In previous work, a platform was developed for testing computer-vision algorithms for robotic planetary exploration. This platform consisted of a digital video camera connected to a wearable computer for real-time processing of images at geological and astrobiological field sites. The real-time processing included image segmentation and the generation of interest points based upon uncommonness in the segmentation maps. Also in previous work, this platform for testing computer-vision algorithms has been ported to a more ergonomic alternative platform, consisting of a phone camera connected via the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network to a remote-server computer. The wearable-computer platform has been tested at geological and astrobiological field sites in Spain (Rivas Vaciamadrid and Riba de Santiuste), and the phone camera has been tested at a geological field site in Malta. In this work, we (i) apply a Hopfield neural-network algorithm for novelty detection based upon colour, (ii) integrate a field-capable digital microscope on the wearable computer platform, (iii) test this novelty detection with the digital microscope at Rivas Vaciamadrid, (iv) develop a Bluetooth communication mode for the phone-camera platform, in order to allow access to a mobile processing Computer at the field sites, and (v) test the novelty detection on the Bluetooth-enabled phone camera connected to a netbook Computer at the Mars Desert Research Station in Utah. This systems engineering and field testing have together allowed Lis to develop a real-time computer-vision system that is capable, for example, of identifying lichens as novel within a series of images acquired in semi-arid desert environments. We acquired sequences of images of geologic outcrops in Utah and Spain consisting of various rock types and colours to test this algorithm. The algorithm robustly recognized previously observed units by their colour, while requiring only a single image or a few images to learn colours as familiar, demonstrating its fast learning capability.

The Cyborg Astrobiologist: testing a novelty detection algorithm on two mobile exploration systems at Rivas Vaciamadrid in Spain and at the Mars Desert Research Station in Utah

This paper aims to optimize the parameters of a portable device that combines X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis techniques. By using the same X-ray source and detector, the device enables the simultaneous acquisition of two-dimensional XRD and XRF information from a sample with the advantage of high analysis efficiency and consistency in the measurement points. The equipment and slit materials are discussed, including the selection of the X-ray source (Moxtek MAGNUM) and the detector (Andor CCD camera). We also explore two different slit designs (the bottom-hole and side-hole) and optimize their dimensions using rectangular holes instead of inclined trapezoidal holes. Considering the fluorescence X-rays of the filters in the X-ray tube spectra, a theoretical formula is derived for rapid and accurate calculation. The calculated results are compared with the experimental results of Al and Ni filters, demonstrating good agreement across various tube voltages and filter thicknesses. Furthermore, an XRD/XRF comprehensive analysis platform is established. The effects of tube voltage, tube current, exposure time, and pixel-binning on the single-pixel events of the CCD camera are investigated and can be used to guide the selection of appropriate device parameters. The effects of the frame and tube voltage on the XRD/XRF analysis efficiency are examined for several sample materials, including Al, α-Fe, Zn, and ZrO2(Y2O3).

Optimization of parameters for portable X-ray diffraction/X-ray fluorescence combined analysis device (P-XRDF-CAD)

Humankind's innate curiosity makes us wonder whether life is or was present on other planetary bodies such as Mars. The EuroGeoMars 2009 campaign was organized at the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) to perform multidisciplinary astrobiology research. MDRS in southeast Utah is situated in a cold arid desert with mineralogy and erosion processes comparable to those on Mars. Insight into the microbial community composition of this terrestrial Mars analogue provides essential information for the search for life on Mars: including sampling and life detection methodology optimization and what kind of organisms to expect. Soil samples were collected from different locations. Culture-independent molecular analyses directed at ribosomal RNA genes revealed the presence of all three domains of life (Archaea, Bacteria and Eukarya), but these were not detected in all samples. Spiking experiments revealed that this appears to relate to low DNA recovery, due to adsorption or degradation. Bacteria were most frequently detected and showed high alpha-and beta-diversity. Members of the Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Gemmatimonadetes phyla were found in the majority of samples. Archaea alpha-and beta-diversity was very low. For Eukarya, a diverse range of organisms was identified, such as fungi, green algae and several phyla of Protozoa. Phylogenetic analysis revealed an extraordinary variety of putative extremophiles, mainly Bacteria but also Archaea and Eukarya. These comprised radioresistant, endolithic, chasmolithic, xerophilic, hypolithic, thermophilic, thermoacidophilic, psychrophilic, halophilic, haloalkaliphilic and alkaliphilic micro-organisms. Overall, our data revealed large difference in occurrence and diversity over short distances, indicating the need for high-sampling frequency at similar sites. DNA extraction methods need to be optimized to improve extraction efficiencies. © 2011 Cambridge University Press.

https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S1473550411000012

A wide variety of putative extremophiles and large beta-diversity at the Mars Desert Research Station (Utah)

We collected and analysed soil cores from four geologic units surrounding Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) Utah, USA, including Mancos Shale, Dakota Sandstone, Morrison formation (Brushy Basin member) and Summerville formation. The area is an important geochemical and morphological analogue to terrains on Mars. Soils were analysed for mineralogy by a Terra X-ray diffractometer (XRD), a field version of the CheMin instrument on the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) mission (2012 landing). Soluble ion chemistry, total organic content and identity and distribution of microbial populations were also determined. The Terra data reveal that Mancos and Morrison soils are rich in phyllosilicates similar to those observed on Mars from orbital measurements (montmorillonite, nontronite and illite). Evaporite minerals observed include gypsum, thenardite, polyhalite and calcite. Soil chemical analysis shows sulfate the dominant anion in all soils and SO4>>CO3, as on Mars. The cation pattern Na>Ca>Mg is seen in all soils except for the Summerville where Ca>Na. In all soils, SO4 correlates with Na, suggesting sodium sulfates are the dominant phase. Oxidizable organics are low in all soils and range from a high of 0.7% in the Mancos samples to undetectable at a detection limit of 0.1% in the Morrison soils. Minerals rich in chromium and vanadium were identified in Morrison soils that result from diagenetic replacement of organic compounds. Depositional environment, geologic history and mineralogy all affect the ability to preserve and detect organic compounds. Subsurface biosphere populations were revealed to contain organisms from all three domains (Archaea, Bacteria and Eukarya) with cell density between 3.0×106 and 1.8×107 cells ml−1 at the deepest depth. These measurements are analogous to data that could be obtained on future robotic or human Mars missions and results are relevant to the MSL mission that will investigate phyllosilicates on Mars.

https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S1473550411000115

Mineralogical, chemical, organic and microbial properties of subsurface soil cores from Mars Desert Research Station (Utah, USA): Phyllosilicate and sulfate analogues to Mars mission landing sites

We describe the field demonstration of astrobiology instruments and research methods conducted in and from the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) in Utah during the EuroGeoMars campaign 2009 coordinated by ILEWG, ESA/ESTEC and NASA Ames, with the contribution of academic partners. We discuss the entire experimental approach from determining the geological context using remote sensing, in situ measurements, sorties with sample collection and characterization, analysis in the field laboratory, to the post sample analysis using advanced laboratory facilities. We present the rationale for terrestrial field campaigns to strengthen astrobiology research and the link between in situ and orbital remote sensing data. These campaigns are supporting the preparation for future missions such as Mars Science Laboratory, ExoMars or Mars Sample Return. We describe the EuroGeoMars 2009 campaign conducted by MDRS crew 76 and 77, focused on the investigation of surface processes in their geological context. Special emphasis was placed on sample collection and pre-screening using in-situ portable instruments. Science investigations included geological and geochemical measurements as well as detection and diagnostic of water, oxidants, organic matter, minerals, volatiles and biota. EuroGeoMars 2009 was an example of a Moon-Mars field research campaign dedicated to the demonstration of astrobiology instruments and a specific methodology of comprehensive measurements from selected sampling sites. We discuss in sequence: the campaign objectives and trade-off based on science, technical or operational constraints. This includes remote sensing data and maps, and geological context; the monitoring of environmental parameters; the geophysical context and mineralogy studies; geology and geomorphology investigations; geochemistry characterization and subsurface studies. We describe sample handling (extraction and collection) methods, and the sample analysis of soils and rocks performed in the MDRS laboratory using close inspection, initial petrological characterization, microscopy, Visible-NIR spectrometry, Raman spectrometry, X-ray diffraction/X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, soil analysis, electrochemical and biological measurements. The results from post-mission analysis of returned samples using advanced facilities in collaborator institutes are described in companion papers in this issue. We present examples of in-situ analysis, and describe an example investigation on the exploration and analysis of endolithic microbial mats (from reconnaissance, in-situ imaging, sampling, local analysis to post-mission sample analysis). © 2011 Cambridge University Press.

https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S1473550411000036

Field astrobiology research in Moon-Mars analogue environments: instruments and methods

A. Borst1,6*, S. Peters1,6*, B.H. Foing1*, C. Stoker2*, L. Wendt8*, C. Gross8*, J. Zavaleta2*, P. Sarrazin2*, D. Blake2, P. Ehrenfreund10, L. Boche-Sauvan1*, J. Page1,4, C. McKay2 , P. Batenburg1,3*, G. Drijkoningen3, E. Slob3, P. Poulakis4, G. Visentin4, A. Noroozi3, E. Gill3, M. Guglielmi4, M. Freire4, R. Walker7, M. Sabbatini5, V. Pletser5*, E. Monaghan1*, R. Ernst1, J. Oosthoek1, P. Mahapatra1 , D. Wills1*, C. Thiel*, J.P. Lebreton1, T. Zegers1, A. Chicarro1, D. Koschny1, J. Vago1, H.Svedhem1, G. Davies6, A. Westenberg11, J. Edwards11, ExoGeoLab team1,4 & EuroGeoMars team1,4,5

Geochemical Results from EuroGeoMars MDRS Utah 2009 Campaign

ExoGeoLab Lander/Rover Instruments and EuroGeoMars MDRS Campaign

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Geochemical Results from EuroGeoMars MDRS Utah 2009 Campaign

ExoGeoLab Lander/Rover Instruments and EuroGeoMars MDRS Campaign