Scientists are scouting lava flow fields around Kilauea this week as part of a NASA-funded study that could help lay the groundwork for a manned mission to Mars.
A goal of the BASALT research project — which stands for Biologic Analog Science Associated with Lava Terrains — is to develop the mission methods and protocols that astronauts might one day use to extract rock samples from the Martian terrain and look for signs of microbial life.
The possibility of microscopic organisms existing on Mars, or at least existing in the past, became more realistic recently with the discovery of liquid water seeping to the planet’s surface.
But to make the journey worthwhile, astronauts will need to know what to look for and how to communicate effectively with each other and mission control back on Earth.
“The cost is so exorbitant, you want them to do it right,” said Scott Hughes, the project’s geology co-lead.
Through simulations that will mimic geological and biological surveys on Mars, BASALT team members say they hope to provide information that could support that mission, as well as collect scientific data on the basalt flows along the volcano’s east and southwest rift zones, which resemble Martian terrain.
The simulation, which will also occur in Idaho, will begin November 2016, and the researchers are using their current trip to the Big Island to survey for potential sites in and around Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
So, what exactly are they looking for?
Shannon Kobs, a volcanologist at Idaho State University and deputy principal investigator for the project, said they want to find “altered” rock that may have undergone chemical changes beneficial to microorganisms.
During the simulation phase, researchers will traverse lava rock carrying backpack frames rigged with video cameras and some tools astronauts might take with them. No space suits will be used.
But they will follow restrictions the explorers might face, such as limitations on how far they can walk from their landing site and time delays with mission control.
Through video feeds, other researchers will be able to communicate with those on the flow field and direct them to take samples of specific rocks much like during a real mission.
The simulation will take place over four years with two-week stretches annually at the analog sites in Idaho and Hawaii, said Steven Chappell, exploration lead and NASA contractor.
John Hamilton, a physics and astronomy lecturer at University of Hawaii at Hilo, said local students will be involved in the project.
NASA also is funding an ongoing Mars habitat simulation on Mauna Loa.
For more information on the BASALT study, visit http://spacescience.arc.nasa.gov/basalt.
Email Tom Callis at tcallis@hawaiitribune-herald.com.