The Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems, known commonly as PISCES, is one of several partners that will execute a four-year, $4.2 million Mars research project to help prepare for future human and robotic missions to the Red Planet.
The Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems, known commonly as PISCES, is one of several partners that will execute a four-year, $4.2 million Mars research project to help prepare for future human and robotic missions to the Red Planet.
Called Biologic Analog Science Associated with Lava Terrains (BASALT), this project is spearheaded by the NASA Ames Research Center, with Darlene Lim as the principal investigator, in collaboration with NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, NASA Kennedy Space Center, BAER Institute, Wyle Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Purdue University, Leiden Measurement Technology, Idaho State University, Cornell University, Arizona State University and University of Hawaii at Hilo/PISCES.
The BASALT crew members comprising scientists — senior researchers and students — operations experts, and active astronauts will investigate volcanic terrains and lava flows on the Big Island and Idaho, both of which serve as Mars analogs.
Numerous studies have shown the Red Planet’s past was filled with volcanic activity, with Hawaii’s lava terrain having similarities to early Mars, and Idaho’s flows resembling present-day Mars. Researchers will compare and contrast geochemical properties to rocks on the Red Planet and evaluate microbial communities to understand the habitability potential of Mars.
“This project stresses the importance of Hawaii with regard to its valuable role in the future of space exploration, and expands our understanding of the universe around us,” said PISCES Operations Manager Christian Andersen, a co-investigator on the team.
The team of researchers is one of only seven grant applicants chosen by NASA’s Planetary Science and Technology Through Analog Research program. Some 47 proposals were received nationwide. The team will conduct research in Hawaii starting this fall.