Bio-Indicator Instrument for NASA Planetary Missions
Project Introduction
We propose to develop an analytical new real-time technique of remote detection and discrimination of any bio-signatures dispersed in the ground-level planetary atmosphere, with or without the presence of solar optical background radiation but further technological development is required to modify the instrument for planetary environments. The work proposed here accomplishes the first step towards the development of a NASA Bio-Indicator Instrument using a low cost simulation approach. Capabilities of the first atmospheric bio-indicator survey instrument will dramatically increase the probability of finding the signatures of extraterrestrial life.
This concept maturation project will lead to the validation of the instrument model of Bio-Indicator technology as the first step towards development of a novel Astrobiology instrument.
In line with the NASA mission and vision statement and the innovative element of the proposed work is to significantly increase the probability of finding the bio-signatures of extraterrestrial life and to guide future NASA missions towards the discovery of life.
Development of the Bio-Indicator Instrument shall be done at Goddard Space Flight Center.
More »Anticipated Benefits
All astrobiology related missions.
The types of mission opportunities to which this instrument could ultimately be proposed following appropriate maturation include all lander missions.
More »Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Goddard Space Flight Center
(GSFC)
|
Lead Organization | NASA Center | Greenbelt, Maryland |
| Co-Funding Partners | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Army Chemical and Biological Center | US Government | Aberdeen, Maryland |
| Science and Engineering Services, Inc |
Industry
Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB)
|
Burtonsville, Maryland |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
Maryland
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Organizational Responsibility
Responsible Mission Directorate:
- Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD)
Lead Center / Facility:
- Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC)
Responsible Program:
- Center Innovation Fund: GSFC CIF
Project Management
Program Director:
Program Manager:
Project Managers:
Principal Investigator:
Project Duration
Technology Maturity (TRL)
| Start: | 4 |
| Current: | 4 |
Technology Areas
Primary:
- TX04 Robotic Systems
- TX04.3 Manipulation
- TX04.3.4 Sample Acquisition and Handling
