Although Mars is still inaccessible to extensive human exploration, scientists are using similar terrestrial environments to prepare for future Mars missions. Among this research, the study of lichen is an honor.
Terrestrial Simulations for Mars Exploration
Mars analog stations such as the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) in Utah, USA, and the Flashline Mars Arctic Research Station in Nunavut, Canada, provide testing grounds for scientists. Located in extreme environments similar to the arid conditions on Mars, these stations allow scientists to live and work as if they were on the Red Planet.
During these missions, teams simulate Mars exploration scenarios, including activities outside the vehicle, while wearing spacesuits. These simulations are important not only for testing equipment, but also for studying how life can continue under extreme conditions.
The importance of lichens in space research
Low, composite organisms consisting of a fungus and one or more photosynthetic partners are incredibly resilient. Their ability to survive in extreme environments makes them particularly interesting to astrobiologists. Resistance studies lichens in space, including experiments where lichens survived outside the International Space Station, show that they could also survive on Mars.
Biodiversity survey during simulated missions
In 2016 and 2017, Mars 160 project specialists carried out a biodiversity survey focusing on the lichens around the two analogue stations. More than 150 lichen samples were collected and then analyzed by National Herbarium of Canada at the Canadian Museum of Nature. Techniques used included morphological examination, examination of internal anatomy, chemical testing and DNA barcoding.
This work documented 35 species of lichen at the Utah Desert Station and 13 species at the Nunavut Arctic Station. These findings have been published in a new paper in the open access journal Check List, providing a valuable resource for future Mars analog missions and enriching our understanding of terrestrial lichens.
Contributions to astronomy and terrestrial ecology
The results of these missions are not only useful for preparations for expeditions to Mars, but they also help ecologists understand the distributions and adaptations of lichens in extreme terrestrial environments. This research highlights the incredible adaptability of life and helps prepare the technologies and methods that will one day be used to search for signs of life on other planets.
The study of lichens under extreme conditions on Earth opens up fascinating perspectives for biology and astrobiology. By using stations analogous to the Martian environment, scientists not only prepare for future space missions, but also contribute to a better understanding of life’s resilience. This research strengthens the hope of one day discovering forms of life outside our planet.
Article source: https://checklist.pensoft.net/article/121722/
