Dr. Marko Gacesa joined the Physics Department at Khalifa University in Fall 2020. Before that, he held research positions at NASA Ames Research Center, the Space Sciences Lab at the University of California Berkeley, University of Connecticut, Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems and conducted postdoctoral research at the Institute of Theoretical Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics (ITAMP) at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.
Dr. Gacesa is an atomic and molecular physicist whose work connects space science with atomic and molecular physics. His research focuses on atomic and molecular processes that determine the physical properties and behavior of dense astrophysical environments and cold plasmas, such as studying the role of non-thermal processes in formation and evaporation of planetary atmospheres. He is an external collaborator of NASA's MAVEN mission and the MBRSC's Emirates Mars Mission science teams.
More broadly, Dr. Gacesa also works on developing innovative science and technology for conversion of greenhouse gases into rocket fuel and breathable oxygen for in situ resource utilization (ISRU) in future space settlements and earthly climate change mitigation.
Beyond scientific research, Dr. Gacesa is a firm believer in expanding human presence beyond Earth. As a graduate student, he volunteered and held leadership roles at the , engaging with students and professionals in the space industry. His other interest are disruptive technologies, such as the epxanding role of AI and fintech on the society.
Nonthermal Processes in Planetary Atmospheres
My group studies physical processes taking place between atoms, molecules, and ions taking place in upper layers of planetary atmospheres exposed to the solar radiation and heliospheric plasma. Specifically, we study the upper atmospheres of Mars, where the photochemical and non-thermal escape to space take place, as well as Venus, Titan, Io, and extrasolar planets. The goal is to better understand current conditions as well as past climates in the Solar system, as well as the impact of escape processes on the formation and evoluton of planetary atmospheres.
In order to compare the models to data and help with the interpretation of the observational data, we collaborate with the instrument and science teams of space missions to Mars, including NASA's MAVEN mission and the Emirates Mars Mission.
Emerging Science and Technologies for In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU)
Within the scope of the ISRU themes, my group is exploring the physics behind proposed innovative technologies for extracting resources and 'living off the land' in space, at planetary surfaces of Moon and Mars. Main directions of our research are extraction of oxygen and hydrogen from the lunar regolith, as well as optimization of cold plasma conversion of CO2 for both space and earthly applications.
Molecular and microkinetic modeling of 2D Catalysts
In support of ongoing experimental studies at the Center of Catalysis and Separation (CeCaS), we carry out computational modeling (DFT) of surface adsorption of 2D materials to better understand and optimize the catalyst performance.
