Research Investigation 1, task 2
Survival of organics in simulated planetary environments

The survivability of organic matter when exposed to hostile conditions on the surface of planetary bodies is critical for preserving biosignatures of life. Moreover, these processes are also important in determining the fate of organic material that was delivered to early planetary bodies, including early Mars and Earth. Monitoring the evolution of organic matter as it is exposed to present and past Martian conditions will provide important limits to exobiological models, support current and planned space missions, and address issues of planetary protection.

Our work in Task 2 will include:

• A systematic study of the photodissociation rates of soluble organic molecules such as amino acids, nucleobases, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) under simulated Martian conditions in terms of atmospheric pressure, temperature, and UV radiation.

• The effects of water and mineral surfaces in stabilizing organic molecules will be studied as a possible means for preserving organic material under hostile conditions.
  Lead Investigator: Pascale Ehrenfreund (George Washington)