About the Center
The Center for Planetary Science and Exploration (CPSE) serves as a collaborative hub for interdisciplinary research, innovation, and education about the solar system. By bringing together faculty and students from various fields, CPSE aims to enhance understanding of our solar system while developing innovative educational programs and public engagement initiatives. The center seeks to establish partnerships both within the university and with external organizations to support medium- to large-scale research and development projects. Through its efforts, the CPSE aspires to contribute to significant scientific advancements that benefit both space exploration and life on Earth.
The Tennessee Space Grant Consortium shares the same home department as CPSE and supports a strong public outreach mission as well as undergraduate research programs.
1621 Cumberland Avenue
602 Strong Hall
Knoxville, TN 37996-1526
Legacy
CPSE is the direct descendent of the Planetary Geosciences Institute (PGI). Established in 1993 under the leadership of Prof. Lawrence Taylor, PGI was one of the oldest institutes hosted within the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK). Prof. Taylor lead PGI until shortly before he passed away in 2017, when he handed off the directorship of the Institute to Prof. Jeffrey Moersch. In 2024, PGI became CPSE. Instead of focusing exclusively on planetary geology, CPSE embraces all aspects of planetary science and exploration work conducted at UT, including astrobiology, engineering, physics, agronomy, and communication of the excitement of planetary exploration.
Prof. Lawrence Taylor served in the back room of Apollo 17 at the Johnson Space Center advising astronauts on their activities on the Moon. During this time, he became good friends with astronaut Harrison Schmitt, the only geologist on the Moon and the last person to step onto the Moon. Their collaboration helped establish the foundation of planetary science at UTK.
Since those times, UTK has remained a leading force in planetary research and exploration, hosting many distinguished scientists. Among them is Professor Harry McSween Jr., Chancellor’s Professor Emeritus of Planetary Geoscience. After earning his Ph.D. in 1977, McSween joined UTK and went on to play key roles in numerous NASA missions, including Mars Pathfinder, Mars Global Surveyor, Mars Odyssey, the Mars Exploration Rovers, and the Dawn asteroid orbiter. He has served as President of the Meteoritical Society, Chair of the Planetary Division of the Geological Society of America, and both Councilor and President of the Geological Society of America. His contributions to planetary science were recognized in 2021 with election to the National Academy of Sciences.