Hello,
I’m Emma!

I am a planetary scientist and space systems engineer currently conducting research at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory on the interiors of icy moons.

My current work focuses on modeling the internal structures of Europa and Ganymede to support the interpretation of data from Europa Clipper and JUICE, with an emphasis on subsurface ocean chemistry and potential habitability.

Previously, I worked for two years at the European Space Agency (ESA) on the JUICE and BepiColombo missions, contributing to mission analysis and coordinated multi-spacecraft observations.

I completed the TAS ASTRO Advanced Master’s in Space Systems Engineering at ISAE-SUPAERO and hold an MSc in Planetary Sciences and Space Exploration from the Observatoire de Paris.

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Portrait of Emma Vellard
Now
Location
NASA JPL, Pasadena
Current focus
Interiors of icy moons: Europa and Ganymede

Research interests

Themes I enjoy working on across science, engineering, and mission operations.

Human exploration of the Moon and Mars Mission design constraints, ISRU-driven infrastructure concepts, and systems-level trade-offs for sustainable exploration.
Planetary habitability and ocean worlds Interior structure and subsurface ocean environments, with a focus on Europa and Ganymede.
Scientific software and modeling Reproducible tools and pipelines to support interpretation of mission measurements and scientific decision-making.
Mission analysis and multi-spacecraft coordination Geometry-based observation strategies and coordinated datasets across multiple missions and instruments.

Languages

Comfortable working in international research environments.

French Native
English Fluent
Japanese Beginner
Spanish Intermediate
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