Biology
Scientific paper
Dec 2011
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2011agufm.p33d1789r&link_type=abstract
American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2011, abstract #P33D-1789
Biology
[5220] Planetary Sciences: Astrobiology / Hydrothermal Systems And Weathering On Other Planets, [5470] Planetary Sciences: Solid Surface Planets / Surface Materials And Properties, [6225] Planetary Sciences: Solar System Objects / Mars
Scientific paper
The proposed 2018 Mars Astrobiology Explorer-Cacher (MAX-C) is the next logical step for addressing the goals of astrobiology and geology. The primary science objectives of the MAX-C mission are to investigate a site that contains both high habitability potential and high preservation potential for physical and chemical biosignatures. The MAX-C rover will collect, document, and package the samples necessary to achieve the scientific objectives of the proposed future Mars Sample Return Mission (MSR). The success of any Mars sample return mission will be intimately tied to the selection of the landing site, which is an arduous and meticulous process that takes years (MSL took five years). Consequently, the purpose of this presentation is to propose that the MAX-C rover go to the geologically diverse and complex region of the Columbia Hills (Noachian age) first explored by the Spirit rover. The MAX-C rover can also collect samples of the Hesperian volcanic olivine-rich basaltic plains. While not the primary science sampling objectives these samples would however be important for sampling and dating a Hesperian age lava flow which can then be used to help calibrate Martian crater curves. Spirit's mission doubles as a trailblazer for MAX-C by providing the ultimate in ground truth. Spirit has already located numerous geologically significant outcrops (carbonates, opaline silica, sulfates) and sampling sites that MAX-C could take advantage of by acquiring samples for the eventual return to Earth. Spirit has already discovered the highest priority sampling objectives for a MAX-C mission. Namely, the opaline silica deposits near Home Plate and Mg-Fe carbonate outcrops of Haskin Ridge located in the Inner Basin region of the Columbia Hills. The opaline silica deposits (up to 91 weight percent SiO2) are interpreted to have formed in a hydrothermal environment because they are found in close association with volcanic materials such as Home Plate. Two types of environments could have been responsible for forming these materials: fumaroles or hydrothermal sinter deposits produced by hot springs [Squyres, et al., 2008]. This discovery is of paramount importance for understanding the past habitability of Mars because terrestrial hydrothermal environments support thriving microbial ecosystems. The recent discovery of carbonates (16 to 34 wt %) in the Comanche outcrops of Haskin Ridge implies extensive aqueous activity under near-neutral pH conditions that would be conducive to habitable environments on early Mars [Morris, et al., 2010]. Additionally, silica and carbonate precipitation are well known to promote biosignature preservation. MAX-C will also be able to investigate features that Spirit wasn't able to explore. For example, von Braun Butte, the Promised Land, and Goddard Crater which may be a volcanic source vent [Rice, et al., 2010].
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