Posted on: April 17, 2012
Branch / Organization: Space Science & Astrobiology Division
Australia
Fieldwork in Australia has focused on two regions: 1) the Arkaroola site in South Australia and 2) the Pilbara in Western Australia. Arkaroola is located in the Australian Outback and is scientifically interesting for studying life in an extremely dry environment. Research has also been conducted on human factors, spacesuit, and technology testing for future human missions to Mars. The Pilbara hosts some of the world’s oldest fossils, stromatolites, and is key for understanding the origin and early evolution of life on Earth (and possibly Mars).