Although Mars is still inaccessible to extensive human exploration, scientists are using similar terrestrial environments to prepare for future Mars missions. Among this research, the study of lichens takes pride of place.
Terrestrial simulations for Martian exploration
Martian analog stations such as the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) in Utah, USA, and the Flashline Mars Arctic Research Station in Nunavut, Canada, provide testing grounds for scientists. These stations, located in extreme environments similar to the arid conditions of Mars, allow researchers to live and work as if they were on the Red Planet.
During these missions, teams simulate Martian exploration scenarios, including extra-vehicular activities while wearing spacesuits. These simulations are essential not only for testing equipment, but also for studying how life can persist under extreme conditions.
The importance of lichens in space research
Lichens, composite organisms made up of a fungus and one or more photosynthetic partners, are incredibly resilient. Their ability to survive in extreme environments makes them particularly interesting to astrobiologists. Resistance studies lichens in space, including experiments where lichens survived outside the International Space Station, show that they could also survive on Mars.
Biodiversity study during simulated missions
In 2016 and 2017, the Mars 160 project saw specialists carry out a biodiversity study focusing on the lichens present around the two analog stations. More than 150 lichen samples were collected and then analyzed by le Herbarium national du Canada at the Canadian Museum of Nature. Techniques used included morphological examination, study of internal anatomy, chemical testing, and DNA barcoding.
This work documented 35 species of lichens at the Utah desert station and 13 species at the Nunavut Arctic station. These findings have been published in a new paper in the open access journal Check List, providing a valuable resource for future Martian analog missions and enriching our understanding of terrestrial lichens.
Contribution to astronomy and terrestrial ecology
The results of these missions are not only useful for preparations for expeditions to Mars, but they also help ecologists understand the distributions and adaptations of lichens in extreme terrestrial environments. This research highlights the incredible adaptive capabilities of life and helps prepare the technologies and methods that will one day be used to search for signs of life on other planets.
The study of lichens in extreme conditions on Earth opens up fascinating perspectives for biology and astrobiology. By using stations analogous to the Martian environment, researchers not only prepare for future space missions, but they also contribute to a better understanding of the resilience of life. This research strengthens the hope of one day discovering forms of life beyond our planet.
Article source: https://checklist.pensoft.net/article/121722/
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