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Abstract EANA2026-18


Mars analog field studies during GANOVEX XVI: preparation for ExoMars and space experiments

Jean-Pierre de Vera (1), Ernst Hauber (2) and Lars Witte (3)
(1) German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Space Operations and Astronaut Training, MUSC, Köln, Germany, (2) German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Space Research, Berlin, Germany, (3) German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Space Systems, Bremen, Germany


During the German Antarctic North Victoria Land Expedition (GANOVEX) XVI expedition to continental East Antarctica, Mars analog field investigations were carried out from the German Gondwana Station of the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR) to test on one hand technology for Mars balloon probes. On the other hand, samples were also collected in extreme environmental conditions, for further biogeological investigations in ground-based Mars simulation facilities and on exposure platforms in space. Some of the samples will serve for training of the members of the ExoMars’ Rosalind Franklin Rover during mission simulations. In this reference, one of the very important steps was also the studies on terrestrial geomorphological analogues of permafrost landscapes on Mars. Impressions of the expedition and an outlook on upcoming work resulting from the field studies will be presented.