Research Projects

NASA Astrobiology Science and Technology for Exploring Planets (ASTEP) Program

Subsurface Ice and Brine Sampling: Life Detection and Characterization in the McMurdo Dry Valleys Using an Ultrasonic Gopher

PI: Peter Doran, UIC

Co-Investigators: Yoseph (Yosi) Bar-Cohen, JPL
Christian H. Fritsen, DRI
Fabien Kenig, UIC
Chris McKay, NASA Ames
Allison Murray, DRI

Collaborators: John Priscu, Montana State University

Funded by: National Science Foundation — Office of Polar Programs*

Right: Bacteria stained with DAPI

Keywords: Astrobiology

Project Description

In order for future astrobiology missions to be successful, subsurface exploration of planets will be necessary. This project focuses on developing an ultrasonic corer which will explore these subsurface environments. The McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica, will be used as a test site for the corer and in the process the corer will be part of an investigation into the subsurface ecosystem of Lake Vida, the largest lake in the area. In the study, Chris Fritsen and Allison Murray, of the Desert Research Institute, will be responsible for the identification and description of activities of the microbial community in the subsurface ice and brine.

Below left: Alison Murray and Peter Doran stepping outside the Mount Hood ski boundaries for drill testing and glacial ice.

Below right: The drill

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