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Arctic Mars Analog Svalbard Expedition
Project Summary

    Operational testing of instruments, robotic technologies, and the training of astronauts in scientifically relevant Terrestrial Planetary Analog environments are essential for successful future planetary missions to Mars and beyond. This is especially true for astrobiology missions. The objective of AMASE is to perform science similar to that of an "In Search for Life" mission to Mars as defined in the Mars Exploration Analysis Group - MEPAG document. That is to describe geology, geophysical features, biosignatures, and possible life forms in volcanic centers, warm springs, and perennial rivers. AMASE 2003 is the first in a series and is designed as a reconnaissance mission. Later AMASE are likely to focus on specific features in smaller areas. This is the same strategy as utilized in the current Mars Exploration Program. Mars Exploration Rover (MER) doing the bigger picture reconnaissance, followed by a more focused astrobiology mission in 2009 — the Mars Science Lander — MSL.

The AMASE 2003 science team will go to volcanic centers and warm springs situated at 77° - 80° N in Arctic tundra- and desert environments on the island of Spitsbergen. In the areas of south western Spitsbergen perennial springs and rivers emanating from the ground represent hydrological processes possibly similar to the seepage of water through the permafrost on Mars. In the northern parts of Spitsbergen, hydrothermal activity in volcanic centers has produced Ca-Fe-Mg carbonate spherules identical to those in the Martian meteorite ALH84001. Chemical and biological processes linked to hydrothermal activity and water-rock interactionare prime targets for the search for life on Earth, Mars, and other planets.




AMASE 2003 will take place in the period 13-22 August, and is arranged by Physics of Geological Processes at the Univ. of Oslo (PGP), the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (NASA), and the Norwegian Space Centre (NR). The AMASE 2003 crew includes 15 scientists spanning geology, astrobiology, geophysics, physics and robotics/probe engineering, resembling the cross disciplinary nature of planetary exploration. The expedition will be followed and documented by film crew and photographers. M/S Polarsyssel will be used for transportation and as a base for AMASE 2003.