Pablo Sobron is a Research Scientist at the SETI Institute, the Founder and CEO of Impossible Sensing, and a world expert in spectroscopy.  He has invented sensors to explore the solar system and the deep sea and commercialized spin-off solutions in energy, agriculture, and critical minerals markets.

After retiring from international basketball in 2005, Pablo got his PhD in physics in 2008 and worked through an alphabet of space organizations, NASA, CSA, and SETI among others.  His work in planetary science has won many awards, including NASA GAAs, the highest level of peer-nominated awards given to NASA teams, and the inaugural SETI Institute Carl Sagan Center’s Director Award.

In 2016 Pablo set up Impossible Sensing to crack impossible problems in space and industry.  His approach: look where others don’t.  The breakthroughs followed.  Success bred success: technology firsts in energy, ocean, and agriculture led to three more startups—all speeding the green transition.  Bold innovations followed.  More industry awards, too.

Today Pablo leads a team turning space-proven sensing into climate tech, delivering in weeks what takes others years.

Laser-based exploration of planetary surfaces: lab, field, and mission instruments and concepts

• P. Sobron, C. Lefebvre, A. Koujelev, A. Wang (2013), Why Raman and LIBS for exploring icy moons? abstract #2381 for 44^th LPSC.
• Pablo Sobron, Catherine Lefebvre, Richard J Leveille, Alexander Koujelev, Tim Haltigin, Du Hongwei, Alian Wang, Nathalie A Cabrol, Kris Zacny, Jack Craft (2012), Geochemical analysis of layered outcrops using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) - Implications for Mars exploration, abstract #1497929 for 2012 Fall AGU.
• Sobron, P., Wang,A., Mayer, D.P., Sobron, F., Kong, F.J., Zheng, M.P., (2012), Integrated geochemical and mineralogical investigation of lake deposits at Da Langtan (China) -- implications for surface processes on Mars. abstract for 22^nd V. M. Goldschmidt Conference.
• P. Sobron , H.E.F. Amundsen, A. Bauer, J. L. Bishop, F. Jordan, J-L. Josset, L. Josset, R. Leveille, S. M. Pugh, N. Schmitz, A. Steele, A. Wang (2012), In-situ investigation of Devonian redbed sediments in Bockfjord (Svalbard, Norway) as a martian analogue, abstract #xxxx for 43^rd Lunar and Planetary Science Conference.
• Wang Alian, Pablo Sobron (2011), Characterization of Phyllosilicates by LIBS and Laser Raman Spectroscopy, abstract #1188942, AGU Fall meeting, San Francisco, CA.
• Sobron P., Wang A. (2011) LIBS spectral data processing and calibration of sulfate targets with application to Mars exploration. Spectrochimica Acta Part B, 68, 1-16, doi:10.1016/j.sab.2012.01.002.
• Sobron P., Alian Wang (2011), A planetary environment and analysis chamber for combined in‐situ spectroscopic measurements on selected materials under planetary relevant environments, J. Raman Spectroscopy, DOI 10.1002/jrs.3017.
• Pablo. Sobron, A. Sansano, and Alian Wang (2010), Defining Laser Power Requirements for Heat-Sensitive Samples for the Raman Instrument on ExoMars Mission, abstract for the 9th International Conference on Raman spectroscopy Applied to the Earth Sciences, Sydney, Australia.
• Sobron P., C. N. Alpers and Alian Wang (2010), LIBS/Raman Investigation of Mars-Related Sulfates from iron Mountain, California, abstract #2585 for 41st Lunar and Planetary Science Conference.
• Sobron P., Alian Wang (2010), A Planetary Environment and Analysis Chamber Equipped with Multiple Spectroscopic Sensors, abstract #1994 for 41st Lunar and Planetary Science Conference.
• Sobron P., Alian Wang (2009), LIBS analysis of sulfates from Mars analog sites in Earth’s vs. Mars’ atmosphere, abstract for North American Symposium LIBS 2009.
• Sobron P., Alian Wang (2009), Raman and LIBS: a Definitive Combination for the Characterization of Natural Samples from the Rio Tinto Mars Analog, abstract #2400 for 40th Lunar & Planetary Sciences Conference, Houston
• Sobron P., J. J. Freeman, Alian Wang (2009), Field Test of The Water-Wheel IR (WIR) Spectrometer on Evaporative Salt Deposits at Tibetan Plateau, abstract 2372 for 40th Lunar & Planetary Sciences Conference, Houston.

Fundamental research, proof-of-concept studies, prototype design, and science and technology demonstration in relevant environments and field settings.