Transcript Devon Island - Mars on Earth - Mars Society Chapters Web Server

Terrestrial analogues of Mars:
A review and outline of the
Canadian Analogue Research Network
(CARN)
G. R. Osinski and A. Berinstain
Canadian Space Agency, 6767 Route de l'Aeroport, SaintHubert, Quebec, J3Y 8Y9, Canada.
Sojourner
Viking orbiter
Mars Express
Mars Orbiter
Mars Exploration Rover
Terrestrial analogues of Mars:
• Places on Earth that approximate, in some respect, the
geological and environmental conditions on Mars, either at
the present-day or sometime in its past
• Unique opportunities to further our scientific understanding
of other planetary bodies by studying and exploring
geological and biological processes on Earth
• Act as a test-bed for robotic and human exploration
technologies and strategies
• Many analogue studies require that we explore remote,
harsh and often un(der)explored regions of Earth
• Canada offers a plethora of potential analogue sites,
including vast regions of permafrost, meteorite impact
craters, perennial springs, alkaline and ice-covered lakes….
Terrestrial Analogues of Space Environments
Processes
Earth
Moon
Mars
Aeolian
Fluvial
Glacial
Groundwater
Hydrothermal
Impact cratering
Lacustrine
Marine
Mass wasting
Periglacial
Rock weathering:
Physical
Chemical
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Tectonic
Volcanic
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Terrestrial Analogues of Space Environments
Materials
• Measurements and modeling:
 Spectral signatures
 Physical properties
• Analogue materials:
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Meteorites
Shock-metamorphosed rocks and minerals
Volcanic rocks
Evaporites, carbonates, and clays
Ices, clathrates
Terrestrial Analogues of Space Environments
Human Exploration Systems Science
• Communications and computing for planetary exploration
 Human/personal, spacesuit
 Internal “Habitat” (spacecraft)
 Earth–(Moon)–Mars
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Robotics
Telemedicine
Mission Control operations
Field operations
Remote sensing technologies
System security, robustness, interoperability
Instrument and technology testing
Canadian Analogue Research Network
Motivation
• Ideal Canadian geography and climate:
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Variety of Mars analogue environments
Relative ease of accessibility (cf., Antarctica)
Pre-existing logistical framework (e.g., PCSP)
Still being explored in a big way!
• Analogue studies deemed a high priority area of interest by the
Canadian science community
• Unprecedented interest and activity in space (MER, Cassini,
Deep Impact, etc.), which we can build upon
• NASA and ESA now have included human exploration of the
Moon and Mars in their long-term plans
Canadian Analogue Research Network
Goals
• Establish a coordinated network of Moon–Mars –(Europa?)
analogue sites in Canada
• Enable scientists to carry out field-based analogue research
studies in the Arctic and elsewhere in Canada
• Enhance the use of spaceborne and airborne remote sensing
data sets in analogue studies
• Foster collaboration between the CSA, NRCan, universities,
industry, and international partners
• Increase competitiveness of Canadian scientists in the few
opportunities that exist for participation in planetary missions
• Provide field laboratories to test technology of use to industry
and northern communities
• Enhance the use and enable greater access of the Canadian
Arctic by the scientific community
Canadian Analogue Research Network (CARN)
Map: NRCan
McGill University's High Arctic Research Station
Expedition Fiord, Axel Heiberg Island, Nun.
• Founded 1959
• PI: Wayne Pollard, McGill University
• Research themes:
 The search for water: Perennial springs as
analogues for hydrothermal systems on
Mars
 Water-related landforms: Gully and valley
formation
 Drilling technology and sampling
 Life in extreme environments
 Mars rover and instrumentation studies
Map: Wayne Pollard
Photo:
Dale Anderson
Pavilion Lake Research Project station,
British Columbia
• Research themes:
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Slide: Darlene Lim
 Understanding microbialite and carbonate
formation in alkaline freshwater lakes
 Instrument and experiment deployment in
fragile environments
PI's: Bernard Laval UBC, Darlene Lim, NASA
Ames
Haughton–Mars Project Research Station
Devon Island, Nunavut
Haughton–Mars Project Research Station
Science Investigations
• Impact geology:
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Mechanics of impact crater formation
Effects of the impacts into volatile-rich target rocks
Impact-induced hydrothermal activity
Intra-crater sedimentary deposits
Fate of hydrocarbons/organics during and after impact
• Biology of impact craters
 Microbial colonization of impact-generated and impactmodified materials
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Gully and valley network formation
Periglacial and glacial geology
Limnological studies of ponds and lakes
Life in extreme environments
Remote sensing and geophysical studies
Haughton–Mars Project Research Station
Exploration Investigations
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Communications, computing, and Networks
Expeditionary medicine, telemedicine, and human biology
Arthur C. Clarke Mars Greenhouse
MARS-1 Humvee Rover
Human-centered computing
Mars Aircraft
HORSE Experiment (Human Operations Research for
Science and Exploration)
Drilling Automation for Mars Exploration (DAME) field tests
Hyperion Sun-synchronous robot rover experiment
Hamilton-Sundstrand Mars Concept Suit Study
ExPOC (Exploration Planning and Operations Centre)
Mission Support Experiment
Education and Public Outreach
Other potential analogue sites in Canada…
Tuktoyaktuk Peninsula, NWT
Mistastin impact structure,
Labrador
Sulfurous hot springs,
Manitoba
Questions?
CSA Analogue Program
Timeline
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RFP to Provide Logistical Services for Analogue
Research Studies in Canada: May 2005
Science Investigations for Analogue Studies: July, 2005
Discussions with Canadian and international partners
regarding an International Analogue Network: Fall, 2005
RFP to Provide Logistical Services for Analogue
Research Studies in Canada: January 2006
Science Investigations for Analogue Studies: March, 2006