Pablo Sobron

Pablo has strong interests in robotic space exploration and comparative analogue science - the study of places on Earth that are similar to environments on other planets and moons. Pablo received his Ph.D in Physics from the University of Valladolid, Spain, in 2008. To date, he has lead or collaborated on over 20 projects focused on the development of instruments and data processing tools for missions to explore the Solar System, and on fundamental research. These projects have been sponsored by the European Space Agency, Canadian Space Agency, and NASA, among others.

Over the past ten years, Pablo has logged 2,000+ field work hours all over the world, including work in Arctic and desert environments, where he has tested and has performed scientific investigations with multiple prototypes of planetary exploration instruments.

While space-related topics are a major focus of Pablo’s research, many of his scientific publications contribute to our fundamental understanding of spectroscopic technologies. He believes those technologies are essential to better understand geochemical and mineralogical processes on Earth, and are core for the development of instruments and concepts for in-situ planetary exploration.  Pablo is committed to the successful transfer of space-related technology into industrial applications that, in turn, advance science and technology readiness of future planetary instruments.

Laser-based exploration of planetary surfaces: lab, field, and mission instruments and concepts

• P. Sobron, C. Lefebvre, A. Koujelev, A. Wang (2013), Why Raman and LIBS for exploring icy moons? abstract #2381 for 44^th LPSC.
• Pablo Sobron, Catherine Lefebvre, Richard J Leveille, Alexander Koujelev, Tim Haltigin, Du Hongwei, Alian Wang, Nathalie A Cabrol, Kris Zacny, Jack Craft (2012), Geochemical analysis of layered outcrops using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) - Implications for Mars exploration, abstract #1497929 for 2012 Fall AGU.
• Sobron, P., Wang,A., Mayer, D.P., Sobron, F., Kong, F.J., Zheng, M.P., (2012), Integrated geochemical and mineralogical investigation of lake deposits at Da Langtan (China) -- implications for surface processes on Mars. abstract for 22^nd V. M. Goldschmidt Conference.
• P. Sobron­­, H.E.F. Amundsen, A. Bauer, J. L. Bishop, F. Jordan, J-L. Josset, L. Josset, R. Leveille, S. M. Pugh, N. Schmitz, A. Steele, A. Wang (2012), In-situ investigation of Devonian redbed sediments in Bockfjord (Svalbard, Norway) as a martian analogue, abstract #xxxx for 43^rd Lunar and Planetary Science Conference. 
• Wang Alian, Pablo Sobron (2011), Characterization of Phyllosilicates by LIBS and Laser Raman Spectroscopy, abstract #1188942, AGU Fall meeting, San Francisco, CA. 
• Sobron P., Wang A. (2011) LIBS spectral data processing and calibration of sulfate targets with application to Mars exploration. Spectrochimica Acta Part B, 68, 1-16, doi:10.1016/j.sab.2012.01.002.   
• Sobron P., Alian Wang (2011), A planetary environment and analysis chamber for combined in‐situ spectroscopic measurements on selected materials under planetary relevant environments, J. Raman Spectroscopy, DOI 10.1002/jrs.3017.
• Pablo. Sobron, A. Sansano, and Alian Wang (2010), Defining Laser Power Requirements for Heat-Sensitive Samples for the Raman Instrument on ExoMars Mission, abstract for the 9th International Conference on Raman spectroscopy Applied to the Earth Sciences, Sydney, Australia.
• Sobron P., C. N. Alpers and Alian Wang (2010), LIBS/Raman Investigation of Mars-Related Sulfates from iron Mountain, California, abstract #2585 for 41st Lunar and Planetary Science Conference.
• Sobron P., Alian Wang (2010), A Planetary Environment and Analysis Chamber Equipped with Multiple Spectroscopic Sensors, abstract #1994 for 41st Lunar and Planetary Science Conference.
• Sobron P., Alian Wang (2009), LIBS analysis of sulfates from Mars analog sites in Earth’s vs. Mars’ atmosphere, abstract for North American Symposium LIBS 2009.
• Sobron P.,  Alian Wang (2009), Raman and LIBS: a Definitive Combination for the Characterization of Natural Samples from the Rio Tinto Mars Analog, abstract #2400 for 40th Lunar & Planetary Sciences Conference, Houston
• Sobron P., J. J. Freeman, Alian Wang (2009), Field Test of The Water-Wheel IR (WIR) Spectrometer on Evaporative Salt Deposits at Tibetan Plateau, abstract 2372 for 40th Lunar & Planetary Sciences Conference, Houston.

Fundamental research, proof-of-concept studies, prototype design, and science and technology demonstration in relevant environments and field settings.