Mars Simulation Chamber 1 - preparation for Mars Express and future Mars missions

Mathematics – Logic

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Scientific paper

We have installed at ESTEC and instrumented a Mars Simulation Chamber (MSC), in order to answer a range of questions on the subject of the apparent absence of organic compounds on Mars. We shall investigate: A. The effects of the changes of the Martian atmosphere over the history of Mars. B. The effect of UV irradiation on organic molecules embedded in the soil. C. The effect of oxidation on organic molecules embedded in the soil. D. The effect of thermal cycling on the surface. E. A combination of the above mentioned parameters. Techniques to be used include gas analysis, environmental sensors, HPLC, spectroscopy and other analytical techniques. We shall also assess the sensitivity of instruments for the detection of minerals and organic compounds of exobiological relevance in Martian analogue soils (mixed under controlled conditions with traces of these organics). The results concerning the simulation of complex organics on Mars, as well as lander instrument chamber simulations will be included in a database to serve for the interpretation of Beagle 2 data and other future Mars missions. The results of the experiments can also provide constraints for the observations from orbit, such as spectroscopy of minerals, measurements of the water cycle, frost and subsurface water, the CO2 cycle, and the landing site selection. In summary, the experiments have as a main goal to simulate various processes on organics, such as the effects of UV radiation, diffusion, and temperature, as a function of their depth in the soil. The specific organics will be embedded in either porous or compact Martian soil analogues or quartz beads. In this presentation we will concentrate on the preparation for Mars Express.

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