Mars Soil Mechanical Properties and Suitability of Mars Soil Simulants

Perko, Howard A.; Nelson, John D.; Green, Jacklyn R.

doi:10.1061/(asce)0893-1321(2006)19:3(169)

Cited by 51 publications

(26 citation statements)

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“…Note that the source for JSC Mars-1 is the ash from the Pu'u Nene cinder cone on Hawaii. Analyzed at the Johnson Space Center, it mimics the composition and physical properties of Mars (Allen et al 1998a;Allen et al 1998b;Perko et al 2006). However, the very high organic content of JSC Mars-1 precludes it as a good analogue regarding organic material .…”

Section: Planetary and Low Earth Orbit (Leo) Space Simulation Facilitiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Earth as a Tool for Astrobiology—A European Perspective

et al. 2017

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Scientists use the Earth as a tool for astrobiology by analyzing planetary field analogues (i.e. terrestrial samples and field sites that resemble planetary bodies in our Solar System). In addition, they expose the selected planetary field analogues in simulation chambers to conditions that mimic the ones of planets, moons and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) space conditions, as well as the chemistry occurring in interstellar and cometary ices. This paper reviews the ways the Earth is used by astrobiologists: (i) by conducting planetary field analogue studies to investigate extant life from extreme environments, its metabolisms, adaptation strategies and modern biosignatures; (ii) by conducting planetary field analogue studies to investigate extinct life from the oldest rocks on our planet and its biosignatures; (iii) by exposing terrestrial samples to simulated space or planetary environments and producing a sample analogue to investigate changes in minerals, biosignatures and microorganisms. The European Space Agency (ESA) created a topical team in 2011 to investigate recent activities using the Earth as a tool for astrobiology and to formulate recommendations and scientific needs to improve ground-based astrobiological research. Space is an important tool for astrobiology (see Horneck et al. in Astrobiology, 16:201-243, 2016;Cottin et al., 2017), but access to space is limited. Complementing research on Earth provides fast access, more replications and higher sample throughput. The major conclusions of the topical team and suggestions for the future include more scientifically qualified calls for field campaigns with planetary analogy, and a centralized point of contact at ESA or the EU for the organization of a survey of such expeditions. An improvement of the coordinated logistics, infrastructures and funding system supporting the combination of field work with planetary simulation investigations, as well as an optimization of the scientific return and data processing, data storage and data distribution is also needed. Finally, a coordinated EU or ESA education and outreach program would improve the participation of the public in the astrobiological activities.

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Section: Planetary and Low Earth Orbit (Leo) Space Simulation Facilitiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Earth as a Tool for Astrobiology—A European Perspective

et al. 2017

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“…The remaining rocks were hand crushed using an aluminum pipe and a piston-like handle into lava sand. The pulverized sand was sieved, removing all particles larger than 1 mm, giving particle sizes similar to those found in other Mars test beds [7]. Most of the particles were a fine dust, but some were as big as 1 mm.…”

Section: Sample Preparationmentioning

confidence: 97%

Detection of subsurface rocks in sand of similar composition using a millimeter wave imaging system

Bosq

Knox

Boreman

2009

J Infrared Milli Terahz Waves

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The ability to image objects, whether natural or man made, beneath soil is extremely beneficial. The detection scenario becomes increasingly difficult when the object and the soil are composed of the same material, as in the detection of subsurface rocks. The feasibility of detecting rock in similar composition is explored. An active multi-spectral millimeter wave (mmW) imaging system operating from 90-140 GHz is used to detect lava rock buried beneath lava sand at various depths, up to a limit of 64 mm. The principal component analysis method was used in the data processing.

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“…Further research on wheel slippage of mobile robots and planetary rovers focused on three issues: physical and geometrical properties of the terrain [ Perko et al , 2006], rover mechanism [ Michaud et al , 2006; Reina et al , 2006], and rover‐terrain interaction [ Richter et al , 2006; Helmick et al , 2005, 2007; Angelova et al , 2006, 2007]. Perko et al [2006] conducted a soil mechanics investigation wherein soil mechanical properties were determined by computer reconstruction of mass wasting features observed in photographs of MER landing sites, and the natural slope stability was analyzed by characterizing the shear strength, grain‐size distribution, and densities of various Mars soil simulants with standard laboratory measurements. The ability of a given simulant to appropriately represent the mechanical properties of in situ Mars soils was judged, and specific simulants were recommended for certain regions of Mars to help estimate the possible rover slippages.…”

Section: Previous Research On Mars Rover Slipmentioning

confidence: 99%

Characterization of traverse slippage experienced by Spirit rover on Husband Hill at Gusev crater

et al. 2008

J. Geophys. Res.

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[1] Spirit rover experienced significant slips traversing Husband Hill. This paper analyzes the slippage Spirit experienced from Sol 154 to Sol 737. Slippage with respect to terrain type and slope is computed using data downlinked from the rover, rover position, and orientation estimations from visual odometry (VO) and photogrammetry based bundle adjustment (BA) method. Accumulated slippage reached a maximum of 83.86 m on Sol 648. However, as Spirit descended into the Inner Basin, the direction of slippage reversed, and accumulated slippage approached zero by the end of the entire traverse. Eight local regions with significant slips and nineteen traverse segments have been analyzed. Slippage was found to be highly correlated to slope direction and magnitude; the reverse of slope directions in the ascending and descending portions of the traverse proves to be the main contributor to the observed cancellation of slippage. While the horizontal component of the slippage almost canceled out, the difference in elevation continually accumulated, mainly during the ascent. In general, long traverse segments created more slips than short ones. This is reflected in both the accumulated and individual slippages. In considering the four major Mars terrain types, Spirit performed best on bedrock, managing to drive on slopes close to 30°. Fine-grain surfaces were the most challenging; though progress was made on slopes up to 15°, slippages of over 100% (more slippage than distance traveled) occurred for short segments. The results of this work can be incorporate into a traverse planning framework in which rover slippage is minimized. Results can be employed in landed planetary missions for precision navigation to avoid potentially dangerous regions by considering expected slippage.

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Mars Soil Mechanical Properties and Suitability of Mars Soil Simulants

Cited by 51 publications

References 1 publication

Earth as a Tool for Astrobiology—A European Perspective

Earth as a Tool for Astrobiology—A European Perspective

Detection of subsurface rocks in sand of similar composition using a millimeter wave imaging system

Characterization of traverse slippage experienced by Spirit rover on Husband Hill at Gusev crater

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