MARS ANALOGUE TEST SITE PROPOSAL - NORTH POLE DOME, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

摘要

As part of a proposed Australian contribution to the initial European Aurora mission ("ExoMars 2009"), the Pilbara craton of Western Australia is suggested as a possible Mars analogue location suitable for testing of the ExoMars rover. Research continues to be conducted in this area by scientists at the Australian Centre for Astrobiology (ACA). The following abstract provides some of the most compelling reasons for testing a Mars-bound rover in rugged outback Australia.