Biology
Scientific paper
Jul 2000
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2000came.work..110f&link_type=abstract
Concepts and Approaches for Mars Exploration, p. 110
Biology
Mars Global Surveyor, Exobiology, Mars Exploration, Paleontology, Geomorphology, Mars Surface, Surface Water, Surface Layers
Scientific paper
The search for evidence of past and present life and/or prebiotic chemistry has been identified as the primary focus of the current Mars Surveyor (MS) Program. In this context, recent exploration strategies have emphasized the need to explore three basic geological environments: A) sites of ancient surface water, B) sites of ancient subsurface water and C) sites of present subsurface water. In previous implementation strategies it has been generally assumed that if subsurface water exists on Mars today it will be located at a depth of several km. Access will require deep drilling that is beyond the capabilities of current robotic platforms. Logically, the exploration for deposits of ancient hydrological systems may be much easier and has, therefore, given priority. However, recent discoveries from the Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) mission have demonstrated that we still have a lot to learn about past and present Martian environments and the potential for life. Advances in our understanding of Martian surface topography, geomorphology and composition, as well as in our knowledge of life in extreme environments on Earth, indicate the value of considering a broadly-based, flexible strategy that will balance elements of both Exopaleontology (the search for a fossil record) and Exobiology (the search for extant life). Because exploration strategies for past and present life are fundamentally different, it is appropriate to consider each separately before seeking to define a program architecture that will effectively combine both aspects during future robotic exploration.
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