The University of Texas at El Paso has joined a $2.5 million NASA-led project to develop 3D-printed rechargeable batteries using lunar and Martian regolith. Researchers will utilize additive manufacturing processes, such as material extrusion and vat photopolymerization, to produce shape-conformable batteries for space applications.
Researchers propose a new mechanism for solid-gas carbonate formation during Martian dust activities, which could remove significant quantities of CO2 from the atmosphere and store it over geological timescales.
Researchers find that electrical discharge in Martian dust storms could be a major driving force of the planet's chlorine cycle. The study reveals high yields of chlorine gases from common chlorides when electrified by Martian conditions, indicating a promising pathway for converting surface chlorides to atmospheric phases.
The Zhurong rover has imaged shallow impact craters and buried impact crater walls in the top five meters of Mars' surface, revealing complex subsurface geology. Researchers found layers of sediment left by past flooding and deposition, but no evidence of water or ice in the present day.
Researchers studied Ingenuity's historic flights on Mars to calculate dust cloud size and mass. The results supported engineering models, paving the way for future extraterrestrial rotorcraft missions.
The MEDA instrument aboard the Perseverance rover has provided high-precision meteorological measurements of Mars' atmosphere, revealing seasonal and daily cycles as well as dynamic phenomena like dust devils. The analysis sheds light on the Martian climate and its potential for supporting life.
Researchers developed DeepLandforms, an open-source AI tool for mapping planetary surfaces, demonstrating its effectiveness in creating accurate geological maps on Mars. The tool's use of deep learning techniques enables fast and customizable mapping of planets, paving the way for future exploration and discovery.
Scientists at Washington University in St. Louis found that manganese oxides can be formed without atmospheric oxygen under Mars-like conditions. The study, published in Nature Geoscience, used kinetic modeling to show that halogens like chlorate and bromate can convert manganese into minerals thousands of times faster than by oxygen.
The largest earthquake on Mars, a 4.7 magnitude marsquake, revealed layers in the crust suggesting a massive meteoroid impact, with possible alternating volcanic and sedimentary rocks. This finding provides evidence for past collision events that shaped the planet.
Researchers have developed an algorithm to detect pressure activity indicative of dust devils in the Mojave Desert, which can inform their formation and life cycles on Mars. The study aims to improve Martian weather models and enhance robotic missions.
Scientists from the University of Arizona have discovered a giant active mantle plume pushing the surface of Mars upward, causing earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The finding suggests that Mars' deceptively quiet surface may hide a more tumultuous interior than previously thought.
A study published in the Astrophysical Journal reveals a strong correlation between cosmic ray counts and the solar cycle at Mars and Venus. The research found that cosmic rays are suppressed during peak solar activity, highlighting the importance of understanding these interactions for future robotic missions and human exploration.
A recent study from the University of Copenhagen reveals that Mars was once covered in a 300-metre-deep ocean, filled with water and icy asteroids carrying biologically important molecules. This finding suggests that conditions allowing the emergence of life were present on Mars long before Earth.
The article discusses the selection of propulsion systems for deep-space exploration, focusing on micropropulsion technology. Key findings include the analysis of various micropropulsion modules, including cold gas and chemical propulsion systems, as well as their applications in different missions such as lunar exploration and Tianqin...
Researchers found nine locations on Mars with greater concentrations of silicon, indicating a more complex crustal history. The discovery challenges the previous assumption that Mars' crust was formed through simple volcanic processes.
Curtin researchers have discovered two massive meteorite impact craters on Mars, with one containing ice at the lowest altitude ever observed. The findings provide valuable insights into Mars' subsurface structure and water ice reservoir, shedding light on the planet's formation and evolution.
Scientists have detected seismic surface waves on Mars for the first time, providing new insights into the planet's crust and structure. The study estimates the average properties of the Martian crust between 3 to 18.6 miles below the surface, revealing faster seismic velocities that suggest compositional differences or reduced porosity.
Researchers have discovered that two seismic events detected by NASA's InSight lander were caused by meteor impacts, sending surface waves across the planet. These collisions provide valuable information about Mars' interior structure, with one study finding a denser crust than previously inferred.
A recent study published in Nature suggests that Mars is still experiencing volcanic activity, with quakes originating from the Cerberus Fossae region indicating a warm source of molten lava. The seismic data also shows darker deposits of dust surrounding the area, suggesting geological evidence of more recent volcanic activity.
Researchers have found conclusive evidence of a 3.5-billion-year-old shoreline with substantial sedimentary accumulation on Mars' northern hemisphere. The discovery provides key insights into the planet's ancient climate and its evolution, as well as the potential for life.
A new study suggests that ancient sleeping bacteria could be found beneath Mars' surface, complicating efforts to search for life. The research team found that certain strains of bacteria can survive in Martian conditions, potentially contaminating future missions and posing biodefense risks.
A new study investigates the effects of desiccation and freezing on microbial ionizing radiation survivability on Mars. The researchers found that desiccated and frozen cells can survive extreme conditions, increasing the probability of finding evidence of past or present life on Mars.
A team of researchers has found new evidence for the presence of liquid water beneath Mars' south polar ice cap using spacecraft laser-altimeter measurements and computer model predictions. The findings agree with earlier radar data interpretations and provide independent confirmation of the existence of subglacial liquid water.
A new virtual hiking map for Jezero crater has been created using orbital imagery, terrain data, and real-time 3D panoramic views. The map allows users to explore the Martian surface in detail, including steep slopes and immersive environments.
Researchers located four new craters created by impacts on Mars' surface using data from a seismometer and visuals acquired from the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. This is the first time that researchers have captured the dynamics of an impact on Mars.
Researchers developed the first model of Mars' early atmosphere, linking high temperatures to ocean formation and showing water vapor condensed in the lower atmosphere, while molecular hydrogen escaped. This model supports findings from spacecraft data, indicating Mars was wet and had warm-to-hot oceans for millions of years.
A recent study by Dr Joseph Michalski from HKU suggests that the number of ancient Martian lakes may have been significantly overestimated. The analysis of satellite data reveals evidence for smaller lakes on Mars, which could contain critical information about past climates.
The joint observations of EMM and MAVEN reveal fine-scale structures in proton aurora spanning the full day side of Mars, indicating a chaotic solar wind interaction. This phenomenon is caused by turbulent conditions around Mars allowing charged particles to flood directly into the atmosphere, forming patchy proton aurora.
The MIT-led MOXIE experiment has successfully produced oxygen from Mars' thin atmosphere, producing six grams of oxygen per hour across various conditions. This achievement demonstrates the feasibility of in-situ resource utilization, which could support human missions on Mars by generating breathable oxygen and fuel for rockets.
The Perseverance rover has discovered rocks on Mars that are composed of large grains of olivine, a muddier version of peridot that tints many beaches dark green. These findings suggest that the planet had liquid water, air, and a magnetic field in the past, conditions similar to those when life first arose on Earth.
The Perseverance rover has collected the first Martian rock samples that could be returned to Earth, shedding light on whether Mars ever hosted life. The rock samples come from the Jezero crater floor, where scientists believe a watery past may have supported life.
The Mars Perseverance Rover's ground-penetrating radar instrument has obtained detailed images of the underground structure of Jezero crater, revealing unexpectedly inclined rock layers. The tilt of these layers suggests a complex geological history, with possible origins including slow-cooling lava or sediment deposits.
The Perseverance rover collected igneous cumulate rocks from four sites on the floor of Jezero Crater, providing evidence of aqueous alteration. These rocks will help scientists determine when Mars' climate was conducive to lakes and rivers, addressing major questions about the planet's history.
The Martian ionosphere's anisotropic characteristics cause dispersion of radio signals, distorting echoes and degrading image quality. A model simulating the ionospheric effect is developed to estimate Mars' subsurface without considering magnetic fields and solar activity.
A plasma-based approach may one day convert carbon dioxide into oxygen and produce fuels, fertilizers on the red planet. The system could play a critical role in life-support systems and future human settlement on Mars.
A team of researchers from Australian National University developed a mathematical model to simulate the impact of prolonged exposure to zero gravity on the cardiovascular system. The model assesses the risk of fainting or medical emergencies when stepping out of a spacecraft on Mars, providing crucial insight for human mission planning.
A new analysis of seismic data from NASA's Mars InSight mission has found that the Martian subsurface contains little or no ice, contradicting a leading idea about water on Mars. This discovery suggests that conditions are too cold to freeze water at depths below 300 meters near the equator.
Scientists at the University of Delaware have developed a new type of cement that can be used to build structures on the moon or Mars. The geopolymer cement is made from clay-like topsoil materials found on these planets and has been shown to be durable enough for vertical launch pads.
Researchers at Rice University propose a new scenario explaining the 2016 discovery of tridymite by NASA's Curiosity rover. They suggest that magma cooled slowly in a chamber below a volcano, producing concentrated silicon-rich ash that was later weathered and sorted by water.
A recent study published in Nature Communications has uncovered the likely Martian origin of a 4.48-billion-year-old meteorite named Black Beauty. The team found that this ancient fragment may have come from a region on Mars similar to Earth's continents, providing valuable insights into our planet's geological past.
Researchers used a machine learning algorithm to identify the specific Mars crater that ejected the oldest and most famous Martian meteorite, offering critical geological clues about the earliest origins of Mars. The discovery provides insights into the region's unique rock formations and their similarities with Earth's continents.
A global team led by researchers from Curtin University used a supercomputer-powered technology to explore the geology of Mars without leaving home. They found that the ancient Martian meteorite NWA 7034 was ejected 5-10 million years ago from the north-east of the Terra Cimmeria - Sirenum province, in the southern hemisphere of Mars.
Researchers develop a motorless sailplane concept that harnesses wind energy to explore Mars' atmosphere and geology. The innovative design, inspired by albatross flight, enables the sailplanes to fly for days at a time without relying on solar panels or batteries.
Researchers at UVA School of Engineering and Applied Science have discovered a way to make a versatile thermal conductor that can be controlled on demand. This advancement has promise for managing heating and cooling in electronic devices, green buildings and space exploration, with potential applications including the Mars Rover.
Researchers at McGill University have discovered microbes that can survive in conditions similar to those on Mars. These microorganisms thrive in extremely salty, cold, and oxygen-free environments by eating and breathing simple inorganic compounds. The study provides insights into the possibility of life on Mars.
Researchers found that a Martian meteorite shows evidence of delivering chondritic volatiles to the forming planet before nebular gases, contradicting current thinking. This suggests that Mars' growth was completed before the solar nebula was dissipated, and raises questions about the origin and composition of Mars' early atmosphere.
The SNMMI has launched the Mars Shot Fund to support innovative nuclear medicine and molecular imaging research. The fund aims to secure $100 million in funding and is currently at $600,000, following generous donations from individuals and organizations.
Scientists have learned how discrete auroras on Mars are formed through the interaction between solar wind and crustal magnetic fields. The study, published in JGR: Space Physics, reveals that aurora occurrence rates depend on solar wind conditions and orientation.
Researchers found that Mars' extreme energy budget imbalance can contribute to dust storms. The team analyzed four years of data from NASA missions and found a correlation between the planet's orbits and temperatures, suggesting that the energy excess may be one of the generating mechanisms of Mars' dust storms.
A new study published in Science Advances suggests that life on Mars is unlikely due to limited water circulation. Researchers used neutron and X-ray tomography to analyze a 1.3 billion-year-old meteorite, finding only small amounts of water reacted with the rock.
A new study by UC Berkeley scientists finds that solar photovoltaics can provide sufficient power for extended Mars missions, outperforming nuclear fusion reactors in over 50% of the planet's surface. This breakthrough provides a more practical solution for long-term human settlements on Mars.
Researchers from InSight's Marsquake Service have detected two massive marsquakes on Mars' far side, with magnitudes 4.2 and 4.1. The events provided unique insights into the planet's core-mantle boundary and offered a glimpse into previously unexplored regions of Mars.
Researchers propose a modular Mars exploration rover system consisting of four two-wheeled robots that can operate independently or combine in various constellations. The approach enables longer missions and gathers more information about the planet's history and potential habitability.
The study focused on the analysis and selection of Mars parachute types, with a focus on supersonic speed, low density, and harsh atmospheric conditions. The optimized tapered DGB parachute structure demonstrated improved deceleration performance, meeting the requirements for the Tianwen-1 Mars probe.
Planetary scientist Roger Wiens has equipped the Perseverance rover with a microphone and laser technology to analyze rocks and record sounds on Mars. This innovation opens up new avenues for research, including studying Martian geology, wind patterns, and dust devils.
Perseverance mission has recorded the first ever sounds from Mars, showing that the planet is quiet due to low natural sound sources. The rover's microphone captured sounds within the human audible spectrum, including shock waves and helicopter flights.
Researchers used NASA's Planetary Spectrum Generator to analyze light from Venus, Mars, and Jupiter, shedding new light on the presence of biosignatures and chemical compounds. The study helps clarify the association between methane on Mars and life, as well as the fate of Martian water.
A team of researchers led by Purdue University's Michael Sori found that smaller Martian ice deposits hold key evidence for the planet's orbit and axial tilt's impact on its climate. The study used NASA's HiRISE camera images to analyze layer shapes in an ice deposit, providing insights into Mars' climate history.
A new study on Mars' ice deposits provides insight into the planet's past climate, matching layers to Martian orbital dynamics with unprecedented resolution. The findings help scientists understand Mars' climate history and identify potential periods of habitability.
The researcher will use a combination of rover, orbital, and analog data to understand the geological record on Mars. The team aims to link the orbital data with images and thermal infrared data from the Curiosity Rover to improve our understanding of past depositional conditions across Mars.