Rapid Microbial Analysis during Simulated Surface EVA at Meteor Crater: Implications for Human Exploration of the Moon and Mars

Maule, Jake; Steele, A.; Wainwright, N.; Child, Alice M.; Flores, Ginger N.; Monaco, Lisa; Burbank, Dan; Eppler, D. B.; Kosmo, Joseph J.; Ross, Amy; Graziosi, David; Splawn, Keith

doi:10.4271/2006-01-2006

Cited by 1 publication

(1 citation statement)

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“…The LAL chromogenic assay has been extensively used for quality control of pyrogens (lipid A) in drugs. More recent, the LAL assay has been applied to bioburden monitoring in spacecraft (NASA PP standard practices, NPR 5340, 2007), during field astrobiology trials (Maule et al , 2006 a , 2006 b ; Eigenbrode et al , 2009), and has been proposed for life detection for future planetary missions. The assay has been applied in biologically low biomass rocks and minerals (≤10 2 cell equivalent g −1 ), to biomass-rich sediments and soils, i.e.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Subsurface scientific exploration of extraterrestrial environments (MINAR 5): analogue science, technology and education in the Boulby Mine, UK

Cockell

Holt

Campbell

et al. 2018

International Journal of Astrobiology

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The deep subsurface of other planetary bodies is of special interest for robotic and human exploration. The subsurface provides access to planetary interior processes, thus yielding insights into planetary formation and evolution. On Mars, the subsurface might harbour the most habitable conditions. In the context of human exploration, the subsurface can provide refugia for habitation from extreme surface conditions. We describe the fifth Mine Analogue Research (MINAR 5) programme at 1 km depth in the Boulby Mine, UK in collaboration with Spaceward Bound NASA and the Kalam Centre, India, to test instruments and methods for the robotic and human exploration of deep environments on the Moon and Mars. The geological context in Permian evaporites provides an analogue to evaporitic materials on other planetary bodies such as Mars. A wide range of sample acquisition instruments (NASA drills, Small Planetary Impulse Tool (SPLIT) robotic hammer, universal sampling bags), analytical instruments (Raman spectroscopy, Close-Up Imager, Minion DNA sequencing technology, methane stable isotope analysis, biomolecule and metabolic life detection instruments) and environmental monitoring equipment (passive air particle sampler, particle detectors and environmental monitoring equipment) was deployed in an integrated campaign. Investigations included studying the geochemical signatures of chloride and sulphate evaporitic minerals, testing methods for life detection and planetary protection around human-tended operations, and investigations on the radiation environment of the deep subsurface. The MINAR analogue activity occurs in an active mine, showing how the development of space exploration technology can be used to contribute to addressing immediate Earth-based challenges. During the campaign, in collaboration with European Space Agency (ESA), MINAR was used for astronaut familiarization with future exploration tools and techniques. The campaign was used to develop primary and secondary school and primary to secondary transition curriculum materials on-site during the campaign which was focused on a classroom extra vehicular activity simulation.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%