Analogs for Planetary Exploration

Analogs for Planetary Exploration PDF Author: W. Brent Garry
Publisher: Geological Society of America
ISBN: 081372483X
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 582

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Book Description
Where on Earth is it like Mars? How were the Apollo astronauts trained to be geologists on the Moon? Are volcanoes on Earth just like the ones on other planets? The exploration of our solar system begins in our own backyard. Discoveries on other planetary bodies cannot always be easily explained. Therefore, geologic sites on this planet are used to better understand the extraterrestrial worlds we explore with humans, robots, and satellites. Analogs for Planetary Exploration is a compilation of historical accounts of astronaut geology training, overviews of planetary geology research on Mars, educational field trips to analog sites, plus concepts for future human missions to the Moon. This Special Paper provides a great overview of the science, training, and planning related to planetary exploration for students, educators, researchers, and geology enthusiasts. After all, as we learn about the solar system we can better understand our own planet Earth.

Analogs for Planetary Exploration

Analogs for Planetary Exploration PDF Author: W. Brent Garry
Publisher: Geological Society of America
ISBN: 081372483X
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 582

Get Book Here

Book Description
Where on Earth is it like Mars? How were the Apollo astronauts trained to be geologists on the Moon? Are volcanoes on Earth just like the ones on other planets? The exploration of our solar system begins in our own backyard. Discoveries on other planetary bodies cannot always be easily explained. Therefore, geologic sites on this planet are used to better understand the extraterrestrial worlds we explore with humans, robots, and satellites. Analogs for Planetary Exploration is a compilation of historical accounts of astronaut geology training, overviews of planetary geology research on Mars, educational field trips to analog sites, plus concepts for future human missions to the Moon. This Special Paper provides a great overview of the science, training, and planning related to planetary exploration for students, educators, researchers, and geology enthusiasts. After all, as we learn about the solar system we can better understand our own planet Earth.

Workshop on Terrestrial Analogs for Planetary Exploration

Workshop on Terrestrial Analogs for Planetary Exploration PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Earth analogs
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
Discussions of scientific investigations of planetary analog terrains and processes, exploration strategies, and orbit-to-ground comparisons. Abstracts were solicited for topics including various planetary processes (volcanic, impact, aeolian, subaqueous, mass-wasting, glacial, tectonic, and others) as well as geophysical, geochemical, and astrobiological investigations. Discussions of field methods, sampling techniques, exploration strategies, technology applications, and ground-truthing were also solicited, as were topics related to data standardization and dissemination. In addition, the workshop aimed to address analog work that will benefit human and robotic exploration of other planetary surfaces.

Terrestrial Analogs for Space Exploration Habitation Systems

Terrestrial Analogs for Space Exploration Habitation Systems PDF Author: Paul D. Campbell
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description


The Geology of Mars

The Geology of Mars PDF Author: Mary Chapman
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 1139463705
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 457

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Book Description
Interpretations of the geological processes operating on Mars are based on our knowledge of processes occurring on Earth. This 2007 book presents contributions from leading planetary geologists to demonstrate the parallels and differences between these two planets, and will therefore be a key reference for students and researchers of planetary science.

NASA's Analog Missions

NASA's Analog Missions PDF Author: John M. Olson (Ph.D.)
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Extreme environments
Languages : en
Pages : 66

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Book Description
To help prepare for the real-life challenges of space exploration, NASA relies on Earth-based missions that are similar, or analogous, to space. These are called analog missions--field activities set in remote locations with extreme characteristics that resemble the challenges of a space mission. NASA conducts these missions in extreme environments around the globe to test technologies and systems and to help guide the future direction of human exploration of the solar system. This report profiles NASAs active analog missions, with highlights and successes from the last few years.

Deep Space Probes

Deep Space Probes PDF Author: Gregory L. Matloff
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 3540273409
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 267

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Book Description
The Space Age is nearly 50 years old but exploration of the outer planets and beyond has only just begun. Deep-Space Probes Second Edition draws on the latest research to explain why we should explore beyond the edge of the Solar System and how we can build highly sophisticated robot spacecraft to make the journey. Many technical problems remain to be solved, among them propulsion systems to permit far higher velocities, and technologies to build vehicles a fraction of the size of today’s spacecraft. Beyond the range of effective radio control, robot vehicles for exploring deep space will need to be intelligent, ‘thinking’ craft – able to make vital decisions entirely on their own. Gregory Matloff also looks at the possibility for human travel into interstellar space, and some of the immense problems that such journeys would entail. This second edition includes an entirely new chapter on holographic message plaques for future interstellar probes – a NASA-funded project.

NASA's Analog Missions

NASA's Analog Missions PDF Author: John Olson
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 35

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Book Description


An Astrobiology Strategy for the Exploration of Mars

An Astrobiology Strategy for the Exploration of Mars PDF Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309179416
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 130

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Book Description
Three recent developments have greatly increased interest in the search for life on Mars. The first is new information about the Martian environment including evidence of a watery past and the possibility of atmospheric methane. The second is the possibility of microbial viability on Mars. Finally, the Vision for Space Exploration initiative included an explicit directive to search for the evidence of life on Mars. These scientific and political developments led NASA to request the NRC's assistance in formulating an up-to-date integrated astrobiology strategy for Mars exploration. Among other topics, this report presents a review of current knowledge about possible life on Mars; an astrobiological assessment of current Mars missions; a review of Mars-mission planetary protection; and findings and recommendations. The report notes that the greatest increase in understanding of Mars will come from the collection and return to Earth of a well-chosen suite of Martian surface materials.

Use of Antarctic Analogs to Support the Space Exploration Initiative

Use of Antarctic Analogs to Support the Space Exploration Initiative PDF Author: Robert Andrew Wharton (Jr.)
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Antarctica
Languages : en
Pages : 19

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Book Description
This report has discussed the Space Exploration Initiative (SEI) and the U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP) in the context of assessing the potential rationale and strategy for conducting a cooperative NASA/NSF (National Science Foundation) effort. Specifically, such an effort would address shared research and data on living and conducting scientific research in isolated, confined, hostile, and remote environments. A review of the respective goals and requirements of NASA and the NSF indicates that numerous opportunities exist to mutually benefit from sharing relevant technologies, data, and systems. Two major conclusions can be drawn: (1) The technologies, experience, and capabilities existing and developing in the aerospace community would enhance scientific research capabilities and the efficiency and effectiveness of operations in Antarctica. The transfer and application of critical technologies (e.g., power, waste management, life support) and collaboration on crew research needs (e.g., human behavior and medical support needs) would streamline the USAP operations and provide the scientific community with advancements in facilities and tools for Antarctic research. (2) Antarctica is the most appropriate earth analog for the environments of the Moon and Mars. Using Antarctica in this way would contribute substantially to near- and long-term needs and plans for the SEI. Antarctica is one of the few ground-based analogs that would permit comprehensive and integrated studies of three areas deemed critical to productive and safe operations on the Moon and Mars: human health and productivity; innovative scientific research techniques; and reliable, efficient technologies and facilities.

The Use of Terrestrial Analogs in Preparing for Planetary Surface Exploration

The Use of Terrestrial Analogs in Preparing for Planetary Surface Exploration PDF Author: Kelsey Young
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Impact craters
Languages : en
Pages : 144

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Book Description
Impact cratering has played a crucial role in the surface development of the inner planets. Constraining the timing of this bombardment history is important in understanding the origins of life and our planet's evolution. Plate tectonics, active volcanism, and vegetation hinder the preservation and identification of existing impact craters on Earth. Providing age constraints on these elusive structures will provide a deeper understanding of our planet's development. To do this, (U-Th)/He thermochronology and in situ 40Ar/39Ar laser microprobe geochronology are used to provide ages for the Haughton and Mistastin Lake impact structures, both located in northern Canada. While terrestrial impact structures provide accessible laboratories for deciphering Earth's impact history, the ultimate goal for understanding the history of the reachable inner Solar System is to acquire robust, quantitative age constraints for the large lunar impact basins. The oldest of these is the South Pole-Aitken basin (SPA), located on the lunar farside. While it is known that this basin is stratigraphically the oldest on the Moon, its absolute age has yet to be determined. Several reports released in the last decade have highlighted sampling and dating SPA as a top priority for inner Solar System exploration. This is no easy task as the SPA structure has been modified by four billion subsequent years of impact events. Informed by studies at Mistastin - which has target lithologies analogous to those at SPA - sampling strategies are discussed that are designed to optimize the probability of a high science return with regard to robust geochronology of the SPA basin. Planetary surface missions, like one designed to explore and sample SPA, require the integration of engineering constraints with scientific goals and traverse planning. The inclusion of in situ geochemical technology, such as the handheld X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (hXRF), into these missions will provide human crews with the ability to gain a clearer contextual picture of the landing site and aid with sample high-grading. The introduction of hXRF technology could be of crucial importance in identifying SPA-derived melts. In addition to enhancing planetary field geology, hXRF deployment could also have real implications for enriching terrestrial field geology.