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

2021/05/11 by Charity M. Phillips-Lander, C. M. Phillips-Lander, Phillips-Lander, Charity M. +57
Engineering · Physics and Astronomy · #Planetary Science and Exploration #Space Exploration and Technology #Space Science and Extraterrestrial Life #astro-ph.EP #astro-ph.IM

paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.2105.05281

This paper was submitted to the Planetary and Astrobiology Decadal Survey in August 2020

arxiv created 2021/05/11 · arxiv updated 2021/05/13

Abstract

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

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