson,Mark Southwick. Information Technology Support Integrating Participating Scientists into Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera (LROC) Project. NASA-GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CTR(2/1/2008 - 3/12/2010).
- Burleson,Winslow S*, Burleson,Winslow S*, Hodges,Kip Vernon, Robinson,Mark Southwick. Mission Contingencies for Team (Astronaut - Robot - Mission Control) Interactions. JPL(8/29/2007 - 8/17/2009).
- Robinson,Mark Southwick. Analysis of Lunar and Mercurian Regolths (PGG). NASA-GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CTR(2/28/2007 - 8/27/2009).
- Robinson,Mark Southwick. Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for MARS (CRISM). JHUAPL(2/20/2007 - 12/31/2009).
- Robinson,Mark Southwick. Chandrayaan/Mini RF Experiment. JOHNS HOPKINS UNIV(12/15/2006 - 9/4/2008).
- Robinson,Mark Southwick. Digital Scanning Archive of Apollo HandHeld Panoramic and Metric Photography. Johnson(10/1/2006 - 3/31/2011).
- Robinson,Mark Southwick. Lunar Reconaissance Orbiter Camera (LROC) Contract. NASA-GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CTR(10/1/2006 - 3/15/2019).
- Robinson,Mark Southwick. Science Team Support for the MESSENGER Mission. CARNEGIE INSTITUTION OF WASHIN(10/1/2006 - 5/31/2017).
Courses
2027 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| SES 799 | Dissertation |
| SES 692 | Research |
| SES 792 | Research |
| SES 599 | Thesis |
2026 Fall
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| SES 792 | Research |
| SES 799 | Dissertation |
| SES 692 | Research |
2026 Summer
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| SES 692 | Research |
| SES 692 | Research |
| SES 792 | Research |
| SES 792 | Research |
| SES 799 | Dissertation |
| SES 799 | Dissertation |
| SES 592 | Research |
| SES 592 | Research |
2026 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| SES 799 | Dissertation |
| SES 692 | Research |
| SES 792 | Research |
| SES 599 | Thesis |
2025 Fall
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| SES 792 | Research |
2025 Summer
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| SES 692 | Research |
| SES 692 | Research |
| SES 792 | Research |
| SES 792 | Research |
| SES 799 | Dissertation |
| SES 799 | Dissertation |
| SES 592 | Research |
| SES 592 | Research |
2025 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| SES 799 | Dissertation |
| SES 692 | Research |
| SES 792 | Research |
| SES 599 | Thesis |
2024 Fall
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| SES 792 | Research |
| SES 799 | Dissertation |
| SES 592 | Research |
| SES 599 | Thesis |
| SES 692 | Research |
2024 Summer
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| SES 692 | Research |
| SES 692 | Research |
| SES 792 | Research |
| SES 792 | Research |
| SES 799 | Dissertation |
| SES 799 | Dissertation |
| SES 592 | Research |
| SES 592 | Research |
2024 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| SES 799 | Dissertation |
| SES 692 | Research |
| SES 792 | Research |
| GLG 494 | Special Topics |
| GLG 598 | Special Topics |
2023 Fall
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| GLG 404 | Fundamentals Planetary Geology |
| GLG 598 | Special Topics |
| SES 792 | Research |
| SES 799 | Dissertation |
| SES 692 | Research |
2023 Summer
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| SES 692 | Research |
| SES 692 | Research |
| SES 792 | Research |
| SES 792 | Research |
| SES 799 | Dissertation |
| SES 799 | Dissertation |
| SES 592 | Research |
| SES 592 | Research |
2023 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| SES 405 | Explo Systems Engineering |
| SES 799 | Dissertation |
| SES 692 | Research |
| SES 792 | Research |
| SES 598 | Special Topics |
2022 Fall
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| GLG 404 | Fundamentals Planetary Geology |
| GLG 598 | Special Topics |
| SES 792 | Research |
| SES 799 | Dissertation |
| SES 592 | Research |
| SES 692 | Research |
2022 Summer
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| SES 692 | Research |
| SES 692 | Research |
| SES 792 | Research |
| SES 792 | Research |
| SES 799 | Dissertation |
| SES 799 | Dissertation |
| SES 592 | Research |
| SES 592 | Research |
2022 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| SES 405 | Explo Systems Engineering |
| SES 799 | Dissertation |
| SES 692 | Research |
| SES 792 | Research |
| SES 599 | Thesis |
| SES 598 | Special Topics |
| SES 792 | Research |
2021 Fall
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| GLG 404 | Fundamentals Planetary Geology |
| GLG 598 | Special Topics |
| SES 792 | Research |
| SES 799 | Dissertation |
| SES 592 | Research |
| SES 692 | Research |
NASA Group Achievement Award – Lunar Recconnaisance Orbiter Extended Science Mission, 2015
NASA Group Achievement Award – Lunar Recconnaisance Orbiter Science Mission, 2013
NASA Group Achievement Award – Lunar Recconnaisance Orbiter Exploration Mission, 2011
NASA Group Achievement Award – LRO Operations Team, 2011
NASA Exceptional Public Service Medal for serving on the NASA Advisory Council from 2005 to 2009, awarded 12 November 2010
NASA Group Achievement Award – Lunar Recconnaisance Orbiter Team, 2010
NASA Group Achievement Award – NEAR Shoemaker Mission Team, 2002
NASA Group Achievement Award – NEAR Mathilde Flyby, 1998
NASA Advisory Council, Science Committee member (two terms), 2013 – 2017.
NASA Advisory Council Member (two terms), 2005 – 2009.
Co-convened and organized “Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Science Targeting Meeting” Tempe, AZ, June 9 to 11, 2009.
NASA Lunar Field Geology Workshop, Invited Participant, Lunar Planetary Institute, Houston, June 11-12, 2008.
Co-convened and organized “Go for Lunar Landing Meeting”, Tempe AZ, March 4-5, 2008.
Organizing committee, NASA Workshop on Science Associated with the Lunar Exploration Architecture 27 February - 2 March 2007.