Astrobiology at APL—On the Path to Discovery
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Marina Galand
Thermosphere - Ionosphere - Magnetosphere Coupling! Canada M. Galand (1), I.C.F. Müller-Wodarg (1), L. Moore (2), M. Mendillo (2), S. Miller (3) , L.C. Ray (1) (1) Department of Physics, Imperial College London, London, U.K. (2) Center for Space Physics, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA (3) Department of Physics and Astronomy, University College London, U.K. 1." Energy crisis at giant planets Credit: NASA/JPL/Space Science Institute 2." TIM coupling Cassini/ISS (false color) 3." Modeling of IT system 4." Comparison with observaons Cassini/UVIS 5." Outstanding quesAons (Pryor et al., 2011) SATURN JUPITER (Gladstone et al., 2007) Cassini/UVIS [UVIS team] Cassini/VIMS (IR) Credit: J. Clarke (BU), NASA [VIMS team/JPL, NASA, ESA] 1. SETTING THE SCENE: THE ENERGY CRISIS AT THE GIANT PLANETS THERMAL PROFILE Exosphere (EARTH) Texo 500 km Key transiLon region Thermosphere between the space environment and the lower atmosphere Ionosphere 85 km Mesosphere 50 km Stratosphere ~ 15 km Troposphere SOLAR ENERGY DEPOSITION IN THE UPPER ATMOSPHERE Solar photons ion, e- Neutral Suprathermal electrons B ion, e- Thermal e- Ionospheric Thermosphere Ne, Nion e- heang Te P, H * + Airglow Neutral atmospheric Exothermic reacAons heang IS THE SUN THE MAIN ENERGY SOURCE OF PLANERATY THERMOSPHERES? W Main energy source: UV solar radiaon Main energy source? EartH Outer planets CO2 atmospHeres Exospheric temperature (K) [aer Mendillo et al., 2002] ENERGY CRISIS AT THE GIANT PLANETS Observed values at low to mid-latudes solsce equinox Modeled values (Sun only) [Aer -
A Future Mars Environment for Science and Exploration
Planetary Science Vision 2050 Workshop 2017 (LPI Contrib. No. 1989) 8250.pdf A FUTURE MARS ENVIRONMENT FOR SCIENCE AND EXPLORATION. J. L. Green1, J. Hol- lingsworth2, D. Brain3, V. Airapetian4, A. Glocer4, A. Pulkkinen4, C. Dong5 and R. Bamford6 (1NASA HQ, 2ARC, 3U of Colorado, 4GSFC, 5Princeton University, 6Rutherford Appleton Laboratory) Introduction: Today, Mars is an arid and cold world of existing simulation tools that reproduce the physics with a very thin atmosphere that has significant frozen of the processes that model today’s Martian climate. A and underground water resources. The thin atmosphere series of simulations can be used to assess how best to both prevents liquid water from residing permanently largely stop the solar wind stripping of the Martian on its surface and makes it difficult to land missions atmosphere and allow the atmosphere to come to a new since it is not thick enough to completely facilitate a equilibrium. soft landing. In its past, under the influence of a signif- Models hosted at the Coordinated Community icant greenhouse effect, Mars may have had a signifi- Modeling Center (CCMC) are used to simulate a mag- cant water ocean covering perhaps 30% of the northern netic shield, and an artificial magnetosphere, for Mars hemisphere. When Mars lost its protective magneto- by generating a magnetic dipole field at the Mars L1 sphere, three or more billion years ago, the solar wind Lagrange point within an average solar wind environ- was allowed to directly ravish its atmosphere.[1] The ment. The magnetic field will be increased until the lack of a magnetic field, its relatively small mass, and resulting magnetotail of the artificial magnetosphere its atmospheric photochemistry, all would have con- encompasses the entire planet as shown in Figure 1. -
Bayesian Analysis of the Astrobiological Implications of Life's
Bayesian analysis of the astrobiological implications of life's early emergence on Earth David S. Spiegel ∗ y, Edwin L. Turner y z ∗Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton, NJ 08540,yDept. of Astrophysical Sciences, Princeton Univ., Princeton, NJ 08544, USA, and zInstitute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe, The Univ. of Tokyo, Kashiwa 227-8568, Japan Submitted to Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America Life arose on Earth sometime in the first few hundred million years Any inferences about the probability of life arising (given after the young planet had cooled to the point that it could support the conditions present on the early Earth) must be informed water-based organisms on its surface. The early emergence of life by how long it took for the first living creatures to evolve. By on Earth has been taken as evidence that the probability of abiogen- definition, improbable events generally happen infrequently. esis is high, if starting from young-Earth-like conditions. We revisit It follows that the duration between events provides a metric this argument quantitatively in a Bayesian statistical framework. By (however imperfect) of the probability or rate of the events. constructing a simple model of the probability of abiogenesis, we calculate a Bayesian estimate of its posterior probability, given the The time-span between when Earth achieved pre-biotic condi- data that life emerged fairly early in Earth's history and that, billions tions suitable for abiogenesis plus generally habitable climatic of years later, curious creatures noted this fact and considered its conditions [5, 6, 7] and when life first arose, therefore, seems implications. -
Selection of Processing Tomato Genotypes Resistant to Two Spotted Spider Mite
Scientific communication VALADARES, RN; MELO, RA; SARINHO, IVF; OLIVEIRA, NS; ROCHA, FAT; SILVA, JW; MENEZES, D. 2018. Genetic diversity in accessions of melon belonging to momordica group. Horticultura Brasileira 36: 253258. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0102-053620180218 Genetic diversity in accessions of melon belonging to momordica group Ricardo N Valadares1; Roberto A Melo1; Isabel VF Sarinho1; Natália S Oliveira2; Fernando AT Rocha1; José W Silva1; Dimas Menezes1 1Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Recife-PE, Brazil; [email protected] (corresponding author); [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; dimasmenezes@ superig.com.b; 2Universidade Federal de Lavras (UFLA), Lavras-MG, Brazil; [email protected] ABSTRACT RESUMO The genetic divergence of melon genotypes belonging to Divergência genética em acessos de melão do grupo momordica group, collected in five Brazilian States, was estimated, momordica and the relative contribution of the morphological characters was A divergência genética de genótipos de melão do grupo determined for the genetic variability. The experimental design was momordica foi estimada, coletados em cinco estados brasileiros, randomized blocks, with four replicates. We evaluated 19 accessions e determinada a contribuição relativa dos caracteres morfológicos of melon, momordica group, two accessions of cantaloupensis group avaliados para a variabilidade genética. Foi adotado o delineamento and two commercial cultivars of inodorus group. These genotypes de blocos casualizados com quatro repetições. Nesse estudo, were characterized by 42 morphological descriptors. The data were foram utilizados 19 acessos de melão do grupo momordica, dois submitted to Tocher and UPGMA grouping methods using the genetic acessos do grupo cantaloupensis e duas cultivares comerciais do dissimilarity matrix, using Mahalanobis’ distance. -
NASA's Dragonfly Program: Commercialized Robotics
35th Space Symposium, Technical Track, Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States of America Presented on April 8th, 2019 NASA’s Dragonfly Program: Commercialized Robotics - Enabling a New Generation of Evolvable, Resilient Assets in Orbit John Lymer Maxar† Abstract Commercialized, affordable robotics for in-space assembly of large platforms and structures are being prepared for flight in 2021. Integrating easily with standard GEO and LEO satellite command and control architectures, these automation systems enable a new operating paradigm for on-orbit assets – one that includes incremental growth, on-demand payload refresh to match user needs, and in-situ warehousing for rapid expansion, augmentation, or dispersion on a timeline independent of launch. Introduction The Dragonfly Robotic System, developed first as a DARPA seedling and then maturing through the NASA Tipping Point Program, successfully completed a ground demonstration in late 2017, shown in Figure 1 assembling a Ka band antenna. Critical Design Review occurred in 2018. Ultra-lightweight and affordable, the Dragonfly Robotic System is designed to fit into existing satellite command and data handling (C&DH) subsystems and low rate command/telemetry links for inexpensive integration – it behaves like any other satellite subsystem. The supervised autonomy operating concept facilitates command and control from a standard Mission Operations Center. Current satellite operations personnel can plan and execute robotic operations with only minor additional training. Dragonfly represents the first ‘commercialized’ robotic system – affordable and accessible to satellite owners without the risk of infrastructure changes. † The operations of DigitalGlobe, SSL and Radiant Solutions were unified under the Maxar brand in February. MDA continues to operate as an independent business unit within the Maxar organization. -
An Impacting Descent Probe for Europa and the Other Galilean Moons of Jupiter
An Impacting Descent Probe for Europa and the other Galilean Moons of Jupiter P. Wurz1,*, D. Lasi1, N. Thomas1, D. Piazza1, A. Galli1, M. Jutzi1, S. Barabash2, M. Wieser2, W. Magnes3, H. Lammer3, U. Auster4, L.I. Gurvits5,6, and W. Hajdas7 1) Physikalisches Institut, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland, 2) Swedish Institute of Space Physics, Kiruna, Sweden, 3) Space Research Institute, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Graz, Austria, 4) Institut f. Geophysik u. Extraterrestrische Physik, Technische Universität, Braunschweig, Germany, 5) Joint Institute for VLBI ERIC, Dwingelo, The Netherlands, 6) Department of Astrodynamics and Space Missions, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands 7) Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen, Switzerland. *) Corresponding author, [email protected], Tel.: +41 31 631 44 26, FAX: +41 31 631 44 05 1 Abstract We present a study of an impacting descent probe that increases the science return of spacecraft orbiting or passing an atmosphere-less planetary bodies of the solar system, such as the Galilean moons of Jupiter. The descent probe is a carry-on small spacecraft (< 100 kg), to be deployed by the mother spacecraft, that brings itself onto a collisional trajectory with the targeted planetary body in a simple manner. A possible science payload includes instruments for surface imaging, characterisation of the neutral exosphere, and magnetic field and plasma measurement near the target body down to very low-altitudes (~1 km), during the probe’s fast (~km/s) descent to the surface until impact. The science goals and the concept of operation are discussed with particular reference to Europa, including options for flying through water plumes and after-impact retrieval of very-low altitude science data. -
Europa Clipper Mission
Europa Clipper Mission Send a highly capable, radiation-tolerant spacecraft in a long, looping orbit around Jupiter to perform repeated close flybys of the icy moon. This document has been reviewed and determined not to contain export controlled technical data. 1 Exploring Europa’s Habitability: ! Ingredients for Life" Mission Goal: Explore Europa to Investigate its Habitability e-, O+, S+, … Water: • Probable saltwater ocean, implied by surface geology and magnetic field radiation-produced oxidants: • Possible lakes within the ice shell, produced by local melting O2, H2O2, CH2O ~ 100 K Chemistry: • Ocean in direct contact with mantle rock, promoting chemical leaching • Dark red surface materials contain salts, probably from the ocean Energy: • Chemical energy might sustain life • Surface irradiation creates oxidants • Mantle rock-water reactions could create reductants (hydrothermal or serpentinization) ? Habitability Activity: • Geological activity “stirs the pot” hydrothermally produced reductants: H S, H , CH , Fe • Activity could be cyclical, as tied to Io 2 2 4 ? This document has been reviewed and determined not to contain export controlled technical data. 2 Workshop Overview" Project manager, Barry Goldstein, and Planetary Protection Officer, Lisa Pratt, collaborated on setting objectives for the three-day workshop: • Validate the modeling framework for Europa Clipper Planetary Protection. • Agree on model input values, or on a plan to derive/ identify appropriate model inputs. • Develop workshop concurrence regarding future research plans and their priority. Spoiler Alert The three objectives were accomplished. This document has been reviewed and determined not to contain export controlled technical data. 3 Outside Subject-Matter Experts" A panel of multidisciplinary experts were assembled to provide consultation and guidance at the workshop." This document has been reviewed and determined not to contain export controlled technical data. -
Understanding the Application of Raman Spectroscopy to the Detection of Traces of Life
ASTROBIOLOGY Volume 10, Number 2, 2010 ª Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. DOI: 10.1089=ast.2009.0344 Understanding the Application of Raman Spectroscopy to the Detection of Traces of Life Craig P. Marshall,1 Howell G.M. Edwards,2 and Jan Jehlicka3 Abstract Investigating carbonaceous microstructures and material in Earth’s oldest sedimentary rocks is an essential part of tracing the origins of life on our planet; furthermore, it is important for developing techniques to search for traces of life on other planets, for example, Mars. NASA and ESA are considering the adoption of miniaturized Raman spectrometers for inclusion in suites of analytical instrumentation to be placed on robotic landers on Mars in the near future to search for fossil or extant biomolecules. Recently, Raman spectroscopy has been used to infer a biological origin of putative carbonaceous microfossils in Early Archean rocks. However, it has been demonstrated that the spectral signature obtained from kerogen (of known biological origin) is similar to spectra obtained from many poorly ordered carbonaceous materials that arise through abiotic processes. Yet there is still confusion in the literature as to whether the Raman spectroscopy of carbonaceous materials can indeed delineate a signature of ancient life. Despite the similar nature in spectra, rigorous structural interrogation between the thermal alteration products of biological and nonbiological organic materials has not been undertaken. There- fore, we propose a new way forward by investigating the second derivative, deconvolution, and chemometrics of the carbon first-order spectra to build a database of structural parameters that may yield distinguishable characteristics between biogenic and abiogenic carbonaceous material. -
OPAG Update to the Planetary Science Advisory Committee (PAC)
OPAG Update to the Planetary Science Advisory Committee (PAC) ? Linda Spilker OPAG Vice-Chair, JPL PAC Meeting September 24, 2019 Large KBOs: Outer Planets Assessment Group (OPAG) Charter https://www.lpi.usra.edu/opag/ • NASA's community-based forum to provide science input for planning and prioritizing outer planet exploration activities for the next several decades • Evaluates outer solar system exploration goals, objectives, investigations and required measurements on the basis of the widest possible community outreach • Meets twice per year, summer and winter – Next meeting: Feb. 3-4, 2020, LPI, Houston, TX • OPAG documents are inputs to the Decadal Surveys • OPAG and Small Bodies Assessment Group (SBAG) have Joint custody of Pluto system and other planets among Kuiper Belt Objects KBO planets OPAG Steering Committee Jeff Moore Linda Spilker OPAG Chair OPAG Vice-Chair * =New Member Ames Research Center Jet Propulsion Lab Alfred McEwen Lynnae Quick* Kathleen Mandt* University of Arizona NASA Goddard Applied Physics Laboratory OPAG Steering Committee Scott Edgington Amanda Hendrix Mark Hofstadter Jet Propulsion Lab Planetary Science Institute Jet Propulsion Lab Terry Hurford Carol Paty Goddard Space Flight Center Georgia Institute of Technology OPAG Steering Committee Morgan Cable* Britney Schmidt Kunio Sayanagi Jet Propulsion Lab Georgia Institute of Technology Hampton University * =New Member Tom Spilker* Abigail Rymer* Consultant Applied Physics Lab Recent and Upcoming OPAG-related Meetings • OPAG Subsurface Needs for Ocean Worlds -
PDS Mission Interface for Europa Mission Status of Planning for Data Archiving
PDS Mission Interface for Europa Mission Status of Planning for Data Archiving CARTOGRAPHY AND IMAGING SCIENCES (“Imaging”) NODE PDS Lead Node Lisa Gaddis (USGS, Astrogeology) August 2016 Overview Common goals PDS4 Archiving roles, responsibilities EM archiving deliverables Data and Archive Working Group (DAWG) Archiving assignments Archiving activities to date Archiving schedule Current archiving activities Where we are now August 2016 2 Common Goals The PDS and Europa Mission (EM) will work together to ensure that we Organize, document and format EM digital planetary data in a standardized manner Collect complete, well-documented, peer-reviewed planetary data into archives Make planetary data available and useful to the science community ○ Provide online data delivery tools & services Ensure the long-term preservation and usability of the data August 2016 3 PDS4 The new PDS, an integrated data system to improve access ○ Required for all missions (e.g., used by LADEE, MAVEN) A re-architected, modern, online data system ○ Data are organized into bundles Includes all data for a particular instrument (e.g., PDF/A documents) ○ Bundles have collections Grouped files with a similar origin (e.g., Document Collection) Improves efficiency of ingestion and distribution of data ○ Uses Extensible Markup Language (XML) and standard data format templates ○ Self-consistent information model & software system ○ Information for Data Providers https://pds.nasa.gov/pds4/about ○ PDS4 Concepts Document https://pds.nasa.gov/pds4/doc/concepts/Concepts_150909.pdf -
Basic Geochemical Evaluation of Unconventional Resource Plays Stephan H
Basic Geochemical Evaluation of Unconventional Resource Plays Stephan H. Nordeng Introduction These changes provide clues that may answer questions such as: Basin-centered petroleum accumulations such as the Bakken Formation in the Williston Basin of North Dakota have recently been Is a given kerogen capable of producing petroleum? recognized as being important in the future development of energy resources. There are several features that these petroleum systems If so, what are the likely types of petroleum that may have in common. The systems typically include the deposition result? of organic-rich rocks that form the core of the petroleum system when subjected to elevated temperatures for suffi cient periods of Did a given source rock generate petroleum? time. This allows for the source rock to “mature” to the point that oil is generated. Once a suffi cient amount of generation has If so, how fast and possibly how much? occurred the oil is expelled into neighboring rocks and, in instances when these rocks are poorly permeable, the oil accumulates under Source Rock Evaluation high pressures. The three interconnected processes of deposition, Probably the most important aspect of evaluating a potential maturation, and expulsion may all be studied using various types source rock involves determining the amount and character of of geochemical analyses. organic matter that could have been available, given the proper conditions, to generate oil and gas. One of the fi rst things to Deposition of a potential source rock involves a tightly constrained consider is just how much organic carbon is currently present set of circumstances. These include high rates of biological in the rock. -
A Systematic Concept Exploration Methodology Applied to Venus in Situ Explorer
Session III: Probe Missions to the Giant Planets, Titan and Venus A Systematic Concept Exploration Methodology Applied to Venus In Situ Explorer Jarret M. Lafleur *, Gregory Lantoine *, Andrew L. Hensley *, Ghislain J. Retaureau *, Kara M. Kranzusch *, Joseph W. Hickman *, Marc N. Wilson *, and Daniel P. Schrage † Georgia Institute of Technology Atlanta, Georgia 30332 ABSTRACT One of the most critical tasks in the design of a complex system is the initial conversion of mission or program objectives into a baseline system architecture. Presented in this paper is a methodology to aid in this process that is frequently used for aerospace problems at the Georgia Institute of Technology. In this paper, the methodology is applied to initial concept formulation for the Venus In Situ Explorer (VISE) mission. Five primary steps are outlined which encompass program objective definition through evaluation of candidate designs. Tools covered include the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), and morphological matrices. Direction is given for the application of modeling and simulation as well as for subsequent iterations of the process. The paper covers both theoretical and practical aspects of the tools and process in the context of the VISE example, and it is hoped that this methodology may find future use in interplanetary probe design. 1. INTRODUCTION One of the most critical tasks in the design of a complex engineering system is the initial conversion of mission or program objectives and requirements into a baseline system architecture. In completing this task, the challenge exists to comprehensively but efficiently explore the global trade space of potential designs.