Session 5: Focused Discussions—Missions in Definition Possible Next Decade Major

1. Session 5: Focused Discussions—Missions in Definition • Possible Next Decade Major • In-situ Exploration Missions: • AFL and Deep Drill • Andrew Steele, David Beaty, and Sylvia Miller

2. AFL and Deep Drill The following mission sequences were proposed by MSPSG (2003), as part of the Pathways planning process.

3. Observations Related to AFL Strategies • Organisms and their environment together constitute a system, and each produces an effect on the other. For many kinds of investigations, information about habitability and habitation is acquired simultaneously. • Getting the right samples (and the right portions of samples) is as important as making the right measurements. • For interpreting subtle signals that may be related to indigenous martian life, these are essential: • Geologic context at a range of spatial and perhaps temporal scales • Clear strategies for distinguishing terrestrial from Martian signal • Clear understanding of how to place this signal in context with further exploration, confirmatory and characterization measurements.

4. Possible Objective for AFL For at least one Martian environment of high habitability potential, quantitatively investigate the geological and geochemical context, the presence of the chemical precursors of life, and the preservation potential for biosignatures, and begin the process of life detection. • AFL can • Follow up on previous discoveries related to habitability • Evaluate the meaning of potential biosignatures • Improve sampling precision within an environment (evaluate smaller features). • Guide future exploration by understanding preservation and chemical precursors • Detect at least some effects of biology (if present) • Be part of the multi-mission process of life detection

5. AFL Mission Concepts • FINDING: There are four obvious general types of site in which the overall scientific goal of AFL (major advance in A/B) can be pursued: • The (aqueous) sedimentary record. • Fossil (inactive) hydrothermal systems • Sites with ice • Sites where it may be possible to sample liquid water • We do not have enough information as of this writing to know how these four options would be prioritized by a future SDT. Future discoveries could have a major effect on planning.

6. Deep Drill Mission Mission is directly analogous to AFL, with vertical mobility substituted for surface mobility. • May have same basic objectives as AFL • Could add objectives consistent with accessing subsurface, e.g., understanding thermal properties • May have same payload strategy as AFL • Sample selection emphasis is to pick the best samples for analysis from among the various materials that can be brought to the surface • Same types of sites as AFL may be appropriate • Desired materials (e.g., ice, water) can be considerably deeper (10-20 m or more) • May require pinpoint landing

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8. AFL Payload Strategy The payload of AFL should accomplish four basic functions: Acquire the right samples • Location with high general habitability potential • Use understanding of preservation potential. • High ability for scientific sample selection • Capable sample acquisition system Know the context • Setting, mineralogy, chemistry, relationships • Mid-scale observations. • Precision sub-sampling (down to mm scale) for investigation by analytical suite ID best place on the sample At least 3 mutually confirming A/B measurements • Suites of observations by different means of the same or related phenomena will be necessary to reach definitive conclusions.