Seeking Signs of Life on Mars: the Importance of Sedimentary Suites as Part of a Mars Sample Return Campaign

Mangold, N ; McLennan, S M ; Czaja, A D ; Ori, G G ; Tosca, N J ; Altieri, F ; Amelin, Y ; Ammannito, E ; Anand, M ; Beaty, D W(International Mars Sample Return Objectives and Samples Team (iMOST), International Organization)

关键词: ABIOGENESIS;    MARS SAMPLE RETURN MISSIONS;    MARS (PLANET);   

RP-ID  :  JSC-E-DAA-TN52615

学科分类：空间科学

美国|英语

来源: NASA Technical Reports Server

【 摘 要 】

Seeking the signs of life on Mars is often considered the "first among equal" objectives for any potential Mars Sample Return (MSR) campaign. Among the geological settings considered to have the greatest potential for recording evidence of ancient life or its pre-biotic chemistry on Mars are lacustrine (and marine, if ever present) sedimentary depositional environments. This potential, and the possibility of returning samples that could meaningfully address this objective, have been greatly enhanced by investigations of an ancient redox stratified lake system in Gale crater by the Curiosity rover.