Astrobiological instrumentation for Mars – the only way is down

Abstract

: In this paper, in this edition of the Journal commemorating the life and work of David Wynn-Williams, we consider approaches to the astrobiological investigation of Mars. We provide a brief account of the scientific rationale behind the approach presented here. In particular, we outline the capabilities of the Raman spectrometer for the detection of biomarkers. David Wynn-Williams was an active champion of this instrument who was keen to field-qualify a version in Antarctica with a view to flying a Raman instrument onboard a Mars-bound space mission. We examine a scenario for the deployment of such an instrument in conjunction with other instrumentation and argue that subsurface deployment of scientific instruments is essential if we are to succeed in detecting any evidence that may exist for former life on Mars. We outline a mission scenario -Vanguard -which represents a novel but low-risk, low-cost approach to Mars exploration that was conceived and developed jointly by one of the authors (Ellery) and the late David Wynn-Williams.

Automated payload and instruments for astrobiology research developed and studied by German medium-sized space industry in cooperation with European academia

“…LMC technology employs concepts derived largely from biotechnology applications including components such as micro-electronic machine systems (MEMS), micro-electronic optic systems (MEOS), microfluidics, micro total analytical systems (uTAS) or lab-on-a-chip (LOC), and DNA and protein microarray technology [15][16][17]. LMC technology is designed to detect a broad variety of compounds from fossil biomarkers to biological macromolecules.…”

Estudio espectroscópico y DRX de afloramientos terrestres volcánicos en la isla de Tenerife como posibles análogos de la geología marciana

“…Por otro lado, las distintas técnicas implicadas en misiones de exploración marciana como la difracción de rayos X, la espectroscopia IR y la espectroscopia Mössbauer han sido (y son) capaces de obtener información sobre los diferentes entornos geológicos en Marte (Klingelhofer et al, 2003;Ellery et al, 2003). Además, la espectroscopia Raman ha ganado gran aceptación en distintos campos de trabajo como las ciencias forenses, Biología o Arqueología.…”

Bioinspired Drill for Planetary Sampling: Literature Survey, Conceptual Design, and Feasibility Study

“…It is to obtain scientific data that can only be revealed below the surface. Examples include astrobiological research to search for biomarkers about 2-3 m beneath the surface layer due to ultraviolet flux exposure of most solar bodies (such as Mars [1]). And major studies at the lunar south pole region aim to search for water ice that is likely to exist under 1-2 m depth.…”