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	Quick Search Author Title Abstract Nr. Schedule Nr. Planetary and Solar System Sciences Mars, Moon, Venus and Mercury Outer planets Programme Groups Great Debates Union Symposia Educational Symposia Atmospheric Sciences Biogeosciences Climate: Past, Present, Future Cryospheric Sciences Energy, Resources and the Environment Geochemistry, Mineralogy, Petrology & Volcanology Geodesy Geodynamics Geomorphology Geophysical Instrumentation Hydrological Sciences Magnetism, Palaeomagnetism, Rock Physics & Geomaterials Natural Hazards Nonlinear Processes in Geophysics Ocean Sciences Planetary and Solar System Sciences Seismology Soil System Sciences Solar-Terrestrial Sciences Stratigraphy, Sedimentology and Palaeontology Tectonics and Structural Geology Medal Lectures Key Note Lectures Key Note Sessions Division Business Meetings Editorial Board Meetings Townhall Meetings Splinter Meetings Union Meetings   Information - BG7.01/PS8 Astrobiology and Mars: robotic Mars exploration and the search for evidence of life on Mars (co-organized by PS) Event Information Remarkable and sometimes astounding news from Mars continue to return to Earth from the NASA Mars Exploration Rovers and ESA’s Mars Express orbiter. Both these missions have contributed greatly to our current perception of what Mars must once have been like – a planet that was perfectly habitable in its early history and upon which simple life could have evolved and survived. As yet, no compelling data towards evidence of life on Mars has been presented, leading both ESA and NASA to devise strategies to explore the red planet for its possible biological history. In preparation for this technically and scientifically challenging endeavor, it is paramount that we rigorously test and hone the analytical instrumentation considered for solving the above question. This includes laboratory based testing and experimentation, field testing in terrestrial planetary analogue environments, or simulation experiments. With astrobiology missions planned for Mars exploration, planetary protection aspects will further play an important role in the mission design. We therefore invite papers for this session from all aspects of astrobiological research relevant to the subjects of life on Mars and astrobiology Mars exploration. Papers covering aspects of analytical instrumentation for Mars exploration, testing of such instruments in the laboratory and field, laboratory and/or space experimentation, as well as contributions that deal with issues related to planetary protection and spacecraft sterilization procedures are encouraged. With this scheme we hope to facilitate the exchange of latest knowledge on research and development regarding astrobiology exploration of Mars, as well as to stimulate discussion on future planetary exploration strategies. Preliminary List of Solicited Speakers Dr. Augustin Chicarro - Mars Express Project Manager; European Space Agency Prof. Bruce Jakosky - University of Colorado, Boulder; Director Center for Astrobiology Dr. Jorge Vago - ExoMars Project Scientist; European Space Agency ESA/ESTEC Co-Sponsorship General Statement The information contained hereafter has been compiled and uploaded by the Session Organizers via the "Organizer Session Form". The Session Organizers have therefore the sole responsibility that this information is true and accurate at the date of publication, and the conference organizer cannot accept any legal responsibility for any errors or omissions that may be made, and he makes no warranty, expressed or implied, with regard to the material published. Back to Session Programme

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