Lu Chou

I work to address questions of our universe by designing and using chemical laboratories that can be placed on rovers and landers to explore other worlds. These laboratories, such as the Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) instrument onboard the Curiosity Rover, function as robotic “detectives,” analyzing Mars rocks to uncover the building blocks of life, investigating chemical clues about ancient habitable conditions, and even searching for traces of life itself. At NASA, I have the privilege of putting the study of astrobiology into practice. So far, the ingredients needed to support life have been discovered in a variety of environments across the solar system.

The search for life in the universe is deeply intertwined with humanity’s understanding of its origins, prevalence, and future. Discovering life elsewhere would revolutionize our perception of our place in the cosmos and profoundly impact humanity’s goals for its future. Conversely, if we are alone in the universe, it underscores our global responsibility to conserve and protect this singular existence of life, its diverse cultures, and the one planet we call home.

There is no greater purpose for a scientist than sharing new discoveries with the general public. Whether it’s conceptualizing cutting-edge life detection technologies, tackling challenging questions about other planets with limited data from remote instruments millions of miles away, or navigating the day-to-day grind of a mission cycle, my work would have little meaning if I couldn’t share it with the world. From mentoring students to participating in outreach events across the country, I am privileged to be able to share my passion and relive every “Wow, that’s cool!” moment with aspiring young scientists. To me, this underscores the idea that science is for everyone to enjoy and pursue.

I currently lead a team of scientists and engineers in developing miniature chemical detectors that utilize the same technology used in manufacturing computer chips. These devices can search for signs of life and could be deployed on future resource-limited missions to very remote locations in the solar system. They could even assist astronauts in identifying life-supporting resources, such as water, on the Moon. Helping set the stage for the advancement of future space technologies, I hope to inspire the next generation to continue the search for life in the universe and to be kind to the life in our own backyard.