Life marker chip

ExoMars rover

The ExoMars mission will be the next European mission to Mars. It consists of a rover of 100 kg class with a dedicated payload within the range 8-14 kg (to be confirmed) aimed at detecting possible signs of past/present life forms on Mars as well as improving our knowledge of the most hospitable neighbour planet.
 
This payload will put together of a set of instruments (apart from the drilling system), among which certain developments are required in order to be ready for launch. Therefore, a number of technology activities were approved to achieve the suitable level of development.

This very peculiar instrument is regarded as a very important, next-generation instrument for the detection of signs of life. It will probably be the only instrument on Pasteur capable of directly identifying molecules of unequivocal biological origin (the others rely on indirect methods). It is also the sole instrument with the potential to unambiguously detect present life, if it exists at the landing site. This instrument relies on novel antibody micro-array technology.

A preliminary laboratory prototype exists. However, it needs work to be adapted for a Mars mission. Additionally, a large effort will be required to develop antibody libraries specific to the needs of ExoMars.

Finally, the effect of cosmic radiation and of the dry-heat microbial reduction protocol on the antibodies has to be assessed, to determine what level of shielding is required, as well as their shelf lifetime. To ensure the timely definition of the Life Marker Chip instrument for a potential 2011 launch, an immediate effort is required.

The main objective is to develop and build an advanced laboratory breadboard/engineering model, able to verify the instrument’s end-to-end functionality. This prototype is intended to become the basis for realising the instrument’s flight version. Additionally, to develop the antibody libraries required for the ExoMars mission.

The goals of the project will be:

• Definition of final user requirements
• Design and construction of a fully-operational, integrated laboratory breadboard/engineering model with commercial components
• Laboratory testing with reference and natural samples
• Construction of required antibody libraries
• Recommendations to further reduce the overall size, weight and power consumption of flight instrument (target mass < 1 kg)
• Recommendations to improve robustness, radiation hardness, reliability and ease of assembly