The search for evidence of past or present life on Mars will require the detection of markers that indicate the presence of life Because deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is found in all known living organisms, it is considered to be a ‘biosignature’ of life The main function of DNA is the long-term storage of genetic information, which is passed on from generation to generation as hereditary material The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a revolutionary technique which allows a single fragment or a small number of fragments of a DNA molecule to be amplified millions of times, making it possible to detect minimal traces of DNA The compactness of the contemporary PCR instruments makes routine sample analysis possible with a minimum amount of laboratory space Furthermore the technique is effective, robust and straightforward Our goal was to establish a routine for the detection of DNA from micro-organisms using the PCR technique during the EuroGeoMars simulation campaign This took place at the Mars Society's Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) in Utah in February 2009 (organized with the support of the International Lunar Exploration Working Group (ILEWG), NASA Ames and the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC)) During the MDRS simulation, we showed that it is possible to establish a minimal molecular biology lab in the habitat for the immediate on-site analysis of samples by PCR after sample collection Soil and water samples were taken at different locations and soil depths The sample analysis was started immediately after the crew returned to the habitat laboratory DNA was isolated from micro-organisms and used as a template for PCR analysis of the highly conserved ribosomal DNA to identify representatives of the different groups of micro-organisms (bacteria, archaea and eukarya) The PCR products were visualized by agarose gel electrophoresis and documented by transillumination and digital imaging The microbial diversity in the collected samples was analysed with respect to sampling depth and the presence or absence of vegetation For the first time, we have demonstrated that it is possible to perform direct on-site DNA analysis by PCR at MDRS, a simulated planetary habitat in an extreme environment that serves as a model for preparation and optimization of techniques to be used for future Mars exploration

PCR-based analysis of microbial communities during the EuroGeoMars campaign at Mars Desert Research Station, Utah

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

We have started a small pilot facility with a Robotic Test Bench (ExoGeoLab) and a Mobile Lab Habitat (ExoHab) They can be used to validate concepts and external instruments from partner institutes ExoGeoLab The ExoGeoLab research incubator project, has started in the frame of a collaboration between ILEWG (International Lunar Exploration working Group http://sciesaint/ilewg), ESTEC and partners, supported by a design and control desk in the European Space Incubator (ESI), as well as infrastructure ExoGeoLab includes a sequence of technology and research pilot project activities: Data analysis and interpretation of remote sensing and in-situ data, and merging of multi-scale data sets Procurement and integration of geophysical, geochemical and astrobiological breadboard instruments on a surface station and rovers (ExoGeoLab) Research operations and exploitation of ExoGeoLab test bench for various conceptual configurations, and support for definition and design of science surface packages (Moon, Mars, NEOs, outer moons) Fig 1: Preparation of ExoGeoLab instruments tests of cooperative robotics Goals and methods of ESTEC ExoGeoLab: We integrated instruments integrated in an ExoGeoLab, crossing various techniques The methodic steps for this hands-on research are: 1) We have procured and adapted instruments to equip a mid-size ExoGeoRover (made available in collaboration with ESTEC robotics section), and a small surface station 2) This terrestrial payload (instruments, sensors, data handling) has been deployed, operated and used as collaborative research pilot facility (ExoGeoLab), first tested and operated at ESTEC (see Fig1 ) , and later transportable 3) We performed functional tests of these instruments, and operated them in terrestrial conditions to correlate measurements using various techniques 4) We have implemented the possibility of remote control of instruments (Fig 2) from an adjacent mobile laboratory, and a remote science desk 5) The suite of measurements includes a comprehensive set with telescopic imaging reconnaissance and monitoring, geophysical studies, general geology and morphology context,geochemistry (minerals, volatiles, organics), subsurface probe, sample extraction and retrieval, sample analysis 6) We have reproduced some simulation of diverse soil and rocks conditions (mixture of minerals, organics, ice, penetrations of water, oxydant, organics) and diagnostics 7) We used these instrument packages to characterise geological context, soil and rock properties (Fig3) 8) Science investigations include geology, geochemistry, mineral, oxydant, organics, and volatiles diagnostics 9) After first validations we started to exploit the facility for collaboration with partners that will provide some additional guest instruments, and perform specific investigations, 10) We have organised field campaigns in specific locations of scientific and exploration interest, making use of the mobile lab habitat for logistics support and local operations 5477pdf Astrobiology Science Conference 2010 (2010)

/pdf/exogeolab-test-bench-for-landers-rovers-and-astrobiology-316ka9bbdl.pdf

ExoGeoLab Test Bench for Landers, Rovers and Astrobiology Instruments

We have built an ExoGeoLab lander demonstrator for future planetary missions, equipped with remotely operated instruments. We tested them at ESTEC and at an ILEWG field campaign at Eifel volcanic park in Germany in September 2009. ExoGeoLab We have started a small pilot facility with a Robotic Test Bench (ExoGeoLab) [1,2] and a Mobile Lab Habitat (ExoHab). They can be used to validate concepts and external instruments from partner institutes. The ExoGeoLab research incubator project, has started in the frame of a collaboration between ILEWG [3] (International Lunar Exploration working Group http://sci.esa.int/ilewg), ESTEC and partners, supported by a design and control desk in the European Space Incubator (ESI), as well as infrastructure. ExoGeoLab includes a sequence of technology and research pilot project activities:

/pdf/exogeolab-lander-rovers-instruments-tests-at-estec-eifel-5e7yyou22v.pdf

Exogeolab lander, rovers & instruments: tests at estec & eifel volcanic field

Testing Portable Raman Spectrometry for Astrobiology

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ExoGeoLab Test Bench for Landers, Rovers and Astrobiology Instruments

Exogeolab lander, rovers & instruments: tests at estec & eifel volcanic field

Testing Portable Raman Spectrometry for Astrobiology