Mars Astrobiological Cave and Internal habitability Explorer (MACIE): A New Frontiers mission concept

C. M. Phillips-Lander; A. Agha-mohamamdi; J. J. Wynne; Timothy N. Titus; N. Chanover; C. Demirel-Floyd; Kyle Uckert; Kaj E. Williams; D Wyrick; J. Blank; Penelope J. Boston; K. Mitchell; A Kereszturi; J. Martin-Torres; S. Shkolyar; N. Bardabelias; S. Datta; K. Retherford; Lydia Sam; A. Bahardwaj; A. Fairen; D. Flannery; Roger C. Wiens

doi:10.3847/25c2cfeb.cf124da3

Home/Archive/USGS

USGS · 70214557

Mars Astrobiological Cave and Internal habitability Explorer (MACIE): A New Frontiers mission concept

View original source ↗Export metadata ↓

Abstract

Martian subsurface habitability and astrobiology can be evaluated via a lava tube cave, without drilling. MACIE addresses two key goals of the Decadal Survey (2013–2022) and three MEPAG goals. New advances in robotic architectures, autonomous navigation, target sample selection, and analysis will enable MACIE to explore the Martian subsurface.

Explore related subjects

Bulletin of the AAS Report

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeX RIS

C. M. Phillips-Lander, A. Agha-mohamamdi, J. J. Wynne, Timothy N. Titus, N. Chanover, C. Demirel-Floyd, Kyle Uckert, Kaj E. Williams, D Wyrick, J. Blank, Penelope J. Boston, K. Mitchell, A Kereszturi, J. Martin-Torres, S. Shkolyar, N. Bardabelias, S. Datta, K. Retherford, Lydia Sam, A. Bahardwaj, A. Fairen, D. Flannery, Roger C. Wiens. 2021-03-18. Mars Astrobiological Cave and Internal habitability Explorer (MACIE): A New Frontiers mission concept. https://doi.org/10.3847/25c2cfeb.cf124da3

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related USGS reports

USGS2021

Aeolian processes and landforms across the Solar System: Science and technology requirements for the next decade

Discussions of planetary atmospheric-surface interactions (including aeolian processes and phenomena and the resulting landforms) are often tied to a specific planetary body. Considering this, a series of workshops were initiated in 2008 to facilitate an interdisciplinary and interplanetary body approach to further our understanding of aeolian processes, phenomena, and landforms (Titus et al., 2008, 2010, 2012, 2015, 2017). The most recent workshop, held 12-13 May 2020, transitioned to a virtual format due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with a specific focus on the planetary aeolian community’s vision for the next decade. Discussions centered around dynamics and resulting landforms, missions and models, and facilities. Participants determined that a planetary aeolian goals-and-objectives document was needed that was inclusive of multiple planetary bodies, processes, and phenomena that all intersect where the surface meets the atmosphere. This white paper is the first iteration of that vision, with definition of Goals/Objectives that organize the broad range of existing and needed planetary aeolian studies.

Bulletin of the AAS↗

USGS2021

The Preventing Harassment in Science workshop: Summary and best practices for planetary science and astrobiology

The NASA-funded Preventing Harassment in Science workshop took place in June of 2020. Here we describe the workshop and summarize the best practices for reducing harassment that were discussed. We include a list of recommendations that can be used to take steps towards reducing harassment in the planetary science and astrobiology community.

Bulletin of the AAS↗

USGS2021

Solar-system-wide significance of Mars polar science

1. The North Polar Layered Deposits contain thousands of ice layers that record accumulation and climate history for at least several million years, making the most accessible and most complete climate record aside from the Earth’s – and the only one to record the impact of large obliquity shifts. 2. Mars Polar Science is a diverse and integrated system spanning much of the planet, above and below the surface: geographic poles, mid- and high-latitudes, numerous active volatile processes that interact with the near-surface, and the lower and middle atmosphere circulations, even influencing the upper atmosphere and atmospheric escape. 3. Mars polar processes serves as an analogue and scientific link to numerous solar system bodies. Mars has two volatile cycles that influence surface processes, atmospheric processes, and climate cycles. Mars, with many data sets and observations, serves as a proxy for outer planets and moons that undergo the same physics but with other volatile species. Additionally, technology designed for Mars polar exploration benefits exploration elsewhere. 4. Mars Polar and Atmospheric Science results are critical for future human exploration and in situ resources and the study of planetary habitability.

Bulletin of the AAS↗