Title:
Igneous, Secondary Alteration and Coating Contributions to Rocks at Jezero Crater to Infer Integrated History and Past Habitability
Agreement Number:
25EXPROSS2
Agreement Value:
$150,000.00
Agreement Date:
Mar 17, 2026 - Mar 31, 2029
Description:
Rock chemistries and micro-textures resolvable by the Planetary Instrument for X-ray Lithochemistry (PIXL) instrument onboard the Mars 2020 Perseverance rover allow integrated rock histories to be resolved. The science objectives of this proposal focus on different rock components, including (1) igneous starting materials, (2) secondary salts and alteration products, (3) dust and coatings that accumulate at the Mars surface. Key to understanding the history is the Mineralogical make up, grain size and shape, rock cements cementing agents. This project addresses these possible contributions (dust, igneous precursor, and secondary alteration) to rock compositions analyzed by the Mars 2020 rover in Jezero Crater by micro-textural geochemical and mineralogical data. These studies will aid in achieving the Mars 2020 mission goals of assessing the Jezero rocks for potential habitability and to aid in sample selection.
Organization:
Canadian Space Agency
Expected Results:
The Research component of the program provides financial support to organizations to conduct space related research and development in priority areas. It will support targeted knowledge development and innovation to sustain and enhance the Canadian capacity to use space to address national needs and priorities in the future.
Location:
St. Catharines, Ontario, CA L2S 3A1
Reference Number:
003-2025-2026-Q4-00023
Report Type:
Grants and Contributions
Recipient's Legal Name:
Brock 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.