Hostname: page-component-586b7cd67f-l7hp2 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-25T08:22:15.309Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Human crew-related aspects for astrobiology research

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 May 2011

Cora S. Thiel*
Affiliation:
Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, CeNTech, University of Muenster, Heisenbergstrasse 11, D-48149 Muenster, Germany
Vladimir Pletser
Affiliation:
Human Space Flight Directorate, European Space Agency, ESTEC, P.O. Box 299, NL-2200 AG, Noordwijk, The Netherlands
Bernard Foing
Affiliation:
Science and Robotic Exploration Directorate and International Lunar Exploration Working Group (ILEWG), European Space Agency, ESTEC, P.O. Box 299, NL-2200 AG, Noordwijk, The Netherlands

Abstract

Several space agencies and exploration stakeholders have a strong interest in obtaining information on technical and human aspects to prepare for future extra-terrestrial planetary exploration. In this context, the EuroGeoMars campaign, organized with support from the International Lunar Exploration Working Group (ILEWG), the European Space Agency (ESA), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Ames Research Center and partner institutes, was conducted by the crews 76 and 77 in February 2009 in The Mars Society's ‘Mars Desert Research Station’ (MDRS) in Utah.

The EuroGeoMars encompasses two groups of experiments: (1) a series of field science experiments that can be conducted from an extra-terrestrial planetary surface in geology, biology, astronomy/astrophysics and the necessary technology and networks to support these field investigations; (2) a series of human crew-related investigations on crew time organization in a planetary habitat, on the different functions and interfaces of this habitat, and on man–machine interfaces of science and technical equipment.

This paper recalls the objective of the EuroGeoMars project and presents the MDRS and its habitat layout. Social and operational aspects during simulations are described. Technical and operational aspects of biology investigations in the field and in the habitat laboratory are discussed in detail with the focus point set on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based detection of microbial DNA in soil samples.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2011

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Ahram Biosystems. (2010). [online] Available at http://www.ahrambio.com/product.html (accessed 20 October 2010).Google Scholar
Boche-Sauvan, L. (2009). Lunar Outpost Pre-design: Human Aspects, Master Project BO-F09003. Arts et Métiers ParisTech – Georgia Tech., ENSAM Bordeaux.Google Scholar
Boche-Sauvan, L., Pletser, V., Foing, B.H. & EuroGeoMars Crew. (2009a). Human interfaces study: framework and first results. In European Geosciences Union, General Assembly 2009, 19–24 April 2009, Vienna.Google Scholar
Boche-Sauvan, L., Pletser, V., Foing, B.H. & EuroGeoMars Crew. (2009b). Human aspects study through industrial methods during an MDRS mission. In NASA Lunar Science Institute – Ames Research Center, July 2009.Google Scholar
Boche-Sauvan, L., Pletser, V., Foing, B.H. & EuroGeoMars team. (2009c). Human aspects and habitat studies from EuroGeoMars campaign. In EGU General Assembly 2009, EGU2009-13323, Geophysical Research Abstracts, Vol. 11, Vienna, Austria, 19–24 April 2009.Google Scholar
Borst, A., Peters, S., Foing, B.H., Stoker, C., Wendt, L., Gross, C., Zhavaleta, J., Sarrazin, P., Blake, D., Ehrenfreund, P. et al. (2009). Geochemistry of Utah Morrison formation from EuroGeoMars campaign. In International Conference on Comparative Planetology: Venus–Earth–Mars, ESTEC, Noordwijk, May 2009.Google Scholar
Clarke, J. & Stoker, C. (2011). Concretions in exhumed channels near Hanksville, Utah: implications for Mars. Int. J. Astrobiology, in press.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Direito, S., Ehrenfreund, P., Marees, A., Staats, M., Foing, B.H. & Röling, W. (2011). A wide variety of putative extremophiles and large beta-diversity at the Mars Desert Research Station (Utah). Int. J. Astrobiology, in press.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Ehrenfreund, P., Quinn, R., Martins, Z., Sephton, M., Peeters, Z., van Sluis, K., Foing, B.H., Orzechowska, G., Becker, L., Brucato, J. et al. (2009). Terrestrial field research on organics and biomolecules at Mars Analogue sites. In International Conference on Comparative Planetology: Venus–Earth–Mars, ESTEC, Noordwijk, May 2009.Google Scholar
Ehrenfreund, P., Röling, W., Thiel, C., Quinn, R., Septhon, M., Stoker, C., Direito, S., Kotler, M., Martins, Z., Orzechowska, G.E. et al. (2011). Astrobiology and habitability studies in preparation for future Mars missions: trends from investigating minerals, organics and biota. Int. J. Astrobiol., in press.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
FMARS (2009). [online] Available at http://arctic.marssociety.org/ (accessed 1 October 2010).Google Scholar
Foing, B.H., Page, J., Poulakis, P., Visentin, G., Noroozi, A., Gill, E., Batenburg, P., Drijkoningen, G., Slob, E., Guglielmi, M. et al. (2009b). ExoGeoLab lander and rover instruments. In International Conference on Comparative Planetology: Venus–Earth–Mars, ESTEC, Noordwijk, May 2009.Google Scholar
Foing, B.H., Peters, S., Borst, A., Wendt, L., Gross, C., Stoker, C., Zhavaleta, J., Sarrazin, P., Blake, D., Ehrenfreund, P. et al. (2009a). Geology and geochemistry highlights from EuroGeomars MDRS campaign. In International Conference on Comparative Planetology: Venus–Earth–Mars, ESTEC, Noordwijk, May 2009.Google Scholar
Foing, B., Stoker, C., Zavaleta, J., Ehrenfreund, P., Thiel, C., Sarrazin, P., Blake, D., Page, J., Pletser, V., Hendrikse, J. et al. (2011). Field astrobiology research instruments and methods in Moon-Mars analogue site. Int. J. Astrobiol., in press.Google Scholar
Hendrikse, J., Foing, B.H., Stoker, C., Zavaleta, J., Selch, F., Ehrenfreund, P., Wendt, L., Gross, C., Thiel, C., Peters, S. et al. (2009). Highlights from remote controlled rover for EuroGeoMars MDRS Campaign. In: European Planetary Science Congress, EPSC Abstracts, Vol. 4, Potsdam, 13–18 September 2009.Google Scholar
Hoffman, S. & Kaplan, D. (1997). Exploration of Mars: the reference mission of the NASA Mars exploration study team. In: NASA SP 6107, Houston, 1997.Google Scholar
Horneck, G., Facius, R., Reichert, M., Rettberg, P., Seboldt, W., Manzey, D., Comet, B., Maillet, A., Preiss, H., Schauer, L. et al. (2006). HUMEX, a study on the survivability and adaptation of humans to long-duration exploratory missions, part II: Missions to Mars. Adv. Space Res. 38(4), 752759.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Kotler, M., Quinn, R., Martins, Z., Foing, B. & Ehrenfreund, P. (2011). Analysis of mineral matrices of planetary soils analogs from the Utah Desert. Int. J. Astrobiol., in press.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Mahapatra, P., Foing, B., Nijman, F., Page, J., Noroozi, A. & ExoGeoLab team. (2009). A prototype instrumentation system for rover-based planetary geology. In: European Planetary Science Congress, EPSC Abstracts, Vol. 4, Potsdam, 13–18 September 2009.Google Scholar
Martins, Z., Sephton, M.A., Foing, B.H. & Ehrenfreund, P. (2011). Extraction of amino acids from soils close to the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS). Utah, Int. J. Astrobiol., in press.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Mullis, K.B. & Faloona, F.A. (1987). Specific synthesis of DNA in vitro via a polymerase-catalyzed chain reaction. Methods Enzymol. 155, 335350.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Orzechowska, G.E., Kidd, R., Foing, B.H., Kanik, I., Stoker, C. & Ehrenfreund, P. (2011). Analysis of Mars analog soil samples using solid phase microextraction, organic solvent extraction and gas-chromatography/mass spectrometry. Int. J. Astrobiol., in press.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Peters, S., Borst, A., Foing, B.H., Stoker, C., Kim, S., Wendt, L., Gross, C., Zhavaleta, J., Sarrazin, P., Blake, D. et al. (2009). Alluvial fan EuroGeoMars observations and GPR measurements. In: International Conference on Comparative Planetology: Venus–Earth–Mars, ESTEC, Noordwijk, May 2009.Google Scholar
Petitfils, E.-A., Boche-Sauvan, L., Foing, B.H., Monaghan, E. & EuroGeoMars Crews. (2009). Basic Mars navigation system for local areas. In: EGU General Assembly 2009, EGU2009-13242-2, Geophysical Research Abstracts, Vol. 11, Vienna, Austria, 19–24 April 2009.Google Scholar
Pletser, V. (2009). Preliminary lessons learnt after the rotation of the first EuroGeoMars team – Crew 76. Technical Report HSF-UP/2009/113/VP, ESTEC, Noordwijk, 2009.Google Scholar
Pletser, V., Monaghan, E., Peters, S., Borst, A., Wills, D. & Hendrikse, J. (2009a). Field reports of science and technology activities of the first EuroGeoMars team – Crew 76 at the Mars Desert Research Station, 1–14 February 2009. Technical Report MDRS-76/FR-01, Mars Desert Research Station, The Mars Society.Google Scholar
Pletser, V., Boche-Sauvan, L. & EuroGeoMars Crews 76–77. (2009b). European contribution to human aspect field investigation for future planetary habitat definition studies: field tests at MDRS on crew time utilization and habitat interfaces. In: ELGRA Biannual Symposium in the Footsteps of Columbus, Bonn, September 2009; ELGRA News, Vol. 26, p. 64.Google Scholar
Pletser, V. & EuroGeoMars Crews 76–77. (2010a). Crew time utilization and habitat interface investigations for future planetary habitat definition studies: field tests at MDRS. In: 38th COSPAR Scientific Assembly, Paper B01-0022-10, Session Moon Exploration: Science Results, Missions, Technologies, Robotic Village, International Lunar Base, Bremen, 18–25 July 2010.Google Scholar
Pletser, V. & Foing, B.H. (2010b). European contribution to human aspect field investigation for future planetary habitat definition studies: field tests at MDRS on crew time utilization and habitat interfaces. Microgravity Sci. Technol. 23, 199214.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Promega. (2010). [online] Available at http://www.promega.com/maxwell16/ (accessed 20 October 2010).Google Scholar
Qiagen. (2010). [online] Available at http://www.qiagen.com/products/automation/qiacube.aspx?ShowInfo=1&r=2721 (accessed 20 October 2010).Google Scholar
Saiki, R.K., Scharf, S., Faloona, F., Mullis, K.B., Horn, G.T., Erlich, H.A. & Arnheim, N. (1985). Enzymatic amplification of beta-globin genomic sequences and restriction site analysis for diagnosis of sickle cell anemia. Science 230, 1350–4.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Secosky, J. (2008). Summary of biology studies done at MDRS [online]. Available at http://desert.marssociety.org/research-summary.asp(accessed 20 October 2010).Google Scholar
Sermon, K. & De Rycke, M. (2007). Single cell polymerase chain reaction for preimplantation genetic diagnosis: methods, strategies and limitations. In: Methods in Molecular Medicine, Single Cell Diagnostics, Methods and Protocols, 132, 3142, ed. Alan, Thornhill; Humana Press, Totowa, NJ.Google Scholar
Stoker, C., Clarke, J., Direito, S., Martin, K., Zavaleta, J., Blake, D. & Foing, B.H. (2011). Chemical, mineralogical, organic and microbial properties of subsurface soil cores from the Mars Desert Research Station Utah: analog science for human missions on Mars. Int. J. Astrobiol., in press.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
The Mars Society, 2010. [online] Available at http://www.marssociety.org/ (accessed 1 October 2010).Google Scholar
The Mars Society Mars Desert Research Station. (2009). [online] Available at http://desert.marssociety.org/mdrs/fs08/crew76/andhttp://desert.marssociety.org/mdrs/fs08/crew77/ (accessed 1 October 2010).Google Scholar
The Mars Society Mars Desert Research Station. (2010). [online] Available at http://desert.marssociety.org/MDRS/ (accessed 1 October 2010).Google Scholar
Thiel, C.S., Ehrenfreund, P., Foing, B., Pletser, V. & Ullrich, O. (2011). PCR-based analysis of microbial communities during the EuroGeoMars campaign at Mars Desert Research Station, Utah. Int. J. Astrobiol., in press.CrossRefGoogle Scholar