Objectif The low average temperature and low water activity of the Martian near-surface environment makes it challenging for living organisms to persist and propagate. Nonetheless, recent mission results indicate that environmental conditions exceed locally and temporarily the lower thresholds for life to exist. Furthermore, specific soil minerals, or combinations thereof, appear to provide a suitable habitat for microbial life, especially if associated with low-temperature brines or hygroscopic salts. Thus, a quantitative understanding of the habitability potential of the Martian near-surface environment, past and present, is very much needed and the focus of this proposal. To achieve this objective, we will test different types of soils and some of Earth’s hardiest organisms, using them as models (‘Mars-analogues’), to see if they can survive and perhaps even grow under the various environmental stresses known to exist on Mars. A major tool of our laboratory investigations will be the experimentally proven state-of-the-art Mars Simulation Chamber at the German AeroSpace Center, to which various soils materials and microorganisms will be exposed. The planned experimental investigations and models will be concurrently updated by analyzed mission data, particularly from landers and rovers (e.g. Curiosity Rover), to adjust our work to the newest Martian geochemical and environmental data available. Results from our proposed work will timely provide critical scientific knowledge to interpret incoming data from ESA’s ExoMars mission, which is scheduled for launch in 2016/2018. As one important deliverable of our work we will also construct a Mars Soil Analyzer, an instrument which will be designed for a future mission to Mars with the objective to achieve Technology Readiness Level 6 at the completion of the proposed study. Champ scientifique natural sciencesbiological sciencesmicrobiology Programme(s) FP7-IDEAS-ERC - Specific programme: "Ideas" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Thème(s) ERC-AG-PE9 - ERC Advanced Grant - Universe sciences Appel à propositions ERC-2013-ADG Voir d’autres projets de cet appel Régime de financement ERC-AG - ERC Advanced Grant Institution d’accueil TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITAT BERLIN Contribution de l’UE € 2 370 614,80 Adresse STRASSE DES 17 JUNI 135 10623 Berlin Allemagne Voir sur la carte Région Berlin Berlin Berlin Type d’activité Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Contact administratif Sabine Bruno (Ms.) Chercheur principal Dirk Schulze-Makuch (Prof.) Liens Contacter l’organisation Opens in new window Site web Opens in new window Coût total Aucune donnée Bénéficiaires (2) Trier par ordre alphabétique Trier par contribution de l’UE Tout développer Tout réduire TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITAT BERLIN Allemagne Contribution de l’UE € 2 370 614,80 Adresse STRASSE DES 17 JUNI 135 10623 Berlin Voir sur la carte Région Berlin Berlin Berlin Type d’activité Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Contact administratif Sabine Bruno (Ms.) Chercheur principal Dirk Schulze-Makuch (Prof.) Liens Contacter l’organisation Opens in new window Site web Opens in new window Coût total Aucune donnée DEUTSCHES ZENTRUM FUR LUFT - UND RAUMFAHRT EV Allemagne Contribution de l’UE € 123 600,00 Adresse LINDER HOHE 51147 Koln Voir sur la carte Région Nordrhein-Westfalen Köln Köln, Kreisfreie Stadt Type d’activité Research Organisations Contact administratif Tilman Spohn (Prof.) Liens Contacter l’organisation Opens in new window Site web Opens in new window Coût total Aucune donnée
