Uk work on ExoMars for Aurora

Institutions: EADS Astrium, SciSys Ltd, Roke Manor Research Ltd, University of Wales Aberystwyth, University of Leicester, Cranfield University, Strathclyde

University, Surrey University,

Contact: Mark Roe at EADS Astrium: mark.roe@astrium.eads.net Tel 01438 773330

The aim for the Mars Rover is to act as a surrogate for the science team back on Earth by allowing it to autonomously detect scientific targets of interest and explore these in greater detail without the need for detailed supervision from ground control. This robotic scientist will be able to identify potential targets from sensors such as cameras using advanced image processing techniques.

In support of these investigations EADS Astrium has developed its own Mars Rover test bed to prove and integrate the different technologies required for interplanetary robotic missions. The Rover, nicknamed "Bridget", has six driven wheels, four of which steer, and is therefore capable of conventional and on-the-spot turning to negotiate the kinds of obstacles found on Mars. Bridget recently underwent locomotion trials in the El Teide National Park in Tenerife where engineers evaluated its climbing and traction capability. The next stage in the test bed development is to provide an autonomous navigation system which will enable the rover to navigate a rocky landscape without the need for human intervention. The Rover test bed weighs approx 120kg and has an "all up" weight capability of 300kg.

UK Institutes: University of Leicester, Cranfield University, EADS Astrium, SSTL, SciSys (flight programme), Qinetiq, University of Aberdeen, Open University, Imperial College London

Contact Mark Sims, mrs@star.le.ac.uk Tel 0116 252 3513
The Life Marker Chip (LMC) will be used to look for specific molecules that may be associated with life. It will use the fact that proteins and other biological molecules will only bond with other molecules of a particular shape, essentially a “lock and key” approach. Target molecules will only bind with the correct molecular receptor just as only the right shaped key will turn in a lock.
Target molecules will include amino-acids, long chain molecules which are associated with life on Earth for example cell membranes and pigments. The instrument will search for evidence of past or present life based around water based carbon life chemistry. It will operate in conjunction with other instruments on the ExoMars payload to search for life and organics on Mars (for example the MOD/MOI package – see later in this document).
“Essentially we are using biological molecules (proteins) and biological principles to look for biology,” said Dr. Mark Sims University of Leicester “It will provide not only an instrument for space research but will we hope have many terrestrial applications”.
"In essence, we are proposing to send hi-tech "pregnancy test" type devices - in other words, molecular receptor based devices that can look for multiple pieces of molecular evidence of life" said Dr David Cullen of Cranfield University who went on to clarify "... but the intention and expectation is not to find pregnant Martians!"
The study builds upon work undertaken within the UK by the team over the last few years to develop and apply the Life Marker Chip to space and other applications in areas such as forensic science, health and defence and security, all areas where in situ detection of organic markers / molecules are required. Examples include detection of trace forensic evidence in the form of body fluids, detection of biological or chemical hazards along with detection of explosive residues. During the last 15 months, discussions have been held with the Forensic Science Service and the Health Protection Agency regarding possible applications of LMC technology.
The international consortium behind the LMC is led by the UK. The PPARC funding will be used to develop the system to demonstrate its viability as an instrument. For more details on the Life Marker Chip see the additional information in the press pack.
X-Ray Diffractometer/Spectrometer – looking at the geology of Mars

UK Institutes: Brunel University, University of Leicester, E2V, Imperial College London, Natural History Museum and Open University

Contact: Andrew Holland, Tel. 01895 266516, Andrew.holland@brunel.ac.uk
X-ray diffraction is an essential tool in the mineralogical identification of rock samples. ExoMars will be the first time a diffractometer will be used in-situ on Mars to assess the local geology. Of particular importance will be the identification of carbonates, silicates and other minerals, to assess the effect of possible chemical weathering on the surface sediments, and to attempt to identify possible geochemical fingerprints of past life on Mars. Traditional laboratory XRD instruments are huge and weigh ~100kg, the real challenge for this project will be to make an instrument which will return useful scientific data within an 800g mass envelope. The combination of XRD with X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) provides highly complementary techniques; knowing the chemistry helps interpret the mineralogy and vice versa. XRD and XRF together can constrain the composition of individual minerals; which is not currently obtained using existing Mars surface instruments.
The project is already developing a breadboard instrument funded by ESA to investigate the sensitivity of the instrument and to investigate system concepts with project leaders in Italy (IRSPS and Laben) and collaborators in the Netherlands (Delft U.). The PPARC investment will fund activities which go beyond the breadboard development to prototype flight-style components which advance the technical readiness of the instrument ready for the mission. The work will be an essential activity toward meeting the challenging instrument mass goal!
Microseismometer – searching for Marsquakes

UK Institute: Imperial College London