Scientists to recreate atmosphere of Mars in Scotland ahead of space mission to Red Planet

University space scientists to create a unique “martian chamber” that re-creates the temperatures, pressures, and atmosphere of Mars on Earth

Space scientists at the University of Aberdeen are recreating the environment of Mars to assist a Japanese mission to the Red Planet.

The Planetary Sciences Group has been awarded £320,000 by the UK Space Agency to support its instrument HABIT (Habitability: Brine, Irradiation and Temperature) – a tool developed by the researchers to measure key conditions on the planet.

The funding will enable university space scientists to create a unique ‘Martian chamber’ – a box about the size of a refrigerator that re-creates the temperatures, pressures, and atmosphere of the planet, essentially creating a Mars environment on Earth.

True color image of Mars taken by the OSIRIS instrument on the ESA Rosetta spacecraft during its February 2007 flyby of the planet. PIC: OSIRIS/CC

The chamber will be used to perfect HABIT, which will be included on a lander expected to touch down on the surface of Mars around 2028-30 in a mission led by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), which is embarking on a comprehensive long-term Mars exploration programme.

HABIT will also be used in an attempt to produce liquid water on Mars for the first time. This is based on the theory there are unique salts on the planet surface, which absorb water from the atmosphere and produce liquid water – in the form of brines – at night when the temperature is lowest.

Professor Javier Martin-Torres, who leads the University of Aberdeen Planetary Sciences Group, said: “HABIT is designed to monitor various environmental conditions crucial for understanding the presence of liquid brine and supporting (bio)chemical reactions on Mars.

Professor Javier Martin-Torres, who leads the University of Aberdeen Planetary Sciences Group. PIC: Aberdeen University.

“It is a critical component for the mission as HABIT will work with other instruments onboard the lander to enhance the understanding of Mars' habitability. Our technology will make an important contribution in answering fundamental questions, not only in Mars science and astrobiology, but could also pave the way for future human exploration.

“We are delighted to be one of only seven universities in the UK – and the only one in Scotland – to be part of this funding award, which will keep the country in the forefront of Mars research and astrobiology.”

Prof Martin-Torres said the development of the Martian chamber would help to support the development of the next generation of space scientists.

An artist's impression shows the Mars Express satellite in orbit around the Red Planet (Picture: AFP via Getty Images)

He added: “We will be able to create a chamber at the University of Aberdeen, where can simulate the environment of Mars. In addition to the calibration of HABIT, this milestone facility will enable us to train students and researchers in this unique area of space exploration.

“It will also facilitate future international collaborations with both research and industry, allowing us to test new instrumentation, materials and components and to build greater understanding of Martian pressure conditions, including a liquid water cycle and UV radiation exposure.”

Dr Paul Bate, chief executive of the UK Space Agency, said: “The University of Aberdeen’s work with JAXA on environment monitoring technology for Martian rovers demonstrates how UK science can make crucial contributions to ground-breaking global missions that will deepen our understanding of our neighbouring planets.

“Our funding will help catalyse international investment into the UK space sector and highlights the value we place on sharing knowledge and expertise with our counterparts overseas to push the boundaries of space exploration.”