Astrobiology Analogue Research

This theme cuts across a number of other other themes and emphasises the use of 'analogue' environments to study microbiology, biosignatures, habitability and test technology for the robotic and human exploration of space in a variety of extreme environments.

Members of the UKCA work in a wide variety of environments around the world conducting analogue research to advance science and technology development for the exploration of space. Examples are described below:

MINAR

Mine Analogue Research (MINAR). Our long-running deep subsurface analogue project.

BASALT

Biologic Analogue Science Associated with Lava Terrains (BASALT), a NASA-supported project in which UKCA led the microbiology studies.

MASE

Mars Analogues for Space Exploration

FELDSPAR

Field Exploration and Life Detection Sampling through Planetary Analogue Research