Search for traces of life on Mars: The Beagle 2 lander

Abstract

The search for traces of life on Mars is presently focused on robotic in situ analyses and the study of Martian meteorites. Beagle 2, the exobiology lander of ESA 2003 Mars Express mission, comprises an integrated suite of instruments to search for evidence of life in subsurface and rock interior samples. The instruments are designed to study sample mineralogy, organics, oxidation state and petrology. Environmental characteristics will also be measured. The material will be sampled with a mole and a small surface rock grinder and corer mounted on a robotic arm. The solid sample will be heated in steps of increasing temperature. Any carbon compound present will bum to give carbon dioxide analysed by the mass spectrometer. The instrument can distinguish between the two stable isotopes of the carbon and quantify the ratio. Other gases can be analysed by the same instrument including methane.