2,754 research outputs found
Studies of a Lacustrine-Volcanic Mars Analog Field Site with Mars-2020-like Instruments
On the upcoming Marsâ2020 rover two remote sensing instruments, MastcamâZ and SuperCam, and two microscopic proximity science instruments, SHERLOC and PIXL, will collect compositional (mineralogy, chemistry, and organics) data essential for paleoenvironmental reconstruction. The synergies between and limitations of these instruments were evaluated via study of a Mars analog field site in the Mojave Desert, using instruments approximating the data that will be returned by Marsâ2020. A ground truth dataset was generated for comparison to validate the results. The site consists of a succession of clayârich mudstones of lacustrine origin, interbedded tuffs, a carbonateâsilica travertine deposit, and gypsiferous mudstone strata. The major geological units were mapped successfully using simulated Marsâ2020 data. Simulated MastcamâZ data identified unit boundaries and Feâbearing weathering products. Simulated SuperCam passive shortwave infrared and green Raman data were essential in identifying major mineralogical composition and changes in lacustrine facies at distance; this was possible even with spectrally downsampled passive IR data. LIBS and simulated PIXL data discriminated and mapped major element chemistry. Simulated PIXL revealed mmâscale zones enriched in zirconium, of interest for age dating. SHERLOCâlike data mapped sulfate and carbonate at subâmm scale; silicates were identified with increased laser pulses/spot or by averaging of hundreds of spectra. Fluorescence scans detected and mapped varied classes of organics in all samples, characterized further with followâon spatially targeted deepâUV Raman spectra. Development of dedicated organics spectral libraries is needed to aid interpretation. Given these observations, the important units in the outcrop would be sampled and cached for sample return
Twenty-Second Lunar and Planetary Science Conference
The papers in this collection were written for general presentation, avoiding jargon and unnecessarily complex terms. Some of the topics covered include: planetary evolution, planetary satellites, planetary composition, planetary surfaces, planetary geology, volcanology, meteorite impacts and composition, and cosmic dust. Particular emphasis is placed on Mars and the Moon
ASIME 2018 White Paper. In-Space Utilisation of Asteroids: Asteroid Composition -- Answers to Questions from the Asteroid Miners
In keeping with the Luxembourg government's initiative to support the future
use of space resources, ASIME 2018 was held in Belval, Luxembourg on April
16-17, 2018.
The goal of ASIME 2018: Asteroid Intersections with Mine Engineering, was to
focus on asteroid composition for advancing the asteroid in-space resource
utilisation domain. What do we know about asteroid composition from
remote-sensing observations? What are the potential caveats in the
interpretation of Earth-based spectral observations? What are the next steps to
improve our knowledge on asteroid composition by means of ground-based and
space-based observations and asteroid rendez-vous and sample return missions?
How can asteroid mining companies use this knowledge?
ASIME 2018 was a two-day workshop of almost 70 scientists and engineers in
the context of the engineering needs of space missions with in-space asteroid
utilisation. The 21 Questions from the asteroid mining companies were sorted
into the four asteroid science themes: 1) Potential Targets, 2)
Asteroid-Meteorite Links, 3) In-Situ Measurements and 4) Laboratory
Measurements. The Answers to those Questions were provided by the scientists
with their conference presentations and collected by A. Graps or edited
directly into an open-access collaborative Google document or inserted by A.
Graps using additional reference materials. During the ASIME 2018, first day
and second day Wrap-Ups, the answers to the questions were discussed further.
New readers to the asteroid mining topic may find the Conversation boxes and
the Mission Design discussions especially interesting.Comment: Outcome from the ASIME 2018: Asteroid Intersections with Mine
Engineering, Luxembourg. April 16-17, 2018. 65 Pages. arXiv admin note:
substantial text overlap with arXiv:1612.0070
Sand and Dust on Mars
Mars is a planet of high scientific interest. Various studies are currently being made that involve vehicles that have landed on Mars. Because Mars is known to experience frequent wind storms, mission planners and engineers require knowledge of the physical and chemical properties of Martian windblown sand and dust, and the processes involved in the origin and evolution of sand and dust storms
Resident research associateships. Postdoctoral and senior research awards: Opportunities for research at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Opportunities for research as part of NASA-sponsored programs at the JPL cover: Earth and space sciences; systems; telecommunications science and engineering; control and energy conversion; applied mechanics; information systems; and observational systems. General information on applying for an award for tenure as a guest investigator, conditions, of the award, and details of the application procedure are provided
Studies of a Lacustrine-Volcanic Mars Analog Field Site with Mars-2020-like Instruments
On the upcoming Marsâ2020 rover two remote sensing instruments, MastcamâZ and SuperCam, and two microscopic proximity science instruments, SHERLOC and PIXL, will collect compositional (mineralogy, chemistry, and organics) data essential for paleoenvironmental reconstruction. The synergies between and limitations of these instruments were evaluated via study of a Mars analog field site in the Mojave Desert, using instruments approximating the data that will be returned by Marsâ2020. A ground truth dataset was generated for comparison to validate the results. The site consists of a succession of clayârich mudstones of lacustrine origin, interbedded tuffs, a carbonateâsilica travertine deposit, and gypsiferous mudstone strata. The major geological units were mapped successfully using simulated Marsâ2020 data. Simulated MastcamâZ data identified unit boundaries and Feâbearing weathering products. Simulated SuperCam passive shortwave infrared and green Raman data were essential in identifying major mineralogical composition and changes in lacustrine facies at distance; this was possible even with spectrally downsampled passive IR data. LIBS and simulated PIXL data discriminated and mapped major element chemistry. Simulated PIXL revealed mmâscale zones enriched in zirconium, of interest for age dating. SHERLOCâlike data mapped sulfate and carbonate at subâmm scale; silicates were identified with increased laser pulses/spot or by averaging of hundreds of spectra. Fluorescence scans detected and mapped varied classes of organics in all samples, characterized further with followâon spatially targeted deepâUV Raman spectra. Development of dedicated organics spectral libraries is needed to aid interpretation. Given these observations, the important units in the outcrop would be sampled and cached for sample return
M.I.N.G., Mars Investment for a New Generation: Robotic construction of a permanently manned Mars base
A basic procedure for robotically constructing a manned Mars base is outlined. The research procedure was divided into three areas: environment, robotics, and habitat. The base as designed will consist of these components: two power plants, communication facilities, a habitat complex, and a hangar, a garage, recreation and manufacturing facilities. The power plants will be self-contained nuclear fission reactors placed approx. 1 km from the base for safety considerations. The base communication system will use a combination of orbiting satellites and surface relay stations. This system is necessary for robotic contact with Phobos and any future communication requirements. The habitat complex will consist of six self-contained modules: core, biosphere, science, living quarters, galley/storage, and a sick bay which will be brought from Phobos. The complex will be set into an excavated hole and covered with approximately 0.5 m of sandbags to provide radiation protection for the astronauts. The recreation, hangar, garage, and manufacturing facilities will each be transformed from the four one-way landers. The complete complex will be built by autonomous, artificially intelligent robots. Robots incorporated into the design are as follows: Large Modular Construction Robots with detachable arms capable of large scale construction activities; Small Maneuverable Robotic Servicers capable of performing delicate tasks normally requiring a suited astronaut; and a trailer vehicle with modular type attachments to complete specific tasks; and finally, Mobile Autonomous Rechargeable Transporters capable of transferring air and water from the manufacturing facility to the habitat complex
Astronomical Observations of Volatiles on Asteroids
We have long known that water and hydroxyl are important components in
meteorites and asteroids. However, in the time since the publication of
Asteroids III, evolution of astronomical instrumentation, laboratory
capabilities, and theoretical models have led to great advances in our
understanding of H2O/OH on small bodies, and spacecraft observations of the
Moon and Vesta have important implications for our interpretations of the
asteroidal population. We begin this chapter with the importance of water/OH in
asteroids, after which we will discuss their spectral features throughout the
visible and near-infrared. We continue with an overview of the findings in
meteorites and asteroids, closing with a discussion of future opportunities,
the results from which we can anticipate finding in Asteroids V. Because this
topic is of broad importance to asteroids, we also point to relevant in-depth
discussions elsewhere in this volume.Comment: Chapter to appear in the (University of Arizona Press) Space Science
Series Book: Asteroids I
Significant achievements in the planetary geology program, 1981
Recent developments in planetology research as reported at the 1981 NASA Planetary Geology Principal Investigators meeting are summarized. The evolution of the solar system, comparative planetology, and geologic processes active on other planets are considered. Galilean satellites and small bodies, Venus, geochemistry and regoliths, volcanic and aeolian processes and landforms, fluvial and periglacial processes, and planetary impact cratering, remote sensing, and cartography are discussed
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