Robert J. Lillis

Robert J. Lillis is a Research Physicist at the Space Sciences Laboratory at the University of California Berkeley and Principal Investigator for NASA’s 2024 ESCAPADE mission to Mars.
==Early Life and Education==
Robert J. Lillis was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1979. From 1985 to 1989, he lived in Allendale, New Jersey, USA, before returning to Dublin, where he attended Newpark Comprehensive School from 1991 to 1997. Lillis earned a Bachelor's degree with 1st Class Honours in Theoretical Physics from Trinity College Dublin in 2001.
==Career==
Lillis completed both a Master's and a Ph.D. in Physics at UC Berkeley. His thesis research included developing the theory and application (to Mars) of electron reflectometry in planetary atmospheres. His research focuses on planetary aeronomy and space physics and the geophysical implications of crustal remanent magnetism. He has also studied the effects of solar energetic particles on planetary environments, with a particular emphasis on Mars.
At the UC Berkeley Space Sciences Laboratory, Lillis has progressed from a PhD student researcher to a Senior Research Physicist and Associate Director for Planetary Science. He has authored over 150 peer-reviewed publications and contributed significantly to various space science missions and mission concept studies.
Mission 	Years 	Lillis Role 	Notes
Mars Global Surveyor 	2002-2006 	Student member of MAG-ER team	Developed electron reflectometry technique for planets with atmospheres
Mars Express 	2008-present	Science Affiliate 	Space weather & ionospheric studies
Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution Mission (MAVEN) 	2008-present	Science team member 	Leads photochemical working group
Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution Mission (MAVEN) 	2008-2019 	SEP instrument deputy 	Design, assembly, test and data flow.
Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution Mission (MAVEN) 	2013-2021 	Science Steering Group 	Advise the PI on science matters
Emirates Hope Mars Mission 	2014-present	Science team member 	Co-led early mission formulation. Ultraviolet spectroscopy & aurora
Mars Orbiters for Surface Atmosphere Ionosphere Connections (MOSAIC) concept*	2019-2021 	Principal Investigator 	Decadal survey concept study for a constellation of 10 orbiters to understand the Mars climate system from subsurface ice to the solar wind
Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers (ESCAPADE) 	2018-present
(launch 2024)	Principal Investigator 	Twin satellites to characterize dynamics and real-time space weather response of Mars’ unique hybrid magnetosphere
==Field of Study==
Robert J. Lillis is an expert in planetary geophysics and space physics. His research includes:
Planetary Aeronomy: Studies Martian auroral processes, atmospheric escape, and ionospheric electrodynamics.
'Crustal Remanent Magnetism': Develops techniques and models for studying Mars' crustal magnetic fields and their implications for planetary evolution through investigating planetary volcanism, impact processes, and planetary interiors (dynamo history of Mars).
Solar Energetic Particles: Studies impacts on planetary atmospheres and spaceflight hardware development.
Lillis’s research approach is broad, encompassing data analysis, simulation, and the development of both instrumentation and full missions, contributing to advancements in planetary and space sciences.
==Current Major Space Projects==
* ESCAPADE: Exploring Mars' magnetosphere with coordinated multi-point observations, set for a late 2024 launch.
* MAVEN: Investigating Mars' atmosphere and climate history with a suite of in-situ and remote instruments
* Emirates Mars Mission: Providing a comprehensive view of the Martian atmosphere with a unique synoptic perspective
Lillis also participates in proposal development for missions studying Venus's aeronomy and mesoscale structures in interplanetary space weather.
==Honours and Awards==
His contributions to planetary sciences have been recognized with various accolades, including the NASA Group Achievement Awards and Robert H. Goddard Exceptional Achievement Awards.
==Personal Life==
Lillis’s interests extend beyond physics, encompassing history, geopolitics, and professional rugby. He is also a runner, hiker, and golfer.
==Publications and Outreach==
Lillis has a significant publication record and is actively involved in community outreach and scientific service. He regularly participates in peer review, proposal evaluation, and conference organization. His commitment to education and public engagement is reflected in his contributions to NASA’s Planetary Science Decadal Surveys and his mentorship of new scientists in the field.
==Collaborators==
Person 	Collaborations
Bruce Jakosky	2005-present: Mars atmospheric escape, MAVEN colleagues
Janet Luhmann	2004-present: space weather impacts at Mars, atmospheric escape. Dr. Luhmann was Deputy PI on ESCAPADE 2019-23
Shannon Curry	2011-present: Mars-solar wind interaction. Dr. Curry is MAVEN Principal Investigator and ESCAPADE Project Scientist
Category:1979 births
Category:People from County Dublin
Category:Physicists
Category:Irish people