The MECA Payload as an Exobiology Laboratory on the MSP 2001 Lander

Details The MECA Payload as an Exobiology Laboratory on the MSP 2001 Lander The MECA Payload as an Exobiology Laboratory on the MSP 2001 Lander

Sep 1999

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1999smtp.conf...68m&link_type=abstract

Studies of Mineralogical and Textural Properties of Martian Soil: An Exobiological Perspective, p. 68

Biology

Exobiology, Mars Surface, Mars Surveyor 2001 Mission, Payloads, Soil Science, Water, Mars (Planet), Mars Environment, Atomic Force Microscopy, Minerals, Robot Arms, Cameras, Electrometers

Scientific paper

The "Mars Environmental Compatibility Assessment" (MECA) payload for Mars Surveyor Project 2001 (MSP 2001) is comprised of a multifunctional laboratory equipped to assess martian soil properties with wet chemistry, camera imagery, optical microscopy (potentially with UV fluorescence capability), atomic force microscopy (AFM; potentially with mineral-discrimination capabilities), electrometry, active & passive external materials-test panels, mineral hardness testing, and electrostatic and magnetic materials testing. Additionally, evaluation of soil chemical and physical properties as a function of depth down to -50 cm will be facilitated by the Lander/MECA robot arm on which the camera (RAC) and electrometer are mounted. MECA was designed as a NASA Human Exploration and Development of Space (HEDS) payload for determining the properties of martian soil that may be detrimental to human exploration. It is, however, well equipped to address exobiology questions in the following areas: (1)Geochemical clues to Aqueous Mineralogy and Oxidant formation; (2) Soil structures and microfabrics as indicators of water-volatiles migration; (3) Minerals and rocks as clues to ancient hydrology; (4) Grain textures as indicators of aqueous activity and weathering. Additional information is contained in the original.

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