FTIR Data Mars Sublimation Experiments

<p dir="ltr">When the 2028 ESA/NASA Rosalind Franklin Rover mission arrives at Mars it will drill up to 2m into its surface and retrieve geological samples for analysis. It is crucial to understand the changes that will occur to these rocks, and any organic molecules contained within them, when they are exposed to the sub-zero, low pressure Martian environment. This study explored the sublimation effects on gypsum and Mars-soil simulants that are known to be good at preserving organic molecules and biosignatures of life, as well as a >120 year old microbial mat from Antarctica. Results showed that after exposure to the Martian environment for up to 72 hours, gypsum and the clay-rich Mars soil simulant called SOPHIA, showed minimal water loss via sublimation and would be good mineral protectors for biosignatures. The Antarctic microbial mat survived the cold and low pressure environment, with the loss of water actually amplifying the spectral visibility of the organic molecules present. This study highlights that perhaps the Martian environment is not as bad for astrobiology as once thought and may actually aid the spectral detection of biosignatures.</p>