Posted on: June 2018
POC: Jennifer Heldmann
Branch / Organization: Planetary Systems Branch (Code SST)
Strategic Plan Core Capability 6: Analog Research & Instrument Development.
Short Story: The Ames-led FINESSE (Field Investigations to Enable Solar System Research) and BASALT (Biologic Analog Science Associated with Lava Terrains) projects conducted a field deployment to Iceland in May-June 2018 to conduct fieldwork on volcanic terrains. FINESSE PI Jennifer Heldmann and FINESSE deputy PI & BASALT PI Darlene Lim led a team of researchers to conduct in situ studies of basaltic terrains for both geology and astrobiology purposes. The team also tested technologies (UAV flights, field portable instrumentation, etc). to prepare for future human and robotic exploration in the Solar System. While in Iceland, Heldmann and Lim gave an invited talk at Reykjavik University (RU) about NASA analog research at the request of the RU President. The event was jointly hosted by the US Embassy in Reykjavik and garnered national press coverage in Iceland. Heldmann and Lim also met with officials in the President’s offices at the University of Iceland by request of the Icelandic Prime Minister’s office, and our NASA KSC colleagues met with the Icelandic Coast Guard to discuss future collaborations.