Grants and Contributions:

Agreement Number:

Agreement Value:

$199,980.00

Agreement Date:

Mar 24, 2016 -

Description:

This project entitled «Astrobiology Training in Lava Tubes (ATILT)» will provide realistic science training in lava tube caves that are high fidelity analogs of Mars lava tubes. In the project, instruments will be used to remotely locate and characterize lava tube caves, to identify and characterize secondary minerals and ice inside the caves, and to identify cold-adapted microbial communities and microbial biosignatures. This project is critical to developing a mission to explore Martian lava tubes. The study of basaltic caves and lava tubes on Earth informs us about the diversity and resilience of microbial life and how traces of such life are recorded in mineral deposits that could have formed on Mars. By analogy, basaltic caves on Mars may contain a record of secondary mineralization providing precious information on past aqueous activity. Such caves may also provide the best evidence for past life in the form of biomarkers (chemical, isotopic or morphogenic) preserved in the cave minerals. Where they exist, lava cave may be a key target for possible life on all rocky solar system objects.

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:

Montreal, Quebec, CA

Reference Number:

003-2015-2016-Q4-02940

Agreement Type:

Grant

Report Type:

Grants and Contributions

Additional Information:

The amount allocated covers more than one fiscal year.

Recipient's Legal Name:

McGill 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.