cosmos.wikisort.org - SpacecraftThe Astrobiology Field Laboratory (AFL) (also Mars Astrobiology Field Laboratory or MAFL) was a proposed NASA unmanned spacecraft that would have conducted a robotic search for life on Mars.[1][2] This proposed mission, which was not funded, would have landed a rover on Mars in 2016 and explore a site for habitat. Examples of such sites are an active or extinct hydrothermal deposit, a dry lake or a specific polar site.[3]
Canceled Mars rover concept by NASA
Astrobiology Field Laboratory Astrobiology Field Laboratory |
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Mission type | Astrobiology rover |
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Operator | NASA |
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COSPAR ID |  |
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Website | at jpl.nasa.gov (recovered from archive) |
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Mission duration | 1 Martian year (proposed) |
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Launch mass | 450 kg (990 lb) maximum |
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Launch date | 2016 (proposed) |
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Had it been funded, the rover was to be built by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, based upon the Mars Science Laboratory rover design, it would have carried astrobiology-oriented instruments, and ideally, a core drill. The original plans called for a launch in 2016,[4] however, budgetary constraints caused funding cuts.[5]
Mission
The rover could have been the first mission since the Viking program landers of the 1970s to specifically look for the chemistry associated with life (biosignatures), such as carbon-based compounds along with molecules involving both sulfur and nitrogen. The mission strategy was to search for habitable zones by "following the water" and "finding the carbon."[1] In particular, it was to conduct detailed analysis of geologic environments identified by the 2012 Mars Science Laboratory as being conducive to life on Mars and biosignatures, past and present. Such environments might include fine-grained sedimentary layers, hot spring mineral deposits, icy layers near the poles, or sites such as gullies where liquid water once flowed or may continue to seep into soils from melting ice packs.
Planning
The Astrobiology Field Laboratory (AFL) would have followed the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (launched in 2005), Phoenix lander (launched in 2007), and Mars Science Laboratory (launched in 2011). The AFL 'Science Steering Group' developed the following set of search strategies and assumptions for increasing the likelihood of detecting biosignatures:[1]
- Life processes may produce a range of biosignatures such as lipids, proteins, amino acids, kerogen-like material or characteristic micropores in rock.[6] However, the biosignatures themselves may become progressively destroyed by ongoing environmental processes.
- Sample acquisition will need to be executed in multiple locations and at depths below that point on the Martian surface where oxidation results in chemical alteration. The surface is oxidizing as a consequence of the absence of magnetic field or magnetosphere shielding from harmful space radiation and solar electromagnetic radiation[7][8] —which may well render the surface sterile down to a depth greater than 7.5 meters (24.6 ft).[9][10] To get under that potential sterile layer, a core drill design is currently being studied. As with any trade, the inclusion of the drill would come at the mass expense available for other payload elements.
- Analytical laboratory biosignature measurements require the pre-selection and identification of high-priority samples, which could be subsequently subsampled to maximize detection probability and spatially resolve potential biosignatures for detailed analysis.
Payload
The conceptual payload included a Precision Sample Handling and Processing System to replace and augment the functionality and capabilities provided by the Sample Acquisition Sample Processing and Handling system that was part of the 2009-configuration of Mars Science Laboratory rover[1][11] (the system is known as SAM (Sample Analysis at Mars) in 2011-configuration of Mars Science Laboratory). The AFL payload was to attempt to minimize any conflicting positive detection of life by including a suite of instruments that provide at least three mutually confirming analytical laboratory measurements.[3]
For the purpose of discerning a reasonable estimate on which to base the rover mass, the conceptual payload was to include:[1]
- Precision Sample Handling and Processing System.
- Forward Planetary Protection for Life-Detection Mission to a Special Region.
- Life Detection-Contamination Avoidance.
- Astrobiology Instrument Development.
- MSL Parachute Enhancement.
- Autonomous safe long-distance travel.
- Autonomous single-cycle instrument placement.
- Pinpoint landing (100–1000 m) (if necessary to reach specific science targets in hazardous regions).
- Mobility for highly sloped terrain 30° (if required to reach science targets).
Power source
It was suggested that the Astrobiology Field Laboratory use radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) as its power source, like the ones to be used on the Mars Science Laboratory.[1] The radioactive RTG power source was to last for about one Martian year, or approximately two Earth years. RTGs can provide reliable, continuous power day and night, and waste heat can be used via pipes to warm systems, freeing electrical power for the operation of the vehicle and instruments.
Science
Though the AFL science justification did not include a pre-definition of potential life forms that might be found on Mars, the following assumptions were made:[1]
- Life utilizes some form of carbon.
- Life requires an external energy source (sunlight or chemical energy) to survive.
- Life is packaged in cellular-type compartments (cells).
- Life requires liquid water.
Within the region of surface operations, identify and classify Martian environments (past or present) with different habitability potential, and characterize their geologic context. Quantitatively assess habitability potential by:[1]
- Measuring isotopic, chemical, mineralogical, and structural characteristics of samples, including the distribution and molecular complexity of carbon compounds.
- Assessing biologically available sources of energy, including chemical, thermal and electromagnetic.
- Determining the role of water (past or present) in the geological processes at the landing site.
- Investigate the factors that will affect the preservation of potential signs of life (past or present) This refers to the potential for a particular biosignature to survive and therefore be detected in a particular habitat. Also, post-collection preservation may be required for later sample retrieval, although that would necessitate a further assessment of precision landing of the Mars sample return mission.[3]
- Investigate the possibility of prebiotic chemistry on Mars, including non-carbon biochemistry.
- Document any anomalous features that can be hypothesized as possible Martian biosignatures.
It is fundamental to the AFL concept to understand that organisms and their environment constitute a system, within which any one part can affect the other. If life exists or has existed on Mars, scientific measurements to be considered would focus on understanding those systems that support or supported it. If life never existed while conditions were suitable for life formation, understanding why a Martian genesis never occurred would be a future priority.[1] The AFL team stated that it is reasonable to expect that missions like AFL will play a significant role in this process, but unreasonable to expect that they will bring it to a conclusion.[3]
See also
Astronomy portal
Biology portal
- Astrobiology – Science concerned with life in the universe
- ExoMars – Astrobiology programme
- Exploration of Mars – Overview of the exploration of Mars
- Life on Mars – Scientific assessments on the microbial habitability of Mars
- Mars 2020 – Astrobiology Mars rover mission by NASA
- Mars Astrobiology Explorer-Cacher – Cancelled NASA Mars rover concept
- Curiosity (rover) – NASA robotic rover exploring the crater Gale on Mars
- Viking program – Pair of NASA landers and orbiters sent to Mars in 1976
References
- Beegle, Luther W.; et al. (August 2007). "A Concept for NASA's Mars 2016 Astrobiology Field Laboratory". Astrobiology. 7 (4): 545–577. Bibcode:2007AsBio...7..545B. doi:10.1089/ast.2007.0153. PMID 17723090.
- "Missions to Mars". Jet Propulsion Laboratory. NASA. February 18, 2009. Archived from the original on July 16, 2009. Retrieved July 20, 2009.
- Steele, A., Beaty; et al. (September 26, 2006). "Final report of the MEPAG Astrobiology Field Laboratory Science Steering Group (AFL-SSG)" (.doc). In David Beaty (ed.). The Astrobiology Field Laboratory. U.S.A.: the Mars Exploration Program Analysis Group (MEPAG) - NASA. p. 72. Retrieved July 22, 2009.
- "Mars Astrobiology Field Laboratory and the Search for Signs of Life". Mars Today. September 1, 2007. Archived from the original on December 16, 2012. Retrieved July 20, 2009.
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- Tanja Bosak; Virginia Souza-Egipsy; Frank A. Corsetti; Dianne K. Newman (May 18, 2004). "Micrometer-scale porosity as a biosignature in carbonate crusts". Geology. 32 (9): 781–784. Bibcode:2004Geo....32..781B. doi:10.1130/G20681.1.
- NASA Mars Global Surveyor
- Arkani-Hamed, Jafar; Boutin, Daniel (July 20–25, 2003). "Polar Wander of Mars: Evidence from Magnetic Anomalies" (PDF). Sixth International Conference on Mars. Pasadena, California: Dordrecht, D. Reidel Publishing Co. Retrieved March 2, 2007.
- Dartnell, L.R. et al., "Modelling the surface and subsurface Martian radiation environment: Implications for astrobiology," Geophysical Research Letters 34, L02207, doi:10,1029/2006GL027494, 2007.
- "Mars Rovers Sharpen Questions About Livable Conditions". Jet Propulsion Laboratory. NASA. February 15, 2008. Archived from the original on August 25, 2009. Retrieved July 24, 2009.
- "A Concept for NASA's Mars 2016 Astrobiology Field Laboratory". SpaceRef. September 1, 2007. Retrieved July 21, 2009.
External links
Astrobiology |
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Disciplines |
- Astrochemistry
- Astrophysics
- Atmospheric sciences
- Biochemistry
- Evolutionary biology
- Exoplanetology
- Geomicrobiology
- Microbiology
- Paleontology
- Planetary science
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Main topics |
- Abiogenesis
- Allan Hills 84001
- Biomolecule
- Biosignature
- Drake equation
- Earliest known life forms
- Earth analog
- Extraterrestrial life
- Extraterrestrial sample curation
- Extremophiles
- Hypothetical types of biochemistry
- List of microorganisms tested in outer space
- Ocean planet
- Panspermia
- Planetary protection
- Search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI)
- Yamato meteorite
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Planetary habitability | |
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Space missions | Earth orbit | |
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Mars |
- Beagle 2
- Fobos-Grunt
- Mars Science Laboratory
- Mars 2020
- Phoenix
- Tianwen-1
- Trace Gas Orbiter
- Viking
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Comets and asteroids |
- Hayabusa2
- OSIRIS-REx
- Rosetta
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Planned |
- BioSentinel
- Dragonfly
- Europa Clipper
- ExoMars
- Rosalind Franklin rover
- Kazachok lander
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Proposed |
- Breakthrough Enceladus
- BRUIE
- CAESAR
- Enceladus Explorer
- Enceladus Life Finder
- Enceladus Life Signatures and Habitability
- Enceladus Orbilander
- Europa Lander
- ExoLance
- Explorer of Enceladus and Titan
- Icebreaker Life
- Journey to Enceladus and Titan
- Laplace-P
- Life Investigation For Enceladus
- Mars sample return mission
- Oceanus
- THEO
- Trident
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Cancelled and undeveloped | |
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Institutions and programs |
- Astrobiology Society of Britain
- Astrobiology Science and Technology for Exploring Planets
- Breakthrough Initiatives
- Breakthrough Listen
- Breakthrough Message
- Breakthrough Starshot
- Carl Sagan Institute
- Center for Life Detection Science
- European Astrobiology Network Association
- MERMOZ
- NASA Astrobiology Institute
- Nexus for Exoplanet System Science
- Ocean Worlds Exploration Program
- Spanish Astrobiology Center
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Spacecraft missions to Mars |
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- List of missions to Mars
- List of Mars orbiters
- List of artificial objects on Mars
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Active | Orbiters |
- 2001 Mars Odyssey
- Mars Express
- Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter
- Mangalyaan
- MAVEN
- ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter
- Hope
- Tianwen-1 orbiter
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Landers | |
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Rovers |
- Curiosity
- Mars Science Laboratory
- timeline
- Perseverance
- Zhurong
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Aircraft | |
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Past | Flybys | |
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Orbiters | |
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Landers | |
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Rovers | |
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Future | Planned |
- Psyche (2022, flyby in 2023)
- Mangalyaan-2 (2024)
- Europa Clipper (2024, flyby in 2025)
- Martian Moons Exploration (MMX) (2024)
- Tera-hertz Explorer (TEREX) (mid 2020s)
- Kazachok (mid 2020s)
- ExoMars (2028)
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Proposed |
- Biological Oxidant and Life Detection
- DePhine
- EscaPADE
- Icebreaker Life
- Mars Base Alpha
- Mars Exploration Ice Mapper
- Mars Geyser Hopper
- Mars-Grunt
- Mars Micro Orbiter
- MELOS rover
- MetNet
- Next Mars Orbiter
- PADME
- Phootprint
- Sky-Sailor
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Exploration | Concepts |
- Flyby
- Orbiter
- Landing
- Rover
- Aircraft
- Sample return
- Human mission
- Permanent settlement
- Colonization
- Terraforming
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Strategies |
- Mars Scout Program
- Mars Exploration Program
- Mars Exploration Joint Initiative
- Mars Next Generation
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Advocacy |
- The Mars Project
- The Case for Mars
- Inspiration Mars
- Mars Institute
- Mars Society
- Mars race
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Missions are ordered by launch date. Sign † indicates failure en route or before intended mission data returned. |
Jet Propulsion Laboratory |
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Current missions | |
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Past missions | |
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Planned missions |
- Psyche
- Euclid
- Europa Clipper
- Lunar Flashlight
- NEA Scout
- SPHEREx
- SWOT
- WFIRST
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Proposed missions | |
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Canceled missions | |
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Related organizations | |
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- JPL Science Division
- Near-Earth Asteroid Tracking
- Space Flight Operations Facility
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На других языках
- [en] Astrobiology Field Laboratory
[es] Astrobiology Field Laboratory
El Astrobiology Field Laboratory (AFL) (también denominada Mars Astrobiology Field Laboratory o MAFL) era una nave espacial no tripulada propuesta por la NASA que realizaría una búsqueda de vida en Marte.[1][2] La misión propuesta, que no fue financiada, consistiría en posar un vehículo espacial en el planeta Marte en 2016 y explorar un lugar para establecer un hábitat. Ejemplos de esos lugares son un depósito hidrotermal activo o extinto, un lago seco o un sitio polar específico.[3]
[ru] Марсианская астробиологическая полевая лаборатория
Марсианская астробиологическая полевая лаборатория (АПЛ), (англ. Astrobiology Field Laboratory) — разрабатываемый беспилотный космический аппарат НАСА, который бы при помощи роботов смог провести необходимые исследования для поиска жизни на Марсе[1][2]. Этот предлагаемый проект, который в данный момент не финансируется, должен был содержать приземление ровера на поверхность Марса, который в свою очередь и исследовал бы поверхность некоторых мест на красной планете на наличие жизни. Примерами таких мест могут являться активные или спокойные гидротермальные месторождения, сухие озера или полюса планеты[3].
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