NIAC Phase I Grant “Mars Ecopoiesis Testbed” NNX14AM97G Final Progress Report.

This project, funded by a NIAC Phase I grant, aimed to develop a testbed for "ecopoiesis"—the process of initiating biological activity on a planetary surface. The research focused on four primary objectives: modeling the availability of liquid water in a Mars simulator, identifying candidate pioneer organisms, designing a mechanical shallow-penetrator for the Martian surface, and identifying electronic methods to detect biological activity.

The team utilized a commercial planetary simulation system to replicate Martian conditions, including a CO2 atmosphere maintained below 11 mbar and diurnal temperature cycles ranging from -80°C to +26°C. Researchers monitored the pressure-temperature (P-T) profile to ensure conditions remained outside the liquid-phase region for water. Six microbial species—including cyanobacteria, eubacteria, and algae—were exposed to these conditions for 35 days. Survival was assessed through intracellular esterase activity, chlorophyll content, and reproductive growth.

To address the challenges of planetary protection and sample acquisition, the team designed a shallow-penetrator device. This system features a star-nose drill, regolith-collecting scoops, and a post-penetration seal to prevent biological contamination. A 3D-printed mock-up demonstrated the feasibility of these mechanical components. For metabolic detection, the study concluded that a micro-manufactured mass spectrometer would be the most versatile and effective instrument for identifying volatile biomarkers in the Martian atmosphere, as it offers high sensitivity and compatibility with future miniaturized space hardware.

This research provides a foundational framework for future astrobiology missions. By validating that specific extremophiles can survive simulated Martian conditions and by developing a compact, automated testbed design, the project moves closer to the goal of testing life-support and resource-acquisition strategies on the Martian surface. The integration of micro-mass spectrometry represents a significant step toward developing the next generation of autonomous life-detection instruments.