Michael Daly

Michael Daly holds the York University Research Chair in Planetary Science and is the Director of the Centre for Research in Earth and Space Science (CRESS). He recently received the honour from the International Astronomical Union of having the asteroid 1999 UW25 renamed as (129973) Michaeldaly.  He was also the Canadian Aeronautics and Space Institute’s 2016 W. Rupert Turnbull lecturer and the recipient of the 2018 McCurdy award. The McCurdy award is awarded for outstanding achievement in the science and creative aspects of engineering relating to aeronautics and space research.

Dr. Daly is currently leading the science contribution of Canada’s OSIRIS-REx Laser Altimeter (OLA) to the NASA New Frontiers to asteroid 101955 Bennu. A scanning laser altimeter, the OLA instrument measures the range between the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft and the surface of Bennu, to produce digital terrain maps of unprecedented detail for a planetary mission. He also works in the area of deep-UV Raman spectroscopy as well as time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence.

Michael is the PI for a new $3.5M Canadian planetary science laboratory focused on the simulation and understanding of planetary surface processes as well as developing instruments and improving analysis techniques for planetary science in-situ investigations. Prior to joining York University, he initiated and led the engineering of Canada’s first instruments to operate on Mars.  Dr. Daly has also led the development of space-flight cameras including the design of the cameras in the DEXTRE robot’s end-effectors aboard the International Space Station.