Subsurface scientific exploration of extraterrestrial environments (MINAR 5): analogue science, technology and education in the Boulby Mine, UK
Authors: Cockell Charles S. , Holt John , Campbell Jim , Groseman Harrison , Josset Jean-Luc , Bontognali Tomaso R. R. , Phelps Audra , Hakobyan Lilit , Kuretn Libby , Beattie Annalea , Blank Jen , Bonaccorsi Rosalba , McKay Christopher , Shirvastava Anushree , Stoker Carol , Willson David , McLaughlin Scott , Payler Sam , Stevens Adam , Wadsworth Jennifer , Bessone Loredana , Maurer Matthias , Sauro Francesco , Martin-Torres Javier , Zorzano Maria-Paz , Bhardwaj Anshuman , Soria-Salinas Alvaro , Mathanlal Thasshwin , Nazarious Miracle Israel , Ramachandran Abhilash Vakkada , Vaishampayan Parag , Guan Lisa , Perl Scott M. , Telling Jon , Boothroyd Ian M. , Tyson Ollie , Realff James , Rowbottom Joseph , Laurent Boris , Gunn Matt , Shah Shaily , Singh Srijan , Paling Sean , Edwards Tom , Yeoman Louise , Meehan Emma , Toth Christopher , Scovell Paul , Suckling Barbara 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe deep subsurface of other planetary bodies is of special interest for robotic and human exploration. The subsurface provides access to planetary interior processes, thus yielding insights into planetary formation and evolution. On Mars, the subsurface might harbour the most habitable conditions. In the context of human exploration, the subsurface can provide refugia for habitation from extreme surface conditions. We describe the fifth Mine Analogue Research (MINAR 5) programme at 1 km depth in the Boulby Mine, UK in collaboration with Spaceward Bound NASA and the Kalam Centre, India, to test instruments and methods for the robotic and human exploration of deep environments on the Moon and Mars. The geological context in Permian evaporites provides an analogue to evaporitic materials on other planetary bodies such as Mars. A wide range of sample acquisition instruments (NASA drills, Small Planetary Impulse Tool (SPLIT) robotic hammer, universal sampling bags), analytical instruments (Raman spectroscopy, Close-Up Imager, Minion DNA sequencing technology, methane stable isotope analysis, biomolecule and metabolic life detection instruments) and environmental monitoring equipment (passive air particle sampler, particle detectors and environmental monitoring equipment) was deployed in an integrated campaign. Investigations included studying the geochemical signatures of chloride and sulphate evaporitic minerals, testing methods for life detection and planetary protection around human-tended operations, and investigations on the radiation environment of the deep subsurface. The MINAR analogue activity occurs in an active mine, showing how the development of space exploration technology can be used to contribute to addressing immediate Earth-based challenges. During the campaign, in collaboration with European Space Agency (ESA), MINAR was used for astronaut familiarization with future exploration tools and techniques. The campaign was used to develop primary and secondary school and primary to secondary transition curriculum materials on-site during the campaign which was focused on a classroom extra vehicular activity simulation.