NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
A versatile system for biological and soil chemical tests on a planetary landing craft. I - Scientific objectivesWe describe an approach for the remote detection and characterization of life in planetary soil samples. A mass spectrometer is used as the central sensor to monitor changes in the gas phase in eleven test cells filled with soil. Many biological assays, ranging from general 'in situ' assays to specific metabolic processes (such as photosynthesis, respiration, denitrification, etc.) can be performed by appropriate additions to the test cell via attached preloaded injector capsules. The system is also compatible with a number of chemical assays such as the analysis of atmospheric composition (both chemical and isotopic), the status of soil water, and the determination of compounds of carbon, nitrogen and sulfur in the soil.
Document ID
19760035844
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Radmer, R. J.
(Martin Marietta Aerospace Denver, CO, United States)
Kok, B.
(Martin Marietta Laboratories Baltimore, Md., United States)
Martin, J. P.
(Martin Marietta Aerospace Denver, Colo., United States)
Date Acquired
August 8, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1976
Subject Category
Space Biology
Report/Patent Number
AIAA PAPER 76-125
Meeting Information
Meeting: Aerospace Sciences Meeting
Location: Washington, DC
Start Date: January 26, 1976
End Date: January 28, 1976
Sponsors: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Accession Number
76A18810
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NASW-2449
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

Available Downloads

There are no available downloads for this record.
No Preview Available