McGill University
Development and application of an integrated surface melt probe in Icy Moon and Mars analogue sites for biosignature detection and Mars sample return planetary protection risk ass — This project aims to develop, and field test a prototype of a novel ice melt probe system to access the shallow subsurface ice on the icy moons and retrieve meltwater samples that will be analyzed by three instruments. This project will provide excellent training and mentoring to Canadian HQP through synergistic interactions within a multidisciplinary team with integrated project components including site characterization, instrument development and the advancement of new technologies, testing in high fidelity analogue field sites, and determining pathogenicity risk assessments of Mars Sample Return (SMR).