Life on Mars? – Lessons from Spain
- Paper number
IAC-06-P.E.6.01
- Author
Prof. Ricardo Amils, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Spain
- Year
2006
- Abstract
The search for life on Mars is one of the top priorities of current international exploration programs (ESA, NASA) and of great general interest. Substantial support to these efforts has been gained from the discoveries of microbial ecosystems on Earth inhabiting extreme environments, such as the Rio Tinto in Spain which is considered one of the most valuable terrestrial analogues for a putative Martian habitat. The plenary will develop a link between grand exploration programs and local activities in the search for life on Mars. The plenary will start with short statements by experts from space agencies (ESA, NASA) and from astrobiology, setting the scene for current activities and plans to search for life on Mars. Spain’s Rio Tinto will be highlighted by an expert in microbial ecology and astrobiology, explaining how this valuable terrestrial analogue helps us to understand the habitability of Mars. Following discussion among the panellists, the plenary will be opened to discussion with the audience.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-06-P.E.6.01.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.