NSPIRES - Solicitations Summary - 0 views
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MiamiOH OARS on 01 Apr 15Participating Scientists may propose any investigation that addresses the goals of the Mars Exploration Program, although emphasis will be placed on investigations addressing one or more of the MSL science objectives listed here: · Characterization of geological features contributing to deciphering geological history and the processes that have formed or modified bedrock and regolith, with emphasis on the role of water; · Determination of the mineralogy and chemical composition (including an inventory of elements such as C, H, N, O, P, S, etc. known to be building blocks for life) of surface and near surface materials; · Determination of energy sources that could be used to sustain biological processes; · Characterization of organic compounds and potential biomarkers in representative bedrock and regolith; · Determination of the stable isotopic and noble gas composition of the present-day atmosphere and of ancient H2O and CO2 preserved in hydrated minerals; · Identification of potential biosignatures (chemical, textural, isotopic) in rocks and regolith; · Characterization of the broad spectrum of surface radiation, including galactic cosmic radiation, solar particle events, and secondary neutrons; · Characterization of the local environment, including basic meteorology, the state and cycling of water and CO2, and the near-surface distribution of hydrogen; · Identification and quantitative assessment of "taphonomic windows" for organic carbon (subset of habitable environments also capable of preserving organic compounds through exposure age dating and refined models for primary facies distributions and diagenesis); and · Exploration and characterization of major environmental transitions recorded in the geology of the foothills of Mount Sharp and adjacent plains.