10
(2) Perform a general search for to required elements to support including a drill that will reach
organic molecules in the ground
life, energy sources, and possible
a meter below the surface, an
ice.
toxic elements.
instrument called the Signs of
Life Detector (SOLID), an Alpha
(3) Determine the processes of
(6) Compare the elemental com-
Particle X-ray Spectrometer, a Wet
ground ice formation and the role position of the northern plains Chemistry Lab, and many other
of liquid water.
with midlatitude sites.” [http:// instruments. This combination of
online.lieber tpub.com/doi/ instruments may potentially alter
(4) Understand the mechanical
abs/10.1089/ast.2012.0878] how we view life in the universe.
properties of the Martian polar Journal Astrobiology 4/5/2013
The SOLID instrument has the
ice-cemented soil.
ability to detect compounds with
This mission is very similar to the
(5) Assess the recent habitability
a biological origin such as whole
Phoenix lander but will ha