Gypsum is a mineral that commonly precipitates in hydrothermal environments. This study reports the electron microscopic analyses of gypsum morphologies and crystal sizes found in hot springs on the Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia, and compares these analyses with gypsum morphologies of hydrothermal genesis found in Lower Cambrian black shale. In sediments of the Kamchatka hot springs, we observed prismatic, prismatic pseudo-hexagonal, fibrous, tubular, lenticular and twinned gypsum crystals, with crystal sizes ranging from <200 nm to >200 mm. The coexistence of diverse crystal habits of gypsum implies a constant interaction between hot spring geochemistry and the metabolisms of the microbial community. The crystallization of Ca-and Ba-sulfates in the black shale of the Lower Cambrian, which shows similar but less varied morphology, was influenced by post-depositional hydrothermal fluids. The partial replacement of pyrite by sulfates in a situation coexisting with rich biomass deposits and animal fossils indicates limited modification of the sedimentary records by biological materials. If the gypsum precipitated on Mars underwent similar interactions between microbial communities and their geochemical environments, the resulting crystal habits could be preserved even better than those on Earth due to the weak geodynamics prevailing on Mars throughout its evolutionary history.

&lt;p&gt;As much is still unknown about the conditions for life on Early Mars, extreme environments on Earth that resemble Early Martian conditions are particularly useful for planetary scientists and astrobiologists to understand Early Mars environments. As biosignatures could be preserved in the Martian mineral record, Mars analogue environments on Earth also provide useful points of reference for measurements gathered by Mars rover missions. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;One of the best Martian Analogue Environments on Earth is the dry high-altitude desert in the area of the Ojos del Salado volcano in Chile. The Ojos del Salado is the highest point of the Puna de Atacama plateau in the Andes, characterized by extremely dry periglacial conditions, high UV radiation levels, low oxygen pressure, strong winds and the presence of volcanic and hydrothermal activity. High altitude lakes in the area feature polyextremophile microbial ecosystems that are adapted to these unique conditions and which provide a valuable insight into ecosystems that might resemble life on Early Mars. We report research results from Raman spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy and optical microscopy, gathered in-situ during the joint interdisciplinary Universidad de Atacama/LICA UDA/EuroMoonMars field campaign to the Ojos del Salado area in February/March 2022.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;An expedition EMM-Etna to simulate the Lunar and Martian volcanic and soil environment will be carried out at Mount.Etna&amp;#8217;s Cratere del Laghetto in Sicily, near Catania Italy by the EuroMoonMars TUDublin and LEAPS ExoMars groups. This scouting campaign intends to train in using instruments to be used on MoonMars landers and rovers, with a perspective of ARCHES DLR telerobotics campaign to be conducted in June 2022, and in preparation for ExoMars rover instruments (PANCAM, CLUPI and spectrometers) science and operations.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&amp;#160;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&amp;#160;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&amp;#160;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Figure 1: Lunar Lander and REMMI Rover for Sample Analysis&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;The aim of this EMM-Etna expedition is to investigate and analyse the terrain with the use of different scientific instruments. The topography of the landscape will be photographed using a 360&amp;#176; panoramic camera and drone; it will be processed, and a 3D model developed. The terrain will also be investigated using the REMMI Rover, the abilities of the rover to operate and transport equipment will be monitored. This will further develop the knowledge available of the terrain and help future expeditions to identify different landmarks. The use of a Radio Jove Antenna will permit the team to monitor transmissions from both the Sun and Jupiter. This will allow different cosmic events or changes in the celestial objects to be studied and explored. On site a selection of different samples will also be collected and examined using the REMMI Rover. An Ocean Optics UV-Vis-NIR spectrometer will a be operated&amp;#160; in order to evaluate the existence of biological compounds and substances within these samples and in the area itself. It is key to understand the molecular makeup of one&amp;#8217;s surroundings when in an unknown environment. By analysing samples collected, spectroscopy can be used to identify and determine a diagnostic for each substance. This process will be monitored by a Logitech camera to ensure it is carried put correctly. A selection of photographs will be captured of each sample using a portable optical microscope. This will allow an in-depth analysis of the microscopic structure of each collected sample. The use of all of the instruments mentioned above is key in the investigation and research into the Moon and Martian-like volcanic environment that is Mount Etna.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;We would also like to thank Prof I. Pagano's team from the University of Catania and Dr A.Wedler's team from DLR Deutsches Zentrum f&amp;#252;r Luft- und Raumfahrt for their support in organising this expedition.&lt;/p&gt;