Field astrobiology research in Moon-Mars analogue environments: instruments and methods

摘要: We describe the field demonstration of astrobiology instruments and research methods conducted in from Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) Utah during EuroGeoMars campaign 2009 coordinated by ILEWG, ESA/ESTEC NASA Ames, with contribution academic partners. discuss entire experimental approach determining geological context using remote sensing, situ measurements, sorties sample collection characterization, analysis laboratory, to post advanced laboratory facilities. present rationale for terrestrial campaigns strengthen link between orbital sensing data. These are supporting preparation future missions such as Science Laboratory, ExoMars or Sample Return. MDRS crew 76 77, focused on investigation surface processes their context. Special emphasis was placed pre-screening in-situ portable instruments. investigations included geochemical measurements well detection diagnostic water, oxidants, organic matter, minerals, volatiles biota. an example a Moon-Mars dedicated specific methodology comprehensive selected sampling sites. sequence: objectives trade-off based science, technical operational constraints. This includes data maps, context; monitoring environmental parameters; geophysical mineralogy studies; geology geomorphology investigations; geochemistry characterization subsurface studies. handling (extraction collection) methods, soils rocks performed close inspection, initial petrological microscopy, Visible-NIR spectrometry, Raman X-ray diffraction/X-ray fluorescence soil analysis, electrochemical biological measurements. The results post-mission returned samples facilities collaborator institutes described companion papers this issue. examples exploration endolithic microbial mats (from reconnaissance, imaging, sampling, local analysis). © 2011 Cambridge University Press.