Grants and Contributions:

Agreement Number:

Agreement Value:

$194,933.00

Agreement Date:

Mar 18, 2016 -

Description:

This project entitled « Detection and Assessment of Microbial Biosignatures in Basalts by UV Raman spectroscopy and Direct Analysis » will ascertain whether there is evidence that life on Mars requires understanding of the signatures life creates and the development of ways to detect these ""biosignatures“. Lava flows in the Snake River Plain of Idaho and the Rift Zones in Hawaii represent analogues to basalts on modern and ancient Mars. The project will add new knowledge and develop Canadian expertise in space science via the analogue studies examining microbial populations in volcanic terrains on Earth and how they relate to the geochemical and geological conditions, precisely it will answer the questions how biomarker types and amounts correlate with geochemical conditions (e.g. mineralogy, texture) within the basalts and how their presence and preservation is related to interactions with water. Results will demonstrate the application of Raman spectroscopy for biosignature detection and inform sample site selection for future Mars missions. This project aims at helping to identify other potential habitable environments on other planets.

Organization:

Canadian Space Agency

Expected Results:

-Increased knowledge from research projects in priority space S&T areas (number of new and ongoing space science and technology initiatives and projects).
-Number of completed space science and technology initiatives (Announcement of Opportunity) and proj

Location:

Hamilton, Ontario, CA

Reference Number:

003-2015-2016-Q4-02861

Agreement Type:

Grant

Report Type:

Grants and Contributions

Additional Information:

The amount allocated covers more than one fiscal year.

Recipient's Legal Name:

McMaster University

Program:

Class Grant and Contribution Program to Support Research, Awareness and Learning in Space Science and Technology

Program Purpose:

This program supports knowledge development and innovation in the CSA's priority areas while increasing the awareness and participation of Canadians in space-related disciplines and activities.
The Research Component aims to support the development of science and technology; foster the continual development of a critical mass of researchers and highly qualified people in Canada; and support information gathering and space-related studies and research pertaining to Canadian Space Agency priorities.