The search for traces of life can be based on the detection of specific signatures produced by microorganisms on sedimentary rocks. Microbially induced sedimentary structures (MISSs) develop under specific physicochemical conditions that are likely t...
We propose a novel approach to identify the origin of pyrite grains and distinguish biologically influenced sedimentary pyrite using combined sulfur isotope (δS) and trace element (TE) analyses. To classify and predict the origin of individual pyrit...
The exploration of the planet Mars still is a top priority in planetary science. The Mars surface is extensively covered with soil-like material. Current wheeled rovers on Mars have been occasionally experiencing immobilization instances in unexpecte...
Robots can traverse sparse obstacles by sensing environmental geometry and avoiding contact with obstacles. However, for search and rescue in rubble, environmental monitoring through dense vegetation, and planetary exploration over Martian and lunar ...
We report on a field demonstration of a rover-based drilling mission to search for biomolecular evidence of life in the arid core of the Atacama Desert, Chile. The KREX2 rover carried the Honeybee Robotics 1 m depth The Regolith and Ice Drill for Exp...
The goals of Mars exploration are evolving beyond describing environmental habitability at global and regional scales to targeting specific locations for biosignature detection, sample return, and eventual human exploration. An increase in the specif...
A prototype rover carrying an astrobiology payload was developed and deployed at analog field sites to mature generalized system architectures capable of searching for biosignatures in extreme terrain across the Solar System. Specifically, the four-l...
Achieving atmospheric flight on Mars is challenging due to the low density of the Martian atmosphere. Aerodynamic forces are proportional to the atmospheric density, which limits the use of conventional aircraft designs on Mars. Here, we show using n...
In 2019, the Atacama Rover Astrobiology Drilling Studies (ARADS) project field-tested an autonomous rover-mounted robotic drill prototype for a 6-Sol life detection mission to Mars (Icebreaker). ARADS drilled Mars-like materials in the Atacama Desert...
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