FMARS Sponsors	Flashline Mars Arctic Research Station Research Objectives Strategic Objectives: To conduct a systematic program of field exploration on Devon Island while operating under as many Mars mission constraints as possible. To document this exploration activity, so as to provide a copious supply of data to researchers on Mars mission operations. To document the results of the field research, so as to provide a foundation of knowledge about Devon island's geology, paleontology, and microbiology for future crews to build upon. To establish a mode of operation of the FMARS which enables it to operate with maximum independence of outside support. To document all functions of the FMARS, so as to provide an operators' manual for future crews. Tactical Objectives: To place field observations into the context of multispectral Landsat ETM (Enhanced Thematic Mapper) data. The resulting map will be valid beyond the specific locations visited on the ground. The map will have a high geometric fidelity and feature geologic and geomorphic features with emphasis on bedrock geology, valleys, impact features and other glacial and periglacial features. To develop an extensive data base of waypoints on Devon Island, with associated geographical, geological, biological, operational, and photographic information for each waypoint. To sample gypsum (CaSO4×2H2O), water and snow in and around the crater with the objective to further our understanding of the local sulfur cycle. Isotopic analyses will permit a direct comparison with the sulfur cycle established for the dry regions of Africa and Antarctica. To identify the microbial communities endogenous to Devon Island. Microscopic techniques will be used to identify culturable bacteria. Molecular tools will be used to identify genes present possibly in unculturable bacteria. This work will be done in collaboration with scientists from Dartmouth Medical School and other institutions via internet communications. This will expand and improve the quality of the scientific results obtained and demonstrate intellectual collaboration between a microbiologist operating on Mars and an extensive scientific backroom on Earth. To install and demonstrate the Combined Fixed and Mobile Repeater System (CFMRS), so as to establish the ability to conduct field operations over a much larger area while remaining in communication with the FMARS. To operate the JPL Terra/MISR instruments under simulation conditions, so as to obtain the first ground truth measurements for the Terra satellite MISR instrument in the high arctic. This will provide improved remote sensing data for much of the high arctic, and demonstrate an important mode of combined human/robot exploration operations for use on Mars. To make operational the FMARS weather station and HF transmitter, so as to make available year round meteorological reports from the FMARS. To obtain samples for the Carnegie Institute MASSE program, so as to help develop and demonstrate this important new technique for detecting life on Mars and show its utility for human exploration.
FMARS-7 | FMARS Index | About | News | Multimedia Copyright © 2002 The Mars Society. All rights reserved.