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Chemical interpretation of Viking Lander 1 life detection experimentAn earth-based evaluation of the Viking Lander 1 life-detection experiments was conducted using a radiofrequency glow discharge in a simulated Martian atmosphere. The Gas Exchange Experiment conducted in the humid mode released substantial amounts of CO2, O2, N2, Ar, and CO into the atmosphere, indicating that these substances were adsorbed onto the Martian soil. An adsorption potential plot is given, graphing quantity of gas against time (d). For a model surface area of 17 squares meters per gram of measured substance, oxygen adsorption was found to be relatively high, a result which tends to confirm the hypothesis that Martian oxygen exists largely in chemisorbed states or in active oxygen compounds, e.g., peroxide, superoxide, hydroperoxide
Document ID
19780041651
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Ballou, E. V.
(San Jose State Univ. CA, United States)
Wood, P. C.
(San Jose State University San Jose, Calif., United States)
Wydeven, T.
(San Jose State Univ. CA, United States)
Lehwalt, M. E.
(San Jose State Univ. CA, United States)
Mack, R. E.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, Calif., United States)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
February 15, 1978
Publication Information
Publication: Nature
Volume: 271
Subject Category
Space Biology
Accession Number
78A25560
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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