Passionate about the sky since he was a child, Douglas Galante discovered that the best way to become an astronaut was to become a great scientist. Today he scours Martian soil right here on Earth. He also leads the Carnaúba group, which does research at the Brazilian particle accelerator Sirius.
With a degree in molecular sciences from the University of São Paulo, Douglas holds a PhD in astronomy from the Institute of Astronomy, Geophysics and Atmospheric Sciences, also at USP. He obtained his post-doctorate at the same institute. Douglas Galante’s research is an exercise in detecting life in inhospitable places by investigating extremophile organisms. His taste for the extreme turned into a passion for heights. Climbing came as a natural consequence, but he didn’t stop there. Douglas has a pilot’s license and has even taken a skydiving course.
