Stepping stones toward global space exploration

Ansdell, Megan; Ehrenfreund, P.; McKay, Christopher P.

doi:10.1016/j.actaastro.2010.10.025

Cited by 21 publications

(17 citation statements)

References 15 publications

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“…Although not their core business, scientific campaigns can be carried here out as well (Ansdell et al 2011). Two of these sites are centered around underwater activities, the Aquarius Undersea Research Station at the Florida Keys, USA, a site to study coral reefs (Todd and Reagan 2004) and the Pavilion Lake Research Project (PLRP) that aims to explain the origin of freshwater microbiolites (Lim and Brady 2011).…”

Section: Semi-permanent Field-testing Basesmentioning

confidence: 99%

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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: Semi-permanent Field-testing Basesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Long-term field testing campaigns are used to test for planetary instruments and missions (Ansdell et al 2011). Examples include the Arctic Mars Analog Svalbard Expedition (AMASE), the Desert Research and Technology Studies (Desert RATS), and the NASA Extreme Environments Mission Operations (NEEMO) campaigns.…”

Section: Long-term Field-testing Campaignsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Earth as a Tool for Astrobiology—A European Perspective

et al. 2017

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“…Therefore it will require many steps to reach a united space exploration governance structure. In the transition period toward a truly global endeavor robust stepping stones in preparation of global space exploration can unite key stakeholders already in an early phase (Ehrenfreund and Peter 2009;Ansdell et al 2010). Stepping stones can improve and ease technology transfer rights or other regulations as well as the development of interfaces which are all major prerequisites and building-blocks for a future global space exploration program.…”

Section: Stepping Stones Toward a Global Space Exploration Programmentioning

confidence: 99%

Toward a global space exploration program: A stepping stone approach

Ehrenfreund¹,

McKay

Rummel

et al. 2012

Advances in Space Research

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“…Due to their low cost and short development periods, cubesats are seen as powerful tools for not only educational and industry projects but also for scientific experiments in space (Swartwout 2013). Cubesats can spur technology advancement in developing and emerging nations as well (Ansdell et al 2011;Woellert et al 2011). Within the framework of the United Nations (UN), the UN Basic Space Technology Initiative (UNBSTI) supports cubesat science and technology applications worldwide and organizes workshops and student training (Balogh et al 2010).…”

Section: Cubesats For Astrobiology/astrochemistrymentioning

confidence: 99%

Space as a Tool for Astrobiology: Review and Recommendations for Experimentations in Earth Orbit and Beyond

et al. 2017

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The space environment is regularly used for experiments addressing astrobiology research goals. The specific conditions prevailing in Earth orbit and beyond, notably the radiative environment (photons and energetic particles) and the possibility to conduct long-duration measurements, have been the main motivations for developing experimental concepts to expose chemical or biological samples to outer space, or to use the reentry of a spacecraft on Earth to simulate the fall of a meteorite. This paper represents an overview of past and current research in astrobiology conducted in Earth orbit and beyond, with a special focus on ESA missions such as Biopan, STONE (on Russian FOTON capsules) and EXPOSE facilities (outside the International Space Station). The future of exposure platforms is discussed, notably how they can be improved for better science return, and how to incorporate the use of small satellites such as those built in cubesat format.

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Stepping stones toward global space exploration

Cited by 21 publications

References 15 publications

Earth as a Tool for Astrobiology—A European Perspective

Earth as a Tool for Astrobiology—A European Perspective

Toward a global space exploration program: A stepping stone approach

Space as a Tool for Astrobiology: Review and Recommendations for Experimentations in Earth Orbit and Beyond

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