T171 An Early Involvement of K9–16 Students in Geoscience-Related Research: Potential Tool for Recruitment and Retention (Posters) II

Wednesday, 28 October 2020
5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Meeting Rooms

HOW CAN BACTERIA HOUSED IN A DOME BE USED TO IMPROVE LIFE ON MARS?

Paper number: T171-10
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 7:00 PM – 7:10 PM

Authors

Abstract

This study will focus on a potential solution to making life on Mars possible by analyzing three species of bacteria. Each of these strains serves the similar function of improving the possibility of life. The three bacteria are Cyanobacteria, Dechloromonasand Azospira and Tardigrade. The first two would be used for oxygen production, while the latter would be used as a primary consumer and organism of Mars. Its main job would be to contain the Oxygen count within the dome, so it does not poison or limit the growth of other two strains of bacteria. The second job would be for it to spread as much as possible on the Martian surface by attaching itself to the rover.

When humans land on Mars they would only have to worry about food, because in the preparation for the introduction of these organisms, water would be found and supplied. The major problem this research aims to tackle is the thin atmosphere of Mars. The way this study aims to solve the problem is by utilizing a bubble (dome) that would house the bacteria. The dome would act like a protective atmosphere that could maintain more Earth-like conditions, so the bacteria have time to acclimate to Mars’ radiation without any other inhibitors.

Bacteria makes for a good test subject because it has several unique aspects that make it ideal for Mars: first, they are singled celled organisms meaning transport is easy, and second, bacteria are known to develop resistance to toxins or rough climates really fast, which means their chances of surviving are comparatively higher than a plant or animal. In closing, this study discusses the use of bacteria as the primitive organisms to help colonize Mars in order to improve the chances for human astronauts to land on Mars. In closing, this study discusses the use of bacteria as the primitive organisms to help colonize Mars in order to improve the chances for human astronauts to land on Mars.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 52, No. 6

doi: 10.1130/abs/2020AM-356827

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