Mars Astrobiological Cave and Internal habitability Explorer (MACIE): A New Frontiers Mission Concept

Abstract

Summary of Key Points 1. Martian subsurface habitability and astrobiology can be evaluated via a lava tube cave, without drilling. 2. MACIE addresses two key goals of the Decadal Survey (2013-2022) and three MEPAG goals. 3. New advances in robotic architectures, autonomous navigation, target sample selection, and analysis will enable MACIE to explore the Martian subsurface. 1.