A half-century of terrestrial analog studies: From craters on the Moon to searching for life on Mars |
| |
Authors: | Richard Lé veillé |
| |
Affiliation: | Canadian Space Agency, 6767 route de l’Aéroport, St-Hubert, Canada, QC J3Y 8Y9 |
| |
Abstract: | Terrestrial analogs to the Moon and Mars have been used to advance knowledge in planetary science for over a half-century. They are useful in studies of comparative geology of the terrestrial planets and rocky moons, in astronaut training and testing of exploration technologies, and in developing hypotheses and exploration strategies in astrobiology. In fact, the use of terrestrial analogs can be traced back to the origins of comparative geology and astrobiology, and to the early phases of the Apollo astronaut program. Terrestrial analog studies feature prominently throughout the history of both NASA and the USGS’ Astrogeology Research Program. In light of current international plans for a return missions to the Moon, and eventually to send sample return and manned missions to Mars, as well as the recent creation of various analog research and development programs, this historical perspective is timely. |
| |
Keywords: | Terrestrial analogs Moon Mars Exploration Astrobiology |
本文献已被 ScienceDirect 等数据库收录! |
|