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Search for life on Mars: Evaluation of techniquesAn important question for exobiology is, did life evolve on Mars? To answer this question, experiments must be conducted on the martian surface. Given current mission constraints on mass, power, and volume, these experiments can only be performed using proposed analytical techniques such as: electron microscopy, X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, a-proton backscatter, g-ray spectrometry, differential thermal analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, pyrolysis gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, and specific element detectors. Using prepared test samples consisting of 1% organic matter (bovine serum albumin) in palagonite and a mixture of palagonite, clays, iron oxides, and evaporites, it was determined that a combination of X-ray diffraction and differential thermal analysis coupled with gas chromatography provides the best insight into the chemistry, mineralogy, and geological history of the samples.
Document ID
19950035177
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Schwartz, D. E.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, US, United States)
Mancinelli, R. L.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, US, United States)
White, M. R.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, US, United States)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
March 1, 1995
Publication Information
Publication: Life sciences and space research 24 (4): Planetary biology and origins of life; Topical Meeting of the COSPAR Interdisciplinary Scientific Commission F (Meeting F3) of the COSPAR Plenary Meeting, 29th
Volume: 15
Issue: 3
ISSN: 0273-1177
Subject Category
Space Biology
Accession Number
95A66776
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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