|
Martin A. Tschimmel PhD, 2007, University of Gottingen, Germany
Since childhood Im fascinated by astronomy, planets and space exploration. Although being a hobby astronomer since then I didnt pursue a scientific career after highschool. However, the landing of Pathfinder on Mars in 1997 finally convinced me that this is what I want to do, no matter what. So I studied physics at the Ludwig-Maximilians-University in Munich, Germany, specializing in particle physics and astronomy. In my spare time I worked for the Mars Society in Germany and often joined an astronautics seminar at the Technical University of Munich, headed by the old German Apollo engineer and now retired professor Harry O. Ruppe. In this environment I got convinced of the importance of manned missions to Moon and Mars. With my PhD thesis, which I did at the Max-Planck-Institute for Solar System Research in Katlenburg-Lindau, Germany, I finally had the chance to work on a space project, mapping water vapor on Mars with spectroscopic data from the European Mars Express mission. At this time I also got involved in the calibrations of the Venus Monitoring Camera of Venus Express. After my PhD I wanted to continue this exciting work on actual space hardware. The calibrations of the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter camera proved to be the ideal combination of lab work and involvement in a historic science and exploration mission. Apart from instrument design and calibration, where I can get my hands dirty, Im scientifically interested in atmospheric trace gases on Mars and photometry on planetary bodies.
Publications:1. Investigation of water vapor on Mars with PFS/SW of Mars Express, Tcarus; Tschimmel, M., et al
2. Venus monitoring canera for Venus Express, Planetary and space Science. Markiewicz, W. J., et al.
3. Martian water vapor: Mars Express PFS/LW observations. Icarus. Fouchet, T., et al.
|
