Terrestrial analogues of Mars:Terrestrial analogues of Mars:A review and outline of theA review and outline of the

Canadian Analogue Research Network Canadian Analogue Research Network (CARN)(CARN)

G. R. Osinski and A. BerinstainG. R. Osinski and A. Berinstain

Canadian Space Agency, 6767 Route de l'Aeroport, Saint-Canadian Space Agency, 6767 Route de l'Aeroport, Saint-Hubert, Quebec, J3Y 8Y9, Canada.Hubert, Quebec, J3Y 8Y9, Canada.

Mars Orbiter

Mars Exploration Rover

Viking orbiter

Mars Express

Sojourner

• Places on Earth that approximate, in some respect, the Places on Earth that approximate, in some respect, the geological and environmental conditions on Mars, either at geological and environmental conditions on Mars, either at the present-day or sometime in its pastthe present-day or sometime in its past

• Unique opportunities to further our scientific Unique opportunities to further our scientific understanding of other planetary bodies by studying and understanding of other planetary bodies by studying and exploring geological and biological processes on Earthexploring geological and biological processes on Earth

• Act as a test-bed for robotic and human exploration Act as a test-bed for robotic and human exploration technologies and strategiestechnologies and strategies

• Many analogue studies require that we explore remote, Many analogue studies require that we explore remote, harsh and often un(der)explored regions of Earthharsh and often un(der)explored regions of Earth

• Canada offers a plethora of potential analogue sites, Canada offers a plethora of potential analogue sites, including vast regions of permafrost, meteorite impact including vast regions of permafrost, meteorite impact craters, perennial springs, alkaline and ice-covered lakes….craters, perennial springs, alkaline and ice-covered lakes….

Terrestrial analogues of Mars:Terrestrial analogues of Mars:

Terrestrial Analogues of Space Environments

ProcessesEarth Moon Mars

Aeolian Yes No Yes

Fluvial Yes No Yes

Glacial

Groundwater

Hydrothermal

Yes

Yes

Yes

No (?)

No

No (?)

Yes

Yes

YesImpact cratering Yes Yes Yes

Lacustrine Yes No Yes

Marine Yes No Yes

Mass wasting

Periglacial

Yes

Yes

Yes

No (?)

Yes

YesRock weathering:

Physical

Chemical

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

Tectonic Yes Yes Yes

Volcanic Yes Yes Yes

Terrestrial Analogues of Space Environments

Materials

• Measurements and modeling: Spectral signatures Physical properties

• Analogue materials: 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

• 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: 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: NRCanMap: 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 Photo:Photo:

Dale AndersonDale Anderson

Map: Wayne PollardMap: Wayne Pollard

Pavilion Lake Research Project station,

British Columbia

• Research themes: 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

Slide: Darlene LimSlide: Darlene Lim

Haughton–Mars Project Research Station

Devon Island, Nunavut

Haughton–Mars Project Research Station

Science Investigations• Impact geology:

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 impact-

modified materials

• 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

• 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, NWTTuktoyaktuk Peninsula, NWT

Mistastin impact structure,Mistastin impact structure,LabradorLabrador

Sulfurous hot springs,Sulfurous hot springs,ManitobaManitoba

Questions?

CSA Analogue Program

Timeline

• 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