AN EXOBIOLOGICAL STRATEGY
FOR MARS EXPLORATION
Prepared by the Exobiology Program Office, NASA HQ
January 1995
This strategy was formulated at the request of Dr. Michael A. Meyer,
Discipline Scientist for the Exobiology Program, NASA Headquarters. The writing
group consisted of:
-
Dr. Michael H. Carr, USGS
Dr. Benton Clark, Martin-Marietta Aerospace
Dr. David J. DesMarais, NASA Ames Research Center
Dr. Donald L. DeVincenzi, NASA Ames Research Center
Dr. Jack D. Farmer, NASA Ames Research Center
Dr. John M. Hayes, Indiana University
Dr. Heinrich Holland, Harvard University
Dr. Bruce Jakosky, University of Colorado
Dr. Gerald F. Joyce, Scripps Research Institute
Dr. John F. Kerridge, University of California, San Diego & NASA HQ
(chair)
Dr. Harold P. Klein, Santa Clara University
Dr. Andrew H. Knoll, Harvard University
Dr. Gene D. McDonald, Cornell University
Dr. Christopher P. McKay, NASA Ames Research Center
Dr. Michael A. Meyer, NASA HQ
Dr. Kenneth H. Nealson, University of Wisconsin
Dr. Everett L. Shock, Washington University
Dr. David M. Ward, Montana State University
In addition, Dr. Carl Sagan, Cornell University, provided helpful advice.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
INTRODUCTION
- Purpose of strategy document
Outline of approach
- THE PRESENT STATE OF KNOWLEDGE
- The geological history of Mars
Evolution of the martian atmosphere
Results of Viking biology experiments
- SEARCH FOR EVIDENCE OF PREBIOTIC CHEMISTRY
- Introduction
The geochemical context for prebiotic chemistry
Objectives for flight experiments
- THE SEARCH FOR EXTINCT LIFE
- Introduction
Experience with Earth's early fossil record: Relevance for Mars
Key sites of Mars
Objectives for flight experiments
Sample return
- THE SEARCH FOR EXTANT LIFE
- Introduction
Critical review of Viking biology experiments
Possible habitats for extant life
Objectives for flight experiments
- OBSERVATIONS/MEASUREMENTS REQUIRED FOR EXOBIOLOGY
- Orbital experiments
Landed experiments
Returned samples
- PLANNED MISSIONS: ANTICIPATED MEASUREMENTS AND OBSERVATIONS
- The 1996 opportunity
The 1998 opportunity
The 2001 opportunity
The 2003 opportunity
- NECESSARY MEASUREMENTS/OBSERVATIONS MISSING FROM CURRENT PLANS
- SITE SELECTION
- Introduction
High-resolution orbital imaging
Duration of hydrological systems
High-priority sites for extinct martian life
High-priority sites for extant life
- PLANETARY PROTECTION FOR MARS MISSIONS
- RECOMMENDATIONS
- Support of basic R & A
Instrument development
Mobility and sample acquisition
Mission planning
Site selection
- ADDITIONAL READING