Bringing Martian samples to Earth

In the published report entitled, "Science Priorities for Mars Sample Return," (http://www.liebertonline.com/doi/pdfplus/10.1089/ast.2008.0759) the Mars Exploration Program Analysis Group (MEPAG) describes 11 scientific objectives for future missions, which could best be met through extensive analysis of martian samples using the tools and instruments available in state-of-the-art laboratories on Earth. As noted in the paper, "spacecraft instrumentation cannot perform critical measurements such as precise radiometric age dating, sophisticated stable isotopic analyses, and definitive life-detection assays."

Direct access to martian samples would enable subsampling for different types of analysis, as well as sample archiving for future studies. Unlike the situation with meteorite samples from Mars, returned samples could be collected from multiple selected sites with defined contextual information and would represent types of materials that are not present in the meteorite collection. Furthermore, the samples could be packaged and transported under conditions that approximate those found on the martian surface to maintain their integrity.

This issue of Astrobiology also includes a special collection of papers that describe "Instruments for In Situ Exploration of Planets," compiled by Guest Editors Max Coleman and Frank Grunthaner, from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, in Pasadena.

"The papers in this collection complement each other to give a fairly comprehensive view of the achievements and issues in this area," write the editors.

Source: Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.

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Sensitive laser instrument could aid search for life on Mars
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Phoenix Mission Conducting Extended Activities on Mars
NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander, having completed its 90-day primary mission, is continuing its science collection activities. Science and engineering teams are looking forward to at least another month of Martian exploration.
Phoenix Mars Lander Digs Deeper as Third Month Nears End
(PhysOrg.com) -- The next sample of Martian soil being grabbed for analysis is coming from a trench about three times deeper than any other trench NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander has dug.

Bringing Martian samples to Earth

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