Three successful missions to Mars—not to mention the future of space exploration—owe a huge debt of gratitude to Joy Anne Crisp ’79, a planetary scientist who specializes in volcanology. As an investigation scientist, Crisp joined the exploratory Mars Pathfinder mission, which landed NASA’s first wheeled robot on the red planet in 1997. From there, she was invited to take the lead role of project scientist with the Mars Exploration Rover mission, which landed twin rovers Spirit and Opportunity on Mars in 2004. In this role, she coordinated over 200 scientists from around the world to review live data sent back from Mars and determine the rovers’ next moves as they searched for—and ultimately found—evidence of past water on Mars.
To build on the proven success of the previous rovers, NASA asked Crisp to take a leading position with the Mars Science Laboratory mission and its Curiosity rover in 2005. She brought a wealth of knowledge to the multibillion-dollar enterprise, as well as critical communication skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to building trust and equity within the science team. Though Crisp retired in 2020, Curiosity is still exploring the Martian surface, searching for evidence of past or present life on Mars.
Crisp’s work supporting Mars rover missions earned her three of NASA’s highest honors: the NASA Outstanding Public Leadership Medal in 2020, the NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal in 2013, and the NASA Exceptional Service Medal in 2004. She has also co-authored more than 65 peer-reviewed publications and dozens of conference papers.
“Joy is a true pioneer in the development, implementation, and operation of robotic missions to Mars,” writes one nominator, “creating a new mode of exploration to investigate the solar system.”
Crisp majored in geology at Carleton and earned a master’s degree and PhD in geology from Princeton University. She lives in Sedona, Arizona, with her husband, David.