TY - GEN
T1 - Detecting life and biology-related parameters on Mars
AU - Levin, Gilbert V.
AU - Miller, Joseph D.
AU - Straat, Patricia A.
AU - Lodder, Robert A.
AU - Hoover, Richard B.
PY - 2007
Y1 - 2007
N2 - An integrated, miniaturized, low-power instrument capable of the detection and early characterization of microbial life in the soil of Mars is proposed. Based on the detection and monitoring of ongoing metabolism as being the surest evidence for extant life, the experiments will probe for chirality in metabolism, for circadian rhythmicity, and for photosynthesis. However, the instrument package will also be able to detect biosignatures and a variety of other physical and chemical parameters of the Martian surface that have significance for life. These include the presence and the physical state of water, the existence of an oxidant, the pH and the penetrability of the soil. Using the legacy of the 1976 Viking Labeled Release (LR) life detection experiment in conjunction with state-of-the-art laser diode spectral analysis, the instrument can be flown stand-alone, with or without a rover, or as part of a Mars Science Laboratory (MSL)-type mission. Sterility for experiment integrity and for planetary protection is provided.
AB - An integrated, miniaturized, low-power instrument capable of the detection and early characterization of microbial life in the soil of Mars is proposed. Based on the detection and monitoring of ongoing metabolism as being the surest evidence for extant life, the experiments will probe for chirality in metabolism, for circadian rhythmicity, and for photosynthesis. However, the instrument package will also be able to detect biosignatures and a variety of other physical and chemical parameters of the Martian surface that have significance for life. These include the presence and the physical state of water, the existence of an oxidant, the pH and the penetrability of the soil. Using the legacy of the 1976 Viking Labeled Release (LR) life detection experiment in conjunction with state-of-the-art laser diode spectral analysis, the instrument can be flown stand-alone, with or without a rover, or as part of a Mars Science Laboratory (MSL)-type mission. Sterility for experiment integrity and for planetary protection is provided.
KW - Chiral metabolism
KW - Circadian rhythm
KW - Laser diode analyses
KW - Life detection experiments
KW - Life on Mars
KW - Mars soil properties
KW - Photosynthesis
KW - Robotic instruments
KW - SSSI
KW - Spacecraft sterilization
KW - Viking LR experiment
KW - Water on Mars
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UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=34548795395&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1109/AERO.2007.352744
DO - 10.1109/AERO.2007.352744
M3 - Conference contribution
AN - SCOPUS:34548795395
SN - 1424405254
SN - 9781424405251
T3 - IEEE Aerospace Conference Proceedings
BT - 2007 IEEE Aerospace Conference Digest
T2 - 2007 IEEE Aerospace Conference
Y2 - 3 March 2007 through 10 March 2007
ER -