Prakhar Sinha

Prakhar Sinha is a Postdoctoral Associate at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2023-2024) specializing in planetary science, astronautics engineering, and mechanical engineering. He holds a Ph.D. in Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences from Purdue University (2022) and an M.S. in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Purdue University (2018). His research focuses on Mars geology, surface processes, mineralogy, and paleoclimate interpretation through spectral analysis and Mars analog field studies. He is a NASA Future Investigator in Earth, Space Science, and Technology (FINESST) awardee. Sinha's expertise spans orbital and in-situ planetary exploration, including CRISM spectral studies of Martian polar deposits, rover and drone-based Mars analog studies in Iceland and Cape Verde, and composition analysis using visible and near-infrared spectroscopy. His professional experience includes internships at NASA JPL and work in aerospace materials fabrication and testing. He holds a B.E. in Mechanical Engineering from Ramaiah Institute of Technology (2014) with distinction.

Planetary geology and surface processes Mars paleoclimates and aqueous history Spectral analysis: visible and near-infrared spectroscopy Mars analog field studies and rover operations Sediment provenance and mineralogy Mars polar layered deposits Drone-based planetary exploration Space mission design

Origin and Detection of Microbial Life (EAPS 590) Physical Geology Lab (EAPS 111) Robotics Fundamentals