Ground Support Programme For Future Mars Missions
Abstract
The search for organic molecules and tracers of life on Mars is the future perspective of several Mars missions. The experimental research programme described here in- vestigates the most abundant organic molecules identified in solar system bodies and beyond, which may have been exogeneously delivered to the Martian surface.
A vacuum chamber, located at ESTEC, NL, equipped with a solar simulator will be used to collect data on the combined effects of UV photoprocessing, atmospheric con- ditions and the presence/absence of oxidzing agents on organic molecules. The cham- ber has a possibility of thermal and pressure control. A window allows the attachment of UV lamps and filters. Samples will be introduced into the chamber on a specially designed tray. Sample trays will be filled with organic molecules embedded in soil analogues, either porous or compact. During the simulation in situ measurements are taken in the chamber, using a GCMS. Samples will be retrieved with various deriva- tization techniques. Thereafter the probes are subjected to various analyses, such as HPLC, spectroscopy, GC, LDMS and TOF-SIMS. The results of those simulations are part of a ground support experiment programme for future Mars missions.- Publication:
-
EGS General Assembly Conference Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- 2002
- Bibcode:
- 2002EGSGA..27.4768T