Investigating Habitability with an Integrated Rock-Climbing Robot and Astrobiology Instrument Suite.

Area of Science:

• Planetary Science
• Astrobiology
• Robotics

Background:

• Searching for extraterrestrial life requires advanced robotic systems capable of operating in extreme environments.
• Previous missions have demonstrated the potential for discovering biosignatures on other celestial bodies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and test a prototype rover with an astrobiology payload for detecting biosignatures in extreme terrain.
• To mature generalized system architectures for future solar system exploration.

Main Methods:

• A four-legged climbing robot, the Limbed Excursion Mechanical Utility Robot (LEMUR) 3, was equipped with micro-X-ray fluorescence, deep-ultraviolet fluorescence, and near-infrared spectrometers.
• The rover also included light detection and ranging (LIDAR) and a color camera for navigation and science.
• Field tests were conducted at analog sites to demonstrate instrument operations, autonomous mobility, and system integration.

Main Results:

• The integrated payload successfully detected elements, minerals, and organics relevant to astrobiology.
• A correlation between textural biosignatures and preserved organic/elemental compounds was demonstrated.
• Successful mock missions to vertical Martian cave and canyon analogs were completed.

Conclusions:

• The prototype rover system is capable of searching for biosignatures in challenging, extreme terrains.
• The demonstrated technologies and system architectures will inform the design of future planetary science missions.
• Automated focus stacking and multi-instrument integration enhance operational efficiency and data quality.