Highly-upgraded Mars regolith simulant from Eco Astronomy Inc

Scientists of MARS Laboratory Eco Astronomy Inc have created an artificial Mars Regolith that is more similar to several locations on Mars. They have used the mineralogical data from NASA’s Mars Curiosity Rover and developed such innovation which is support to Earth -MARS analogues activities.

In the quest to understand the universe and the possibility of life beyond Earth, groundbreaking research is being spearheaded by Aravind Ravibhanu, an astrobiologist and scientist at the Eco Astronomy Inc. Ravibhanu is delving into the fundamentals of extraterrestrial life, exploring how planetary samples connect with paleontological and petrological factors. His work integrates the principles of Eco Astronomy mechanics, a theoretical framework aimed at explaining the dynamics of harboring life on other planets.

In addition, Aravinda Ravibhanu serves as an ambassador for The Mars Society in the United States and Beijing Forestry University International College in China. His dedication to fostering international collaborations highlights the global nature of astrobiological research.

One notable collaboration involves scientists from Sri Lanka and Morocco in a project dedicated to studying extraterrestrial minerals. Dr. Eng. Majda Aouititen, the Director Academic of Eco Astronomy International Network and Head of International Mission at EA Inc., has announced plans to distribute Mars regolith samples to selected space mining research units worldwide. These samples are crucial for understanding Martian geology and for developing technologies essential for future exploration and colonization.

Aravinda Ravibhanu has also engaged with Prof. Elangovan Rajagopalan, a former scientist from the Indian Space Research Organization, to create an artificial Martian regolith. This initiative aims to develop and distribute high-quality regolith stimulants globally, enabling researchers and educators to simulate Martian conditions effectively.

Eco Astronomy’s Martian stimulants are designed to promote STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education, emphasizing the importance of public engagement and education in the journey to Mars. The stimulants aim to inspire students and educators by providing tools to simulate Martian environments and encourage innovation.

Looking ahead, radioactive-based Martian stimulants are set to be made available through the MARS Laboratory of Eco Astronomy in Sri Lanka. This advancement underscores the pivotal role of international collaboration and education in paving the way for humanity’s exploration of Mars and beyond.

As these initiatives unfold, the efforts led by Ravibhanu and his global counterparts continue to bring us closer to answering one of humanity’s most profound questions: Are we alone in the universe? Through their work, the boundaries of science are pushed, inspiring future generations to dream and explore the stars.

Development Process of  Eco Astronomy’s Martian stimulants

It is important to understand Martian samples and their exact habitats, including extreme conditions, to improve future exploration of Mars. The Mars laboratory of Eco Astronomy Inc., represented by the Department of Research and Innovation’s Advances in Multidisciplinary Studies Unit, has developed a standard Mars Regolith Simulant called “HAYA”—Eco Astronomy Artificial Regolith of Mars | J-Collection. This experiment is based on APXS data from Meridiani Planum, which was pre-analyzed via CheMin on NASA’s Mars Curiosity Rover. To develop the Martian soil simulant, serpentine soil from Ussangoda and Indikollapelessa in Sri Lanka was selected as the initial material for this simulation, which was ground and sorted to a predetermined particle size ratio [grain diameter: 0.002- 1 mm]. The simulant initial materials were treated with a specific heat of algorithm using an HT 1800 high-temperature chamber furnace. To calibrate the exact chemical properties, small amounts of hematite, aluminum oxide (from sapphire), titanium oxide, manganese oxide, and calcium oxide were added. The upgraded materials were then kept under saturation in a radioactive chamber for 7–30 days. The final sample of Mars Regolith Simulant was analyzed via X-ray fluorescence (XRF), yielding the following results: SiO2 (wt%) 42.88 ± 1.5, TiO2 1.19 ± 0.5, Al2O3 9.43 ± 1.5, Cr2O3 1.19 ± 0.5, Fe2O3 + Feo 19.19 ± 1.5, MnO 0.41 ± 0.4, MgO 8.69 ± 1.5, CaO 7.28 ± 1.5, Na2O 2.72 ± 1.5, K2O 0.49 ± 0.2, P2O5 0.94 ± 0.5, SO3 5.45 ± 1.5, Cl 0.69 ± 0.5. These results show that the simulant is 90% similar to basaltic soil compositions from APXS analyses of Rocknest Portage. These measurements demonstrate the ability of the simulant to accurately represent the mechanical properties of in situ Mars soils for comparative studies. The Eco Astronomy-HAYA Martian Stimulants are designed to promote Earth-Mars analog activities, Mars terraformation activities, and STEAM education in classrooms. A well-informed and enthusiastic public base of support is crucial for the journey to Mars.

Why do we need a Mars Regolith simulant?

1. Testing Technologies and Equipment

• Rovers and Landers: Simulants allow engineers to test the mobility and durability of rovers, landers, and other equipment in conditions similar to Mars.
• Excavation and Mining: They help test tools and machines designed to dig, drill, and process Martian soil.
• Habitat Development: Stimulants are used to evaluate construction techniques, such as using regolith as a building material for habitats or radiation shielding.

2. In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU)

• Mars colonization depends heavily on utilizing local resources to reduce reliance on Earth. Regolith simulants help:
  • Extract oxygen through chemical processes like electrolysis of regolith minerals.
  • Develop techniques for producing building materials (e.g., bricks or concrete-like substances).
  • Test water extraction methods from regolith.

3. Agriculture and Sustainability

• Scientists study how plants might grow in Martian soil. Simulants allow researchers to evaluate the challenges of using Martian regolith for agriculture, such as its toxicity, lack of organic matter, and nutrient content.

4. Safety Assessments

• Simulants help understand potential hazards of Martian dust, such as its abrasiveness or chemical reactivity, which could affect machinery, human health, and systems like airlocks or filtration.

5. Scientific Research

• Simulants allow scientists to study geophysical and geochemical processes that may occur on Mars.
• They also help refine methods for analyzing the actual Martian regolith samples brought back by future missions.

6. Mission Preparation

• NASA, ESA, and other space agencies use simulants to prepare astronauts and robots for interactions with Martian soil.
• They aid in training and optimizing procedures for sample collection, analysis, and transportation.

By developing and using Mars regolith simulants, researchers can address these challenges on Earth, saving time, reducing costs, and ensuring the success of future Mars exploration missions.

Several organizations are actively developing Martian regolith simulants to support research and testing for Mars exploration. Notable entities include:

• Exolith Lab at the University of Central Florida (UCF): Exolith Lab produces high-fidelity Martian regolith simulants, such as MGS-1, designed to closely mimic the mineralogical composition of Martian soil. These simulants are utilized by NASA and private companies for testing equipment and developing strategies for future Mars missions.
• Space Resource Technologies: This company offers a range of Martian regolith simulants, including Mars Global (MGS-1, MGS-1C, and MGS-1S) and Jezero Delta (JEZ-1), engineered to replicate the mineralogical and geotechnical characteristics of Martian surfaces.
• NASA’s Swamp Works: Based at Kennedy Space Center, Swamp Works develops technologies related to planetary regolith, including the creation of simulants for research and testing purposes.
• Eco Astronomy Inc. is actively developing Martian regolith simulants. Their Mars Laboratory creates standard simulants for students, researchers, hobbyists, and educators worldwide, utilizing petrological data from NASA’s Mars Curiosity Rover to closely replicate Martian soil

These simulants are essential for advancing technologies in areas such as dust mitigation, life support systems, and in-situ resource utilization, all critical for the success of future Mars exploration missions.

Read More About Mars Regolith :  https://ecoastronomy.edu.lk/get-mars-simulant-soil/