The Icebreaker Life Mission to Mars: A Search for Biomolecular Evidence for Life

• DOI: 10.1089/ast.2012.0878
• Publication Date: 2013-04-05T13:41:20Z
• Authors: Christopher P. McKay; Carol R. Stoker; Brian J. Glass; Arwen I. Davé; Alfonso F. Davila; Jennifer L. Heldmann; Margarita M. Mari...; Alberto G. Fairen; Richard C. Quinn; Kris A. Zacny; Gale Paulsen; Peter H. Smith; Victor Parro; Dale T. Andersen; Michael H. Hecht; Denis Lacelle; Wayne H. Pollard
• Keywords: Life on Mars

The search for evidence of life on Mars is the primary motivation exploration that planet. results from previous missions, and Phoenix mission in particular, indicate ice-cemented ground north polar plains likely to be most recently habitable place currently known Mars. near-surface ice provided adequate water activity during periods high obliquity, ∼5 Myr ago. Carbon dioxide nitrogen are present atmosphere, nitrates may soil. Perchlorate soil together with iron basaltic rock provides a possible energy source life. Furthermore, presence organics must once again considered, as Viking GCMS now suspect given discovery thermally reactive perchlorate. Ground provide way preserve organic molecules extended time, especially biomarkers. Icebreaker Life focuses following science goals: (1) Search specific biomolecules would conclusive (2) Perform general ice. (3) Determine processes formation role liquid water. (4) Understand mechanical properties martian (5) Assess recent habitability environment respect required elements support life, sources, toxic elements. (6) Compare elemental composition northern midlatitude sites. payload has been designed around spacecraft targeted site near landing site. However, could supported other systems. Preliminary studies SpaceX Dragon lander show it either at or midlatitudes. Duplicate samples cached target return by Sample Return mission. If were shown contain biomarkers, interest returning them Earth high. Key Words: In situ measurement—Life detection—Mars—Planetary protection—Special region. Astrobiology 13, 334–353.