Technology set to travel to Mars was recently tested on ancient rocks in
the Scottish Highlands by scientists from the University of St Andrews.
This research supports the European Space Agency’s (ESA) ExoMars
programme, which aims to uncover signs of life on the Red Planet.
Preparing for a 2028 Mars Launch ESA is preparing to...
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#^Mars Rover Instruments Put to the Test in Scottish HighlandsTechnology set to travel to Mars was recently tested on ancient rocks in the Scottish Highlands by scientists from the University of St Andrews. This research supports the European Space Agency’s (ESA)
ExoMars programme, which aims to uncover signs of life on the Red Planet.
Preparing for a 2028 Mars Launch
ESA is preparing to send a robotic rover to Mars in 2028. The rover is named after the pioneering British scientist Rosalind Franklin. It is designed to explore the planet’s geology and look for signs of past life.
The rover will carry a suite of scientific instruments, including cameras and devices that can detect ancient biology. To ensure these tools work as planned on Mars, scientists are testing them on Earth first.
Highlands Rocks Similar to Martian Terrain
Researchers, led by Dr Claire Cousins from the University of St Andrews, carried out the tests in Lower Diabaig, Torridon. This area features billion-year-old mudstones and layered rocks that are similar to those found on Mars.
Dr Cousins explained: “The rocks haven’t metamorphosed right, they haven’t been cooked and squeezed and crushed under mountain belts. They have been beautifully preserved – a slice of time.”
She added: “These are perfect for showing us there was once liquid water – a habitable environment for life. Also, these rocks are very good at capturing evidence of that ancient past biology. It’s sandwiched between the rocks.”
High-Tech Tools for Space Exploration
The tests involved two key instruments: the Panoramic Camera (PanCam) and the Enfys IR Spectrometer. These tools are central to the ExoMars rover’s science mission and are led by UK-based teams. Both are designed to help detect signs of ancient life by analysing the rocks’ chemical composition.
Dr Cousins said: “Our understanding of Mars is rooted in geological knowledge inherited from the Earth. Rock formations here are vital testing grounds for new instruments that are destined for the Martian surface.”
From Torridon to Mars
Mars already features names inspired by Scottish locations. In 2012, NASA named part of the Martian landscape “Torridon,” recognising its similarities to the Torridonian Supergroup, a geological formation in the north-west Highlands. Other Martian features also bear names like Siccar Point, Muck, Wick, Sandwick, and Holyrood.
In addition to the work in Scotland, the University of St Andrews is also collaborating with the University of Western Ontario and the Canadian Space Agency. They are testing the same instruments at the Ries impact crater site in Germany.
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Mars Rover Instruments Put to the Test in Scottish Highlands appeared first on
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