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Physical and chemical properties of the Martian soil: Review of resourcesThe chemical and physical properties of Martian surface materials are reviewed from the perspective of using these resources to support human settlement. The resource potential of Martian sediments and soils can only be inferred from limited analyses performed by the Viking Landers (VL), from information derived from remote sensing, and from analysis of the SNC meteorites thought to be from Mars. Bulk elemental compositions by the VL inorganic chemical (x ray fluorescence) analysis experiments have been interpreted as evidence for clay minerals (possibly smectites) or mineraloids (palagonite) admixed with sulfate and chloride salts. The materials contained minerals bearing Fe, Ti, Al, Mg and Si. Martian surface materials may be used in many ways. Martian soil, with appropriate preconditioning, can probably be used as a plant growth medium, supplying mechanical support, nutrient elements, and water at optimal conditions to the plants. Loose Martian soils could be used to cover structures and provide radiation shielding for surface habitats. Martian soil could be wetted and formed into abode bricks used for construction. Duricrete bricks, with strength comparable to concrete, can probably be formed using compressed muds made from martian soil.
Document ID
19910016770
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Stoker, C. R.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA., United States)
Gooding, James L.
(NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center Houston, TX., United States)
Banin, A.
(NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center Houston, TX., United States)
Clark, Benton C.
(Martin Marietta Aerospace Denver, CO., United States)
Roush, Ted
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1991
Publication Information
Publication: Arizona Univ., Resources of Near-Earth Space: Abstracts
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
91N26084
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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