MASE - Mars Analogue for Space Exploration project

Paper number

IAC-14,A1,5,7,x25077

Author

Prof. Charles Cockell, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Coauthor

Dr. Petra Rettberg, Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V. (DLR), Germany

Coauthor

Dr. Kristina Beblo-Vranesevic, Deutsches Zentrum fur Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V. (DLR), Germany

Coauthor

Prof. Ricardo Amils, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Spain

Coauthor

Dr. Viggo Marteinsson, Matis ohf., Iceland

Coauthor

Prof. Pascale Ehrenfreund, University of Leiden, The Netherlands

Coauthor

Dr. Andreas Elsaesser, University of Leiden, The Netherlands

Coauthor

Dr. Felipe Gómez, Centro de Astrobiologia (INTA-CSIC), Spain

Coauthor

Dr. Christine Moissl-Eichinger, Regensburg University, Germany

Coauthor

Ms. Alexandra Perras, University of Regensburg, Germany

Coauthor

Dr. Frances Westall, Centre National de La Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), France

Coauthor

Dr. Cynan Ellis-Evans, British Antarctic Survey, United Kingdom

Coauthor

Dr. Kevin Newsham, British Antarctic Survey, United Kingdom

Coauthor

Mr. Nicolas Walter, European Science Foundation, France

Year

2014

Abstract

MASE is a collaborative, four-year research project supported by the European Commission seventh framework
programme (FP7). 

This project started in January 2014 and its  main objectives are to perform experimental studies to investigate how selected anaerobic microorganisms collected from Mars analogue sites on Earth respond to stress. In particular, combinations of stress, such as high radiation conditions combined with high salt and low temperature, will be investigated. MASE intends to:  


-Isolate and characterise anaerobic microorganisms from selected sites that closely match environmental conditions that might have been habitable on early Mars.


- Study their responses to realistic combined environmental stresses that might have been experienced in habitable environments on Mars.


- Investigate their potential for preservation and fossilisation on Mars by carrying out a systematic study of the detectability of artificially-fossilised organisms exposed to known stresses.


The project will also consider transversal issues such as methodologies for sample management as well as for life detection. The MASE project will improve our  knowledge of the adaptation of life to the kinds of extreme conditions of  habitability on Mars. It will also present opportunities to optimise mission operations and life detection.


Throughout its lifetime, MASE intends to develop a network of associated members who would beneefitt from the innovative approach of the project and the momentum it will create.


MASE project partners are: University of Edinburgh, UK Centre for Astrobiology, DLR, Autonomous
university of Madrid, MATIS ltd, University of Leiden, INTA- Centro de Astrobiologia, University of Regensburg, CNRS-Orléans, NERC British Antarctic Survey, European Astrobiology Network Association (EANA), European Science Foundation

Abstract document

IAC-14,A1,5,7,x25077.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-14,A1,5,7,x25077.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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